What's Your Style: Is Rustic Right for Singapore?
Should your apartment look like a rugged log cabin? Or is there a rustic-with-a-refined-edge style?
When it comes to adopting interior styles from around the world, some are easier to interpret for the Singapore lifestyle of high-rise apartment living than others.
One of the more difficult interior design styles to translate successfully is the rustic style. The concept is based largely on location; a remote, forest location surrounded by astounding natural beauty is not what you’d find in the concrete jungle of Tampines or Toa Payoh.
So, should Singaporeans be adopting the rustic style that’s based on the rough mountain cabins in North America?
According to Jas Jhol from Singapore interior design firm Sugarbakers, there are some aspects of the rustic style that can work in Singapore.
“The rustic style is one that embraces natural textures with simple and earthy colours. I don’t believe this style is very popular in Singapore yet, although it has so much potential as natural fabrics and elements are better suited to our tropical weather,” says Jhol.
The crux of rustic style emphasises a certain rugged quality in natural materials – think unpainted wood and solid furniture – alongside simple, earthy colours and an unpretentious, organic warmth.
There is some overlap in design with certain Scandinavian decor styles due to the emphasis on timber and natural colours, so make sure you stay away from more delicate mid-century modern style furniture if you really want to go rustic.
How to get the rustic style
Think about the finishes you choose for your apartment. Instead of covering up with smooth plastered walls, go for panelled walls, wide plank wooden floors and exposed timber beams on the ceiling.
Think about the finishes you choose for your apartment. Instead of covering up with smooth plastered walls, go for panelled walls, wide plank wooden floors and exposed timber beams on the ceiling.
Faux beams can help hide concrete structural beams and wiring.
Vinyl Flooring (Installation with Skirting)
Get the look:
Look for the widest floor planks you can find. Both whitewashed and natural timber finishes will add character to your floors.
Look for the widest floor planks you can find. Both whitewashed and natural timber finishes will add character to your floors.
Chunky rustic furniture
Go big and chunky with furniture in solid wood or recycled timber like this live-edge dining table.
Go big and chunky with furniture in solid wood or recycled timber like this live-edge dining table.
Solid Wood Furniture
Get the look:
If you have a small space, you can still go for one or two larger pieces of statement-making pieces like this coffee table.
If you have a small space, you can still go for one or two larger pieces of statement-making pieces like this coffee table.
Get the look:
Keep to natural fabrics for floor rugs and avoid anything that is too patterned or printed. Think tone-on-tone and texture over pattern.
These rustic accents will warm up any home
Keep to natural fabrics for floor rugs and avoid anything that is too patterned or printed. Think tone-on-tone and texture over pattern.
These rustic accents will warm up any home
“I believe in using natural fabrics like cotton and earth friendly fabrics in a humid country like Singapore,” explains Jhol.
Add an animal two
Yes, the classic cowhide on the floor and taxidermic animal are staples of this style. We’re not really fans of this sort of thing, but you can get faux versions or animal-print fabrics to add this element to your room.
Personally, I’d rather have a nice animal sculpture or painting.
Yes, the classic cowhide on the floor and taxidermic animal are staples of this style. We’re not really fans of this sort of thing, but you can get faux versions or animal-print fabrics to add this element to your room.
Personally, I’d rather have a nice animal sculpture or painting.
Deer Sculpture - Teak
Get the look:
This sculpture of a magnificent stag is perfect for that rustic look and can double up as a reindeer for Christmas too!
This sculpture of a magnificent stag is perfect for that rustic look and can double up as a reindeer for Christmas too!
Cowrie Shell Basket
Add texture with natural materials
Look for handmade decorative items that will add texture like woven baskets and driftwood.
Look for handmade decorative items that will add texture like woven baskets and driftwood.
Home Organisation
Get the look:
Think about using baskets made in the region for an Asian touch. For real local old-school baskets and decorative items, check out Hak Sheng & Co.
Think about using baskets made in the region for an Asian touch. For real local old-school baskets and decorative items, check out Hak Sheng & Co.
Reclaimed wood is gold
True rustic homes in America are big on upcycling ‘barn wood’ which are old pieces of timber that have been left out in the elements to weather.
True rustic homes in America are big on upcycling ‘barn wood’ which are old pieces of timber that have been left out in the elements to weather.
With no barns in sight in Singapore, head to companies that sell recycled timber you can use to create features in your kitchen or bathrooms.
TELL US
Do you like the rustic style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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Read more stories on interior design styles
Do you like the rustic style? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
Read more stories on interior design styles