Lodge Podge: Ideas for Rustic Decor and Lighting

With the fast pace of modern living, the desire to separate the interior of one's home from the hustle and bustle outside is ever increasing. Many people are discovering that more rustic décor in the home can do just that. Even if you're not ready to mount the traditional moose head above your fireplace, there are still a lot of things you can do to make your lodging a little more lodge.

The rustic look is very appealing to some because of its cozy country charm. To others, it conjures thoughts of open spaces and the thrill of the frontier. How convincing the effect is concerns both the objects in a room, as well as how light illuminates those objects and the spaces around them.

Rustic Lighting
While some rooms, like kitchens or bathrooms, require lots of bright light—it's okay to tone down the shine in other places where relaxation is more important than sterilization. Rustic lighting is characterized by more candle-like light which can truly change how a room feels. Lights that are bounced off of a wall or ceiling create a much softer, relaxing glow. Another rustic lighting tip is to change the color of existing light sources. Try replacing white light covers with orange or deep yellow. This works especially well with overhead lights, such as those in ceiling fans. Placing a few real candles here and there is a very inexpensive way to turn back the clock in any space. They add a sense of authenticity, and (I'm sure everyone can agree) a certain charm that even the softest bulb can't come close to matching.

Rustic Style Furniture
Rustic décor is highly dependent on what the objects in a room are fashioned from, as well as when they were made. Some shy away from this type of decorating because they think it will be too costly. It's a fact that manmade materials such as plastic don't fit well in a rustic setting. Weathered wood, however, looks right at home. You're just as likely to happen upon a fitting piece of furniture at a flea market or thrift store as you are in a more high-priced specialty store. This spells great news if you're on a budget. If you're a bit on the adventurous side, homemade items and rustic décor are a perfect fit. It's also a great way to display an old quilt or rug that might not mesh in another setting.

Tips on Rustic Décor
+Look for furniture with surfaces that are made of wood or a dark metal like iron. Since these materials don't reflect a lot of light, they will dampen the glare around the room.
+Avoid things like glass, chrome and mirrors.
+Still not ready for the stuffed moose? A few wildlife or landscape paintings around the room can provide a glimpse of the country in the most urban of settings.
+Try finding some old family pictures and having them restored and framed in wood. A touched up black and white shares its history with the wall it occupies.