How to Add Subtle Rustic Charm to Your New Home

If you're having a new home built, you may want to bring in some rustic charm, but you also many not want your home to look like a log cabin or true farmhouse. There are easy ways to bring in some subtle rustic elements to your home, for a space that's welcoming and cosy but still modern and updated, and with a style that fits you. Note a few suggestions you might discuss with your builder or architect so you know you'll love your finished home and that it will offer the rustic charm you want.

Floorboards

Timber floors are a great choice for adding rustic charm to any home, so choose untreated pine slats that are long and wide. Opt for boards with lots of knots and grain pattern, and add a layer of shellac rather than stain to keep the boards exposed. Another option is to add an antique wash or paint to the flooring surface; a wash gives the boards a slight white tint, whereas actually painting the timber floors an antique white can make the home bright and airy but very rustic.

Window style

Many country cottages have casement windows, which are connected to the home's framework by a hinge on the side. This allows the windows to open fully, for more air circulation and light. Grilles in the window pane can also add more rustic and country charm, as will thick wood window frames. Discuss your options for casement windows with your builder so you can choose the windows that will add a rustic look to the home.

Porch

Rather than a small porch in front of the home and a deck in the back, opt for a wrap-around porch. These are very common in country and farm homes, and they can add that rustic appeal you want from your home even before you step inside!

Roof trusses

Roof trusses are the exposed beams you often see in country-style homes, churches, barns and farmhouses. These beams are very large and dense, so they don't need load-bearing walls underneath them, and they can be left exposed for a very rustic look. You can also tone down that look and make it more subtle by painting the roof trusses an antique white to match the ceiling and walls. For even more country inspiration, have your builder opt for trusses that are connected with oversized metal plates, which breaks up the look of the wood and adds more texture to their surface, for a very charming style.

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