Rustic

History of the Rustic Style

This charming and nostalgic style originated early in the 1800s as homesteaders expanded Westward to find new opportunities and chase the American Dream. Establishing new homes, ranches, and farms with only what they could carry or harvest from their surroundings was a daunting task. It took ingenuity, craftsmanship, and resourcefulness.

Houses and furniture were crafted quickly, which was a necessity in a harsh new climate. As inhabitants settled in, they began to make their houses into homes, crafting simple comfort items and décor. The resulting aesthetic stood in stark contrast to the more familiar European and Colonial styles settlers had left back on the East Coast.

These homesteads were the start of a new architecture and interior design concept that developed and refined over time. New building processes, manufacturing techniques, and materials brought the style into the modern era and made the rustic look available on a mass scale.

Today, the rustic style stays true to its roots by utilizing natural elements, a neutral palette with muted accent colors, and simple designs with a homemade appeal. A mix of wood grains and metals such as iron, copper, pewter, and brass against animal products like hides and antlers creates a warm and inviting space that feels organic. The genuine feel of this earthy style makes it increasingly popular across the US and the world, adapting to the rustic nature of each region and giving it true staying power.