When we first started working on our company Rustic Image we had a general idea of what Rustic was, and knew we liked "Rustic" things, but in reality we didn't have a solid opinion of Rustic. Our original definition of Rustic was something that was or is old, maybe rusted, and definitely countrified. Although this opinion of Rustic did give us a foundation from which we could start our business Rustic Image, LLC; we still feel the need to refine our definition.
The Definition of Rustic
Obviously this definition is our opinion. We believe that everyone needs to come to his or her own conclusion. I want to help you through the thought process so you can decide and have a feeling for what you think Rustic is and how you can apply it to your life or home.
The Breakdown
Rustic - the definition of the word
Rustic comes from the Latin word Rusticus, which means of the country; rural; or unrefined. Rusticus comes from the Latin word Rus, which means Countryside or Farmland. One of the more closely related synonyms of Rustic is Rural. And interestingly enough Rural is also traced back to the same Latin word Rus (Rural, Ruralis, Rus). In addition, the antonym (opposite) of Rural is Urban, which means citified, and that is definitely not Rustic.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the four meanings of Rustic are: 1. of, relating to, or suitable for the country, Rural; 2. made of the rough limbs of trees; 3. characteristic of or resembling country people; 4. appropriate to the country, as in sturdiness. From these 4 definitions we can come to the conclusion that the word Rustic encompasses not just a decorating style, but a way of life, a rural country life.
Rustic - time period
Rustic comes from an area or land that is undeveloped or simple. Because this type of area has been around for hundreds of years and is still around today, you may think that Rustic is not necessarily limited to any particular time period. Rustic can be traced back as early as the late 1600s. Due to the popularization of nature and the "simple life", Rustic style has been consistently sought after from the mid 1700s until today.
Additional Research
There are many more synonyms of Rustic and Rural that can assist you in refining your definition of Rustic. I would suggest beginning your research with the following: campestral, countrified, natural, pastoral, primitive, rural, sylvan, unrefined, and unsophisticated.
The Conclusion
Rustic is old country.
Rustic items aren't just for old homes out in the countryside or on farmlands; Rustic items can be applied to add warmth and individuality to your current way of living. Many Rustic items can be used with Contemporary, Victorian, Americana, or Classic to bring out uniqueness in your decorating style.
by Aaron Gilbert
2006/10/28
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