Although not all of us are planning our escape to the countryside, most people love the look of rustic, countryside cottage and barn conversion interiors. There’s something cosy and comforting in letting original features shine, such as sturdy wooden beams and gloriously crumbly brickwork. However, if you’re not ready to up and move to the sticks, transforming your living space on a budget can still be achieved with a few simple steps, even if your home is a modern build lacking original rustic features.
Create a feature fireplace
If you’re not blessed with a traditional log-burner straight out of Country Living magazine, you can create a countryside-inspired statement by transforming your chimney breast into a rustic focal point for your new-look living space. By using our Farmhouse Brick slips you can recreate an authentic, aged brick effect even if your home is newly-built. These warm, orange-toned tiles have a cracked, textured finish inspired by traditional farmhouses and period properties, and are perfect for creating a genuine rustic look. Our handy coverage calculator can help you to work out how many tiles you need to give your fireplace a makeover so you can stick within your budget.
Set the mood
Cosy rustic lounges are at their best when lit with warm light sources; think table lamps and more candles than you probably need, instead of just lighting the space with harsh ceiling lights. Your soft furnishings and choice of coloured accessories will help complete the rustic vibe. Opt for traditional patterns, such as herringbone and tartan, and choose muted colours inspired by nature, such as moss greens and earthy browns instead of anything too vibrant and jarring on the eye. A new set of curtains and updated scatter cushion covers can transform the mood of your living space in an instant.
Go back to nature
Complete your budget-friendly living room transformation by adding countryside staples with lots of wooden details. Even if you don’t need logs for burning on your fire, they can still look effective piled in a basket next to the hearth. Decorating with green faux-liage stems, as well as other natural dried plants found in the British countryside will add an authentic touch – why not try arranging tree branches in a ceramic vase to finish off the rustic look in style, without breaking the bank?
Have you got any tips on creating a rustic living room on a budget? Leave a comment or let us know on the Reclaimed Brick Tiles Facebook page.