Rustic design is hard to do right. It’s great to aim for a classic, traditional space, but if the details aren’t executed correctly, it can end up looking dated and worn out. Avoiding that outcome comes down to having a great eye for the little things and working with trusted suppliers that can add a touch of quality to the finished product.
One look at the rustic kitchen design Monica Pals created in her home in Alexander, Iowa, makes it obvious that she got it right. This is what rustic looks like when executed to perfection, and CopperSmith was thrilled to play a role in the project. Let’s look closer at why this kitchen works so well and some of the creative choices that Monica made along the way.
Rustic and Industrial Design are Natural Partners
It’s true that rustic design and industrial design are two different, distinct categories. In rustic design, the focus is on warmth and tradition. Pieces that have been worn by time, particularly natural materials like wood, are high on the priority list for rustic designs.
Industrial design, on the other hand, is the opposite in many ways. It is marked by functional simplicity and the use of metals and other “cold” raw materials. It doesn’t necessarily rank highly in terms of being welcoming or cozy, but there is something about the aesthetic that many people love.
Despite this contradiction, or perhaps because of it, rustic and industrial design elements actually work quite nicely together. The harmony they can create is seen in the finished version of Monica’s kitchen. There are elements that fit squarely into the rustic category, while other pieces are decidedly industrial. When it’s all added up, the kitchen is welcoming and unique all at the same time.
The Signature AT6 Range Hood Made Perfect Sense
When going for a design that includes a rustic feel, there are inevitably going to be a lot of components in the space (more on that in a moment). There’s nothing wrong with the eclectic nature of a rustic space, and it certainly adds to the charm and homestyle nature of the design, but there is a need for a large piece to serve as an anchor.
That’s the role that the Signature AT6 Range Hood plays in this kitchen, and it does so perfectly. This handcrafted range hood is the largest design piece in the space, so it naturally draws attention immediately. At the same time, because of the customization choices Monica made, it still fits right in with everything else. She opted for our Weathered Copper Living Finish with a smooth texture for something that walks the line between rustic and industrial within the same piece. It also has Weathered Copper straps and rivets, which add a bit more of the industrial feel.
Everything about the custom copper range hood that Monica ordered does a great job of balancing the design. It offers curves in a kitchen that otherwise features many straight lines and right angles. The metal is industrial to a point, but with the Weathered Copper finish, it works nicely with the wood grain elements elsewhere in the room. We place such an emphasis on customization because we want our customers to get precisely what they need to bring their room together or finish a design, and what Monica has done here is a great example of doing just that.
So Many Wonderful Details
Moving away from the hood, there are so many different little details to enjoy in this design. If it’s the little things that take a good design and turn it into a great one, this kitchen has surely been elevated successfully.
Let’s start with the open shelving. This feature falls into the category of “what’s old is new again”. Open shelving was once standard because it was affordable and easy, but now it’s a trendy feature that certainly adds a rustic feel. Not only do the shelves look great, but they also allow items to be freely displayed and seen from throughout the room. For example, Monica has a set of lovely jars that are holding bulk dry goods. In cabinets, those would be hidden from view, but in this design, they are out for everyone to see and enjoy.
On the top shelves, which are pretty much out of reach for daily use, Monica has added some fun collectible items to give the kitchen extra personality. This highlights how it’s important not to take everything about the design process so seriously. Having a little fun with some retro pieces in a space that wouldn’t be really practical for storage anyway was a great decision.
Durability At Every Turn
This isn’t the biggest kitchen, but it’s clear that it has been designed for daily use in addition to aesthetic enjoyment. That starts with conveniences like a spice rack just behind the stove, and a pot filler arm just above those spices. There is also a bread box within close reach. And, if this kitchen is going to be used daily as it appears, the materials chosen for the space are sure to stand the test of time.
Of course, there is no doubt that the CopperSmith range hood used in the project is ready for many years of reliable performance. Additionally, the corrugated metal used for the wall cladding will be extremely durable (and easy to clean). Adding stone counters and quality cabinets to the equation leaves Monica with a kitchen that is going to be far more than decoration.
A Great Experience for All Involved
Each little choice in a design has an outsized impact on the finished product in a kitchen remodeling project. From the open shelving and retro containers to the beautiful Signature AT6 Range Hood at the heart of it all, we think Monica did a beautiful job creating this traditional rustic kitchen with an industrial twist. And, since she opted for quality, durable components, this is a kitchen that will perform well for years to come.
As for her experience with CopperSmith? Monica has this to say -
“I was leery about such a project but the CopperSmith team made it painless and the end result speaks for itself! The design team reached out to make sure their design and dimensions were what we wanted, tweaked it accordingly and again, the end result speaks for itself!”
Monica was thrilled with her experience working with the CopperSmith team, and our commitment to customization and customer service comes through clearly in this project. We value the opportunity to serve every customer and will never take that trust for granted.