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IdeasStyle Trial: Rustic and Industrial
Reclaimed and distressed woods. Mixed materials. Handcrafted pieces. What style am I referring to? Whether you said “rustic style” or “industrial style,” you’re right! In this edition of the Style Trial series, we’re helping you spot the differences between these two styles that often toy with the same materials.
What is “rustic style”?
The rustic chic definition is hard to nail down, but what’s great about rustic is that anything goes — just so long as it’s comfortable, simple and functional! Found objects and repurposed materials are staples, such as distressed and weatherworn wood. If you’re thinking “lodge-chic,” you’re spot on. Woven, heavily textured, quilted and patterned fabrics provide some color and a feminine feel. Material mash-ups are common with this style, meaning furniture and décor items are made of mixed materials (different wood grains, metal finishes or fabric textures), like these tables with barnwood tops and painted chairs, cabinets with mix-and-match hardware, and quilted upholstery.
What is “industrial”?
Found objects are common in industrial, too, but these are often an eclectic mix of factory castoffs and recycled materials that speak to America’s hard-working heritage. While rustic leans more toward a feminine feel, industrial furnishings are often more masculine, as portrayed with dark metals, distressed woods and heavy hardware. This style exudes casual sophistication and can come across with an unfinished appearance. A great way to complete an industrial chic atmosphere is with a visually striking statement piece, such as cinderblock shelving. That said, you’ve got the industrial chic definition nailed if you’re bringing a bit of history to a new environment with salvaged or reclaimed items.
How do I tell the difference?
Ask yourself the following questions, and you’ll see which way your style leans — but don’t feel the need to pick just one!
Feminine, masculine. New, historical. Handcrafted, repurposed. Regardless of your preference for both, either or neither, remember, your style is defined by you.
Even though we’ve covered some of the most common styles during our Style Trial, we know your interpretation will be a little different. So tell us — what style (or style mash-up) speaks to you? Check back to our previous posts for the lowdown on cottage and coastal, traditional and transitional, or modern and contemporary, and share your favorite in the comments. Been collecting a smorgasbord of pins on your Pinterest board? Share the link, and don’t forget to name your style.
And if you’re still working to define your style, take our interior design style quiz and check out Pinterest for more design inspiration. If there’s a style that you can’t quite find the words to explain, feel free to pose the question to our Facebook community.
Top image from Finding Home via A Night Owl and DIY Showoff via Cherished Bliss.
What is “rustic style”?
The rustic chic definition is hard to nail down, but what’s great about rustic is that anything goes — just so long as it’s comfortable, simple and functional! Found objects and repurposed materials are staples, such as distressed and weatherworn wood. If you’re thinking “lodge-chic,” you’re spot on. Woven, heavily textured, quilted and patterned fabrics provide some color and a feminine feel. Material mash-ups are common with this style, meaning furniture and décor items are made of mixed materials (different wood grains, metal finishes or fabric textures), like these tables with barnwood tops and painted chairs, cabinets with mix-and-match hardware, and quilted upholstery.
What is “industrial”?
Found objects are common in industrial, too, but these are often an eclectic mix of factory castoffs and recycled materials that speak to America’s hard-working heritage. While rustic leans more toward a feminine feel, industrial furnishings are often more masculine, as portrayed with dark metals, distressed woods and heavy hardware. This style exudes casual sophistication and can come across with an unfinished appearance. A great way to complete an industrial chic atmosphere is with a visually striking statement piece, such as cinderblock shelving. That said, you’ve got the industrial chic definition nailed if you’re bringing a bit of history to a new environment with salvaged or reclaimed items.
How do I tell the difference?
Ask yourself the following questions, and you’ll see which way your style leans — but don’t feel the need to pick just one!
| Rustic Style | Industrial Style | |
| How do I describe it? | Casual, handcrafted, comfortable chic, worn, feminine | Dark, heavy, masculine, authentic |
| What colors are prominent? | Neutral colors as a base (especially whites and creams), with subtle colors incorporated in fabrics and upholstery | Darker tones provide a shadowy effect |
| What materials will I frequently see? | Mixed materials, patterns, colors and woods. Weatherworn and sanded woods; distressed antiques; and soft fabrics | Recycled woods; dark, aged metals; and heavy hardware |
| If this style was a landmark, what would it be? | Lincoln’s log cabin [link to http://www.lincolnlogcabin.org/]. Imagine sun shining in through the windows, casting light on the distressed wood walls and brick fireplace. | The Eiffel Tower. This wrought iron, man-made icon definitely makes a statement. |
| What trinket symbolizes this style? | A handcrafted toy top, with subtle, faded colors. | An old Underwood typewriter from the early 1900s. |
Feminine, masculine. New, historical. Handcrafted, repurposed. Regardless of your preference for both, either or neither, remember, your style is defined by you.
Even though we’ve covered some of the most common styles during our Style Trial, we know your interpretation will be a little different. So tell us — what style (or style mash-up) speaks to you? Check back to our previous posts for the lowdown on cottage and coastal, traditional and transitional, or modern and contemporary, and share your favorite in the comments. Been collecting a smorgasbord of pins on your Pinterest board? Share the link, and don’t forget to name your style.
And if you’re still working to define your style, take our interior design style quiz and check out Pinterest for more design inspiration. If there’s a style that you can’t quite find the words to explain, feel free to pose the question to our Facebook community.
Top image from Finding Home via A Night Owl and DIY Showoff via Cherished Bliss.
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