Irina

Rustic interiors with natural materials and raw, tactile finishes

Posted on 24th March 2026

This season, we’re embracing imperfect interiors with irregular edges, raw finishes, and rustic charm in all their beauty. Here is how to get the look…

Modern rustic interiors evoking an utterly inviting feel seem to be gaining popularity. This aesthetic achieves a balance between warmth and simplicity, says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village, ‘blending the cosy, natural textures of traditional rustic design with clean-lined, unfussy furniture’.

So, where should you start if you’re looking to get this look? I’ve asked the experts…

A spa-like bathroom with green zellige tiles and rustic decor. — Field Tile in Sea Salt Gloss from the Ann Sacks x Studio McGee Canyon Lake collection, available at West One Bathrooms Chelsea Harbour showroom. Priced £300 per sq m, excluding freight costs.

A modern rustic kitchen with wood cabinetry, striped roller blind, and an island with two bar stools. — Rico Stripe Acorn roller blind, from £11.56, Blinds 2Go.

Get the modern rustic look in your kitchen

When looking to recreate this aesthetic, whether you want to lean into a more modern look or classic country, start with your colour palette. “Choose warm neutrals and muted shades, such as chocolate browns, sandy tones, and sage greens, for a look that is restrained, yet cosy,” says Shelley.

In the kitchen, prioritise natural materials such as sustainably sourced wood cabinetry and reclaimed timber furniture, and decorate with hand-painted ceramics on open shelving which “allows everyday objects to become part of the design”, advises Claire Horn, interior designer at Nkuku. “Layering in woven baskets or handmade artwork is another way of adding textural interest and a softness to this space.”

A country kitchen design with terracotta flooring, cream Shaker cabinets and a freestanding bakers table. — Farmhouse Terracotta Brick tiles, £55.60 per sq m, Baked Tiles.

A country kitchen design with a wood island with rattan bar stool, plaster on the walls, rustic decor, and jute rugs. — Aamani mango wood and cord counter chair, £250; Nadi grooved wood pendant, £270; Montali rattan two-tier fruit stand, £55; Chaaval storage jars, from £32; Anjuna reactive glaze decorative jug, £75. All from Nkuku.

A utility with wall panelling, neutral cabinetry, wooden worktop, with a butler sink and chrome tap, and decor made from natural materials. — Utility by Cox & Cox.

A rustic dining room with a table, chairs and bench. — Stockholm large extending dining table, two wooden chairs and bench in Light Oak, £1395, Furniture Village.

As highlighted by Claire, natural materials such as wood are a key part of this look. “Opt for furniture with visible grain and knots. Consider exposed ceiling beams and furniture in a mix of light and dark woods to add depth and contrast,” adds Shelley. “Layer fabrics such as frayed linens and faux-fur chairs or throws to introduce tactility and comfort.”

Calm bedrooms

In the bedroom, Claire suggests an earthy palette and textiles such as linen throws and handwoven cushions, plus handcrafted furniture for quiet luxury. And for added visual interest, you can also introduce prints and patterns in a subtle, restrained approach, says Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley. “Muted botanicals, soft geometrics, understated stripes and checks work best when they echo more natural tones. This will prevent them from overwhelming the senses and allow them to complement the overall scheme.”

For a truly characterful scheme, mix old and new, advises Helen. “A few, well-chosen decorative pieces in the form of handmade ceramics, tactile ornaments, and books will help bring authenticity and depth to the space.”

A rustic bedroom design with exposed wooden beams, tactile bed linen and chunky throws and curtains. — Giles bedside table, £199; table lamp, £69; bedding set, £59; bolster cushion, £30; throw £35; side table, £99; vase, £29.50. All from M&S.

A calm bedroom with olive green bed linen, a waffle throw in a terracotta colour and textures walls in the background. — Teramo kingsize bed, £1645, Ercol.

A calm, sophisticated bedroom with exposed stone on the wall, a cream upholstered bed, and white tactile linen. — Soft Velvet Pebble Natural Beaumont bed frame, from £599; white cotton muslin frill duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £60; muslin ruffled cushion, £20; Sadie solid mango wood two-drawer bedside table, £250; Natural Etheral floral rug, from £95. All from Next.

Closeup at a rattan table lamp with a cream shade. — Laura Ashley Fernhill table lamp in Matt Cream with shade, £110, Där Lighting.

Rustic bathrooms

“In the bathroom, we’re seeing a shift towards tactile finishes. Accessories in gently imperfect forms, such as handblown glass soap dispensers and storage jars, also add pops of colour to a neutral scheme, while considering the practicalities of a hardworking space,” suggests Claire.

Natural rattan and seagrass accessories are ideal in a rustic bathroom, notes Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox. “A teak ladder shelf contributes to a laid-back cottage style,” she continues. “Choose mirrors with reclaimed wood or irregular shaped frames to add personality and hammered brass towel rails will add a little luxurious glimmer that still meets the rustic remit.”

Will you be embracing this cosy, rustic look in your interiors?