Historical Overview:

Also known as Southwestern, Spanish Mission or Lodge, the Rustic Americana style stretches from the lodges of the Adirondacks in New York to the sun-drenched desert of the Southwest. While these styles are much more rugged in their simplicity and execution, they are grounded in the idea of hand craftsmanship. Because of the American Indian influence, the Spanish Mission style is less rusticated than the Southwestern. The Spanish Mission styling is more refined using metals more extensively and geometric patterns in woodwork but still shares many details with a Southwestern room. The Lodge look, log cabins with leather furniture accented by naturalistic patterns and native geometric woven designs, is based on Western ranch building materials and methods.

Cabinetry/Millwork:

Oak, pine and walnut are the most popular wood species for these styles. Just about any door style can be used as long it maintains rustic cabinet detailing. Natural or light colored finishes should be used, but whitewashed and pickled finishes work, as well.

Hardware:

Pewter, rustic metals, wood and wrought iron can all be used.

Countertops:

Ceramic tile, soapstone, slate and wood in a matte finish with a natural and heavy appearance are all appropriate.

Colors:

Accents in grayed tones or sun-baked colors with predominately white, off-white or neutral base colors work well.

Surfaces:

• Floors:
  Wide, random plank distressed wood or random patterned flagstone or slate.
• Walls:
  Sometimes having the feel of a Colonial whitewash finish, surfaces should be simple.
• Ceilings:
  Dark, rough and heavy beams with white or soft neutral colors.

Accents:

Any accent pieces with this style need to be naturalistic. Consider cacti greenery, natural fibers and area rugs with Navajo Indian patterns. In addition, reproduction animal pelts, antlers, baskets, fishing gear, saddles, landscape paintings and horticultural prints can be used. All of these have a sense of a rustic homestead. Wrought iron and pounded brass metal accent pieces also work well.