Decorating Guides
Unexpected Combination: Rustic Rooms and Blue
See how a cool aqua hue can give a space polish and character
What kinds of rooms do you think of when you think of the color blue? I picture cool Art Deco Miami, coastal cottages, perhaps an elegant room designed around an exotic ikat print. I had never thought of blue as being a color that really went with a more rough-and-tumble rustic style until I saw the room with the buffalo wall below. A quick keyword search of "rustic" and "blue" on Houzz turned up all kinds of interesting and unexpected spaces. I've picked out a few of my favorites to share with you.
A touch of the right shade of blue can make all the difference in a rustic room. This color against the weathered wood creates the look of wood reclaimed from a barn with an advertisement painted on it. The result is unique and fun.
This kitchen is a wonderful mix of polished and rough touches. The watery, iridescent backsplash adds color and shine, while the rough boards and industrial pendants add a farmhouse feeling.
Of course that fabulous cow is the total attention-grabber in this kitchen. Other touches, such as the rich wood to the right, the brass chandelier, and the oversized basket give it the feeling of a French farmhouse. American kitchens tend to feel too matchy-matchy, and this row of powder-blue cabinets makes sure that is not the case here.
This home in Woodstock, New York is another wonderful mix of elegant and rustic, which Vanessa Brunner deemed "country glamour." I think it's a perfect way to describe the style. Here the natural fiber rug, woven basket, original fireplace moldings and antique candle stand add patina and character to the room.
See the rest of this beautiful home
See the rest of this beautiful home
An antique cabinet complete with chippy paint is a clever alternative to a typical vanity. The fresh coat of blue paint on the walls and crisply ironed valances give the bathroom a clean look overall.
This historic home in Austin, Texas welcomes guests with a pleasing light blue entryway. Notice how they same color is used on the walls, trim, door and even on the bench.
A vintage light aqua cabinet provides storage and adds character to this vintage modern bathroom.
In the rustic cabins of coastal Newfoundland, brightly painted furniture and walls keep things cheery, like the paint on this antique bureau.
See more Newfoundland cottages
See more Newfoundland cottages
Reclaimed boards, a hardwood floor, exposed beams and metal lamps bring in the rustic; the blue brings in the color and the fabulous pattern on the tiles.
Wondering about these tiles? They are Cuban Heritage Design Handmade Cement Tiles.
Wondering about these tiles? They are Cuban Heritage Design Handmade Cement Tiles.
The Workshops of David T. Smith create beautiful new cabinets that look like they have a lot of years on them. This particular row of cabinets was designed for a house built in the 1720s, and it conceals a stove in the center cabinet.
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More:
Get the Look: Sophisticated Country Style
Winter Woodsy Gets an Update
Guest Picks: Uncle Beefy's Eclectic Woodland Retreat