Rustic Chic
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More »
There's a certain rustic style that's been growing in popularity lately. It's a return to some semblance of simplicity. It's a bit cabin chic, it involves some "glamping" (more on that below), it's just the right amount of rugged man cave, a bit Von Trapp Family Lodge with some of Henry David Thoreau's cabin thrown in. This past Sunday The New York Times coined a new word for its aficionados: "Roughian." The moment I read it, I could picture this person and his home immediately. It's "someone who may live in a barn but definitely wasn't raised in one..." Let's take a look at how the roughians are living:
| Roughians often let their rugged flags fly in their second homes. Here these cozy wood bunks are somewhere between luxury lodge and "glamping" (glamorous camping—think Oprah and Gail making Moscow Mules and Sea Bass in Yosemite). Private Comment
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Clearly this person loves wood but can't resist perfect accessories and a sleek sink. It's got just the right amount of outhouse nostalgia.
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Exposed structural beams keep things rustic, yet they co-exist with some lovely lavender.
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| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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| A wood accent wall is a great way to get the cabin feeling, especially when paired with a tree-shaped coat rack. Private Comment
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Wood beams, sturdy utilitarian chairs and walls that slide open to the outdoors let city slickers feel like they are roughing it.
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An imposing stone fireplace is a must in a winter getaway. Especially if you ever need to use those skis hanging over it to get around.
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| A cozy nook in the eaves is the perfect spot to snuggle up and look up the stars (and beats literally sleeping under them outside). Private Comment
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For the contemporary roughian.
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This is one striking ski lodge!
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Here is the inside.
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This home has its own glamorous version of the state park picnic pavilion.
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| Now let's look at some smaller roughian furnishings and details.
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A tin roof and simple metal sconces are the perfect complement to a chic cabin. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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| Reclaimed boards form a striking rustic headboard. Private Comment
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| When you have just a touch of roughian in you, try an antler chandelier. Private Comment
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Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A simple wood coffee table coexists with contemporary pieces.
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Again, a very simple wooden trestle table holds its own in this clean modern space.
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Accessories for the roughian.
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Let's end with this photo that is so very Walden.
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Comments
Tricia Rose says:
So, is houzz going to 'Roughian' to its photo upload categories?
19 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Ha! I"m still trying to figure out the difference between a roughian and a ruffian!
19 months ago ·
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wjoy says:
I hope houzz does add it as a category.. . . or at least a cabin chic category. These photos are examples of the look I want to achieve in my rustic cabin I am renovating in the north Georgia Mountains. I am trying to stay true the "feel" of the house but I am SOO the "glam gal" that I just HAVE to have some pizzaz and pretty. Thanks Becky for the perfect post to give me some "Roughian" ideas.
19 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Oh wjoy I'd love a cabin in the north GA mountains- where is yours? I'm jealous!
19 months ago ·
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wjoy says:
Becky, my cabin is near Blue Ridge. I am having fun decorating it. It has been a challenge finding the right mix. I was determined not to have the first resin bear or moose printed comforter. Because of one of you previous post, I became a huge fan of cowhide. I bought a cowhide rug today in a very cool shop in downtown Blue Ridge. I love it! I am also having a chair back upolstered in cowhide and the bottom will be leather from the back of my 80's bomber jacket.
19 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Oh wow! I LOVE BLUE RIDGE! I took a weekend trip to a cabin with a whole bunch of girlfriends last winter. Unfortunately, it was during the biggest snowstorm of the season, so it took us about 6.5 hours to get there (not to mention the wreck in Marietta before we could even get beyond the perimeter), but it was well worth it! I am very jealous of you! What a great idea for repurposing your Top Gun jacket! Please share photos of it with us when you have a chance!
By the way, it only took us about an hour and a half to get home - so convenient!
By the way, it only took us about an hour and a half to get home - so convenient!
19 months ago ·
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wjoy says:
Yes it IS wonderful up here in the Blue Ridge area. You are right, it is very convenient to Atlanta. it is just one and a half hours and another world away. Of course living in Atlanta you have to factor in the traffic and weather conditions. I am sorry you had a bad experience with both. Hopefully you will have better driving conditions next time.
I will definately share photos of my chair when it is completed. Thanks for all of the great ideas that you share on houzz.
I will definately share photos of my chair when it is completed. Thanks for all of the great ideas that you share on houzz.
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
You're welcome! And it was well worth the weather and traffic - it was a fluke thing that day and it made the mountains even more beautiful to have all of that snow!
18 months ago ·
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Casart Coverings says:
Great subject, Becky. But I have to admit, I had a hard time getting beyond the mental image of Oprah and Gail glamping in the bunk "dorm" in the first picture! Then I read your comment about the girls' get-away during the big snow storm. Hmm, just think about adding Oprah, Gail, AND the Moscow Mules to that adventure!
18 months ago ·
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Polly Blair says:
I want to move in the cabin in the last picture...............and I want it to have the bathroom with the black wood walls!
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
casart, Oprah and Gail are welcome on the girl's trip anytime, especially if they bring the Moscow Mules! This year we're going to Gatlinburg for some beautiful Great Smokey time and some giggles in town.
18 months ago ·
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cook1928 says:
this ideabook was perfect for me, just the kind of rooms i'd be most comfortable in. thanks!
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Cook, you're welcome. I just imagine having the best sleep ever in these houses!
18 months ago ·
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creativecarol says:
Becky: Thanks so much so doing this ideabook. We are so blessed to live in a cabin. I love the idea that what we are doing has a name- glamping! More ideabooks please!
18 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Carol, I'm jealous! I love the cozy comfort of a cabin, ESPECIALLY in winter. Perhaps it was all the Little House on the Prairie I watched as a child ;)
18 months ago ·
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Gail says:
I would like to see a rustic chic category. That is my style, rustic as in bears, deer, arrowheads, tin walls and ceilings, wood walls and ceilings, concrete floors, log beams, pine cabinets, coffee table from a tree. Chic as in quilts, stain glass, antiques, depression glass, crystal, and other girly stuff, including some pink. I would love to see what others are doing as well.
17 months ago ·
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Heather Braun says:
My style, too! It's all about antique cookstoves juxtaposed with oak sideboards, eclectic wood furniture, cedar plank ceilings, slate floors, and literally living miles from the nearest neighbor. Yes, we have the bears and moose as well.
16 months ago ·
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M. Alvarez says:
Would love to see more idea books like this. We are currently renovating a suburban ranch on the water in South Florida. We going to a clean, somewhat contemporary aesthetic with lots of natural textures and touches of rustic and industrial detail. We look forward to more "rough" design, that does cover every surface with knotty pine camouflage.
Speaking of rough....we are considering keeping the rough chipped edge on our granite kitchen countertops, rather than going for the bull-nose edging. Has anyone seen any images of this treatment?
Speaking of rough....we are considering keeping the rough chipped edge on our granite kitchen countertops, rather than going for the bull-nose edging. Has anyone seen any images of this treatment?
16 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Hmm zuitzy, sounds dreamy. I'm not sure on the granite, but you should post the question on the questions board (just click on QUESTIONS at the top of the Houzz home page). That way a lot more people are likely to see it and chime in with their experiences/opinions.
Becky
Becky
16 months ago ·
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sarahsmiles says:
We are moving into a 1930 rough hewned cottage in the Weaverville, NC area soon and are combining a bit of rustic and cottage look to the changes we are making. I couldn't be happier about this new adventure and appreciate the ideas you have given me.
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