In interior design and home décor, there are many styles that one can choose from. There are the “pure” styles and then the mix-n-match styles. Two of the more common styles are the rustic chic look and the industrial look. Many people think these looks are one in the same. I’m here to explain why they aren’t the same style. First, a couple of questions.
What do you think of when I say rustic chic? Do you think of a farmhouse, wooden cabin feel with wood tables and exposed beams? Or do you think of quilts, repossessed distressed wood with chicken wire and galvanized metal? Both of these descriptions are correct when talking about rustic chic.
Now, what do you think of when I say industrial design style? Do you think of hardwoods, pipes and other metals? Maybe dark, neutral colors, old typewriters, and wood burning stoves? If so they have the right idea of industrial design.
Both the rustic chic design and the industrial design have common elements but they have their distinct difference too. Let us look at each one individually and then maybe we can really see the difference.
Rustic Chic
The rustic chic design is lighter, more feminine, and focuses on natural wood colors or light stains. Like light colored paints and distressed woods. Décor items would include mismatched hardware, chicken wire, galvanized (rusted) metal, exposed wood beams, and wood specific furniture. The easiest way for me to remember rustic chic is to think of a perfect little farm house on a prairie with its simple colors and used items.
Industrial
The industrial design is darker and more masculine. It has dark neutral colors and dark woods. It incorporates a lot of polished or brushed metals. Common features include exposed ducts, pipes, and basically anything we usually try to hide when building a house. Décor items include old metal items, hardwood shelves, and things that remind you of the hard working industrial era of America. An easy way to remember this design would be to think of a warehouse or commercial kitchen made into a house or apartment.
These two design styles have many things in common like their uses of woods of metal but the colors and finishes of those woods and metals are different. It is very common today to find people who mix and match between these two styles to create a rustic industrial style house. They complement each other very well and make for a cozy, yet practical home. You can find many great pictures of rustic industrial houses on the internet for more detail on how they work together.
Whether you decide to style your house one way or the other or mix them together for an even broader spectrum of opportunities just make sure your house speaks who you are. Your home is a place where you can be you! Let it be a perfect window into your soul and show off your rustic or industrial home with style. Have fun decorating your home with your newfound knowledge.
