10 Rustic Home Features and Decor Ideas

One of the best things about home decor is the ability to customize it to your own tastes and preferences. Rustic style is no exception to this, incorporating everything from weathered, vintage signs to display on your walls to plenty of natural materials like stone, wood or reclaimed metal.

You can also develop your home’s style based on your own abilities and comfort level. For example, some people are thrilled by the idea of remodeling their own kitchen, while others – myself included – might be more at home browsing their local marketplace or antique shop for that perfect piece of furniture.

And finally, home decor is also something naturally that changes over time, depending on things like the season or that photo you just saw on Pinterest. So, with all of that in mind, it’s time to take a look at these 10 rustic features and decor ideas to help you get inspired for your next project.

1. Farmhouse sink

White, black or stainless steel. Double basin or one. Maybe even with a gooseneck faucet. Whichever type of farmhouse sink you like best, there’s no denying it’s a great feature to have in your kitchen. With an exposed front and deep bowls for easy access – and plenty of room to soak those pots and pans after a big meal – a farmhouse sink adds both country style and old-fashioned functionality to your space.

2. Wooden ceiling beams

If you’re looking to add a cabin feel to your home, the sky – or rather, the ceiling – is the limit. Wooden ceiling beams are a great way to add dimension and texture to a room, whether that’s the kitchen, living area or even your bedroom. You’ll find this rustic feature is an option in many of our Clayton Built® homes. Or, you can also look into adding affordable, easy to install faux wood beams to any room in your home.

3. Barn doors

Sliding barn doors are a farmhouse staple, with so many versatile options to choose from. In Clayton Built® homes, you’ll find them in white, light or dark wood, or a combination of all three, depending on the specific look of the home model, so there’s sure to be style that suits you. The doors themselves are installed on a track outside of the doorway, which the doors then slide along, so they can help you save space in tight areas like kitchen pantries or primary bathroom closets.

4. Metal accents

If you want to add a little shine to your decor, metal accents are an easy way to do just that. You can find a variety of lighting options, from pendant lights to chandeliers made with materials like chicken wire or galvanized metal – which is steel or iron that’s been treated with a protective zinc coating to give it its distinctive pattern. You could also add wrought iron wall art or a range hood and other kitchen accents made out of copper, which has the added benefit of being a natural antimicrobial. The possibilities are truly endless!

5. Natural fibers

Speaking of natural materials, rustic style really embraces them when it comes to fabrics, especially in coordinating neutral colors that will really help elevate your look and bring the outside, in. Think rugs in wool or jute, cotton bedding or table linens and linen slipcovers as an easy way to transform that old couch. And if you want to add just a touch of bohemian flair, try adding lamps, baskets or even a coffee table made out of bamboo, palm or rattan.

6. Stone or brick fireplace

A fireplace makes a space – whether that’s your living room or even a bedroom – so cozy, and it gets even cozier when that fireplace is stone or brick. Electric or woodburning, it’s no surprise that this feature is a popular option that’s available in many of our homes. A fireplace helps create a focal point in a room that’s both rustic and romantic, especially when it’s part of a built-in entertainment center. And, if you already have a fireplace but want to give it an earthier look, you may be able to update its style by adding a stone veneer.

7. Reclaimed furniture

Along with incorporating metals and natural fabrics, making old things new again is also part of the rustic style. Furniture like old metal stools, headboards made of reclaimed wood and repainted accent cabinets or bookcases are all examples of thing you can easily mix and match to complement pieces you already have. This is an area where your DIY skills and personal flair can really shine, whether you want to tackle a project like fully restoring an old coffee table to its former glory or simply add new knobs onto an existing sideboard to give it a little bit of a facelift.

8. Drop zone

Whether you’re juggling bags and groceries in your entryway or need a mudroom for kid and pet items once you come in from the garage or backyard, no rustic home is truly complete without a drop zone. There are a lot of ways to make this type of space work best for you and your lifestyle, from a shiplap accent wall with coat hooks, a built-in bench where you can take off your muddy shoes or storages cubbies complete with totes for each member of the family. Or, for a super easy option, you can simply add a nice wooden table with a specific spot for things like your keys or mail.

9. Pantry shelves

Rather than hiding away your pantry staples or collection of cast iron pans, turn them into part of your kitchen decor by displaying them on shelves. Mason jars or large glass containers of different pastas, coordinating baskets of produce or old-fashioned items like a bread box or matching flour and sugar canisters will all add rustic charm to the room, with the added bonus of helping you stay more organized and giving you easy access to the things you need. If your kitchen has a combination of cabinets, shelves and a little extra space on the walls, you can also enhance your look by hanging up some of your pans or other kitchen tools like serving utensils or cutting boards.

10. Vintage signs and decor

And while you’re hunting for those kitchen items to show off, keep your eyes open for antique objects or decor pieces you can use throughout your home. From thrift stores or boutiques to online shops, there are countless places to find inspiration. Maybe you’d like to display a couple of signs from old restaurants on your kitchen walls, or maybe you have a particular theme or item you’re looking for, like milk glass, vintage luggage or picture frames. Having a good idea of what you’re searching for can help you stay focused, especially if you’re on a budget.

Love some of these rustic decor features and want to keep them all in one place? Make a Favorites account today on Clayton’s website and save them to a board for easy access in the future!