Today, we’ll be discussing marrying design styles, rustic design and industrial design. You could be someone who loves both styles and can’t decide between them. You could be married to someone who loves rustic, when you love industrial, and you’re searching for a compromise. No matter the reason, meshing these styles together is easy to do, and we’ll show you how!

What is Rustic Design Style?

Rustic Design Style Defined: Rustic design style brings you close to nature.  Reminiscent of pioneers in the early days, they would most likely find it humorous how much work people put into getting the look that was their only option. I’m sure they could only dream of the modern luxuries we have today, but rustic style doesn’t have to be absent of luxury. It is one of my favorite design styles, boasting organic shapes, natural materials, lots of wood, and accents that have been around for decades, if not centuries. Rustic style is popular in areas all over the country, not just in the backwoods of Kentucky.

Why people love it:  Rustic design evokes a feeling of nostalgia. It feels simple and pure. It is great for the environment because you can repurpose so many pieces. DIYers can do big things with the rustic design style which can make it extremely budget friendly. Rustic style gives me the same feeling as a weekend spent camping. It provides a sense of peace and calm, getting you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even if you’re right in the city center.

Who tends to like the rustic design vibe: If you love to work with your hands. If you love camping under the stars. If you love to repurpose and up cycle. If you love a wood burning fireplace and the smell of fresh cut hickory, rustic style could be for you.

What is Industrial Style?

What it industrial design style: Industrial style was not so much a design style, but a way that buildings looked in real life. This is the style that was built from blue collar workers in America. And that might be why it’s become so loved. It’s raw. It’s real. It is simple, stripped down, and bold. While some find it cold, many feel warmth in the metals and woods that make this style what it is. You can find this style all over, from small studios to million dollar mansions.

The industrial design appeal: Industrial design style celebrates affordable materials, eliminating the fluff. It is bare and raw. It focuses more on the essentials that the frills. While this style can be simple and downplayed, you can also add touches of elegance and luxury that elevate the aesthetic.
 

Who is drawn to Industrial design style: You are not a big box shopper. Ikea is NOT your friend. You love thrifting, finding unique items to use in a new or unexpected way. You don’t need a lot of bright colors to find a space warm and cozy. You love walking through historic districts and possibly abandoned buildings.
 

 

The Marriage: Rustic Industrial Style

Now for the finale! How to marry rustic style and industrial style. The two styles have a lot in common. They are both raw in their own way, stripped down to bare materials. They focus on woods and metals. One is more country, while the other has more of a city feel, but the combination is so beautiful, perfect for a harmonious home. This is one of my favorite styles, as there is no shelf-life. This is not a trendy look, its a classic look, with pieces that have already stood the test of time.

Using Natural Stone, Natural Wood Cabinets, Paired with Stainless Steel Lighting, Appliances, and polished concrete countertops makes this a perfect marriage of rustic design and industrial design styles.
 

Joanna Gains, HGTV’s latest design star, has a knack for combining rustic and industrial style. Her kitchen is the perfect example. Concrete countertops with a matte finish, natural wood floors, farm sink, floating rustic shelves, wood beams, industrial lighting and stainless steel appliances paired with oil rubbed bronze hardware.

How to get the look:

• Focus on old pieces, the more distressed, the better.
• White, Grey or Natural Wood Cabinet Doors
• Find pieces that mix wood and metal together.
• Concrete, stainless steel or butcher block countertops
• Up cycled pieces, like wire basket light fixtures
• Oil Rubbed bronze Accents
• Stainless Steel Appliances and Fixtures
• Add sliding barn doors (Available at both Builders Surplus Locations)
• Use as much exposed brick as possible (Ask about our brick tile)
• Add floating shelves or open shelves with industrial piping
• Use old and rusted accents. The antique store is your friend!

More examples of Rustic Industrial Design:

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!