October 7, 2024 | Maddie Brisbane
(Above: Interior Design: Acampora Interiors, Photography: Read McKendree)
Ah, Fall! The season of crisp air, changing foliage, and the irresistible urge to retreat indoors and cozy up. But let’s be honest: staying in the same old spaces can sometimes give us a little “Cabin Fever.” The solution? Bring the warmth and chicness of rustic elegance into your home this fall, and you will never want to leave!
What is Rustic Elegance?
Rustic elegance is all about blending the rugged beauty of natural elements with sophisticated design touches. Imagine rich wood finishes paired with soft, luxurious fabrics or weathered stone fireplaces juxtaposed with glistening pendant lights or chandeliers. It’s a balance between casual, earthy comfort and refined, timeless style—a trend that’s perfect for the fall season when we naturally crave warmth and coziness.
Pro tip: A quick study of Scandinavian style is a great way to get some inspiration for simplicity, coziness, and a lovely blend of elegance and rusticity.
(Above) Bellwether | Scandinavian touches abound in this cottage-style home on the North Shore, designed and renovated by multidisciplinary design firm Carpenter & MacNeille. Warmth is created with the natural white oak V-groove ceiling, echoing the home’s rustic exterior in a refined way. A locally-sourced Shiplights Hanging Cargo Light triple pendant light fixture glistens over a walnut dining table. (Architecture, Construction, and Interior Design: Carpenter & MacNeille, Photography: Greg Premru)
Cabin Fever Cure #1: Natural Materials
When you think rustic, think wood, stone, and metal—the holy trinity of natural materials that bring a sense of the outdoors into your home. Whether it’s a raw, unfinished wood table or a stone accent wall, incorporating these elements creates a tactile connection to nature that is both grounding and comforting. Nothing says cozy like beautiful exposed wood beams reigning over a roaring stone fireplace.
(Above) Bellwether | The homeowner’s love for Scandinavian style inspired a modern linear fireplace in the living room of Carpenter & MacNeille's North Shore haven. Combining the natural materials of the building—including reclaimed natural stone from the house for the base and a large oak base hearth—the fireplace serves as the anchor to the home’s central gathering spot. The timber rafters are original and were re-stained to complement the home’s natural color palette. (Architecture, Construction, and Interior Design: Carpenter & MacNeille, Photography: Greg Premru.)
(Above) Harraden House | Stepping into this kitchen is just like stepping back in history to the home's late 1600's roots. Cummings Architecture + Interiors conducted a full-scale historic renovation of this Gloucester home, preserving authentic elements such as these stunning brick floors and exposed beams. Fun facts: The kitchen island counter was even hewn from a large decaying tree on the site, and the brick floors originally provided a durable surface for milking animals inside during cold winter months! (Architecture and Interior Design: Cummings Architecture + Interiors)
Pro tip: Incorporating touches of light-toned reclaimed wood alongside dark wood finishes can add airiness to your space, making it feel more modern while maintaining that rustic charm.
Cabin Fever Cure #2: Cozy Layers Everywhere
Who says you need to be in an actual cabin to channel its spirit? Fall is the perfect time to layer your spaces with textiles that bring warmth and texture. Think chunky knit blankets, patterned throws, and rich leather accents.
(Above) South Camp Cabana | In a lakeside retreat designed by John Day from LDa Architecture & Interiors and his new design firm Blue Hour Design, rich leather accents, exposed beams, and cozy textiles converge to create an idyllic lakeside retreat. Imagine the leaf-peeping you could do with all these windows! (Architecture + Interiors: LDa Architecture & Interiors)
For those chilly evenings, there is nothing better than wrapping yourself in a blanket by a roaring fire (or even a faux fireplace if you’re spicing up your city apartment). Sheepskin rugs, oversized pillows, and woven baskets filled with throws will make your space feel as welcoming as a woodland retreat.
(Above) White Hill Farm | Designed by Hutker Architects, this modern farm retreat features oversized windows and clean modern lines that bring the outdoors in. An animal skin rug brings a little rustic charm beneath a contemporary floating staircase. (Architecture: Hutker Architects, Builder: Brookes + Hill Custom Builders, Photography: Michael J. Lee)
Cabin Fever Cure #3: Statement Lighting
Rustic elegance does not mean you have to skimp on sophistication. In fact, it is the perfect opportunity to make a bold statement with elegant lighting. It’s all about mixing the rough with the refined, and is a great way to incorporate a glossy, metallic moment.
(Above) Cohasset Harbor Revival | The simplicity of this rustic and elegant breakfast area, designed by Cummings Architecture + Interiors, highlights natural materials such as a custom trestle table and bench from Saltwoods paired with reclaimed limestone flooring. Non-structural timbers installed on the ceiling add an extra touch of old-world coziness. Above the dining table hangs the Sloane chandelier from Visual Comfort, which has a hand-applied living finish that will patina with age to match the other worn and aged finishes seen throughout the home. (Architecture & Interior Design: Cummings Architecture + Interiors, Photography: Read McKendree)
(Above) With moldings this beautiful, elegance is a given in this living room designed by Meyer & Meyer Architects and built by Thoughtforms. Glistening chandeliers and pendant lights coupled with rich dark wood and an original wood-burning fireplace create a tranquil place to enjoy some autumn reading and perhaps a cup of pumpkin spice tea! (Architecture: Meyer & Meyer Architects, Builder: Thoughtforms)
Pro tip: Lantern-style pendants or wrought-iron chandeliers bring a touch of rustic flair and style. Pair them with warm, ambient lighting to soften the look.
Cabin Fever Cure #4: Warm, Earthy Colors
When the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, it is a great time to embrace the warm hues of fall. Think warm, earthy tones—deep browns, burnt oranges, rich reds, and olive greens. These colors not only complement natural materials, but they also create a feeling of coziness that is hard to resist.
(Above) White Oak Farm | It's not everyday you see a wood-carved bath tub. The warm tones of this area rug pair perfectly with nature's changing beauty just outside the window. (Architecture: Hutker Architects, Builder: Brookes + Hill, Photography: Michael J. Lee)
Pro tip: You can keep things fresh by mixing in lighter neutrals like cream or light gray to keep the space from feeling too heavy. Accent with a rust-colored area rug or a forest green throw pillows to bring the outdoors in.
Cabin Fever Cure #5: Rustic Elegance with a Modern Twist
One of the best things about rustic elegance is its versatility. If you are going for a more contemporary vibe, incorporate clean lines, sleek furniture, and modern art. It’s all about balance—juxtaposing rustic elements like exposed wood beams and stone with modern, minimalistic design keeps the look fresh without it being overtly “log cabin.”
(Above) White Oak Farm | (Architecture: Hutker Architects, Builder: Brookes + Hill, Photography: Michael J. Lee)
(Above) New Hampshire Lake House | (Architecture: Foley Fiore Architecture, Photography: Nat Rea)
Pro tip: Consider using a natural color palette with organic textures and throwing in a few unexpected pops of modernity—like a sleek fireplace surround, clean lines, contemporary silhouettes, glass tables, or a splash of black and white.
Cabin Fever Cure #6: Nature-Inspired Decor
Rustic elegance thrives on organic details that bring the outdoors in. From dried or fresh greenery in vases to antler accents, this design aesthetic celebrates natural beauty. Indoor greenery softens the rugged materials and adds a lively, fresh element to your home, even as you watch the leaves fall through the windows.
(Above) South Camp Cabana | (Architecture + Interiors: LDa Architecture & Interiors, Blue Hour Design)
Cabin Fever Cure #7: A Fireplace, the Heart of Fall Design
Nothing says autumnal glory quite like a fireplace. Whether you have a traditional stone hearth or a sleek, modern version, the fireplace is often the focal point of any room. The flickering glow and warmth brings everyone together, creating a perfect fall ambiance for enjoying the season surrounded by your favorite people.
(Above) Collected Concord Farmhouse | The living room of a newly-built, modern Concord farmhouse is the ultimate blend of coziness and sophistication, and strikes a perfect balance between old and new. To achieve a moody, romantic, and relaxed style around the serene fireplace, Acampora Interiors leaned into bold, saturated hues with uncommon patterns, cozy textures, and warm, layered fabrics. Antique furnishings bring an extra dose of charm into the space. (Interior Design: Acampora Interiors, Photography: Read McKendree)
Pro tip: No built-in fireplace? Opt for a freestanding electric one or use candle arrangements on a faux mantel to recreate that glowing, cozy effect without the need for logs or kindling.
Embrace the Cozy Cabin Feel—No Actual Cabin Required!
Rustic elegance is the ultimate cure for autumn’s edition of cabin fever. With its blend of rugged charm and refined sophistication, this design trend creates spaces that feel warm and inviting as the air temperature begins to drop. The best part is that you can embrace this style whether you reside in a country home or a city apartment.
(Above) Classic Charm | Even if you are in a season of work hard / play hard, your home office can embrace a cozy, rustically-elegant environment. Dark wood walls and a fireplace are the perfect ingredients for a zen den. The designers at Interiology Design Co., meticulously engineered every inch of these cherry paneled walls, fireplace surround, and integrated cabinetry. (Interior Design: Interiology Design Co.,)
You will be surprised at how a few key changes or additions can transform your space into the ultimate fall retreat—a place so welcoming, you won’t mind being “stuck” inside.
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