If you appreciate the little things and aim for simple living, the rustic theme may be the perfect option for your outdoor space. Many more specific design themes fall under the rustic umbrella, including farmhouse, barnyard chic, cottage core and ranch. At the center of all rustic themes is a fundamental color palette that perfectly centers around high-quality red mulch.
But maybe we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. What is the rustic outdoor theme, and who is it really for? What steps can you take to perfectly embody rustic design in your yard? Below, we explain everything you need to get started with your outdoor design.
Landed here because you’re already a rustic theme expert but you need the ideal high-quality red mulch to pull it off? Place your order with Lumberjacks using the button below!
Brief Overview of the Rustic Theme
The rustic theme can be summarized in three words: simplicity, versatility and warmth.
The simplicity of this design is one of its biggest draws. Rustic design is characterized by natural and organic elements like wood, burlap and lots of greenery – making it the ideal choice for your outdoor space. Plus, the simple design can also translate to cost savings since it’s very DIY, thrift store and yard sale friendly!
There are many ways to create a rustic design, making it an incredibly versatile (and customizable) option. After all, natural elements pair well with nearly anything. Of course, natural elements pair best with other natural elements – like the grass and greenery in your yard!
Every aesthetic has a word that perfectly describes it. For rustic design, that word is warmth…. The warmth of a simple, downhome lifestyle that feels like home and freedom. It’s a warmth that wraps you in nature and brings to mind a simpler time.
How to Create a Rustic-Themed Outdoor Space
With a basic understanding of the rustic theme’s elements and feel, it’s time to learn how to create it in your outdoor space. Below, we cover each of the steps in detail.
Choosing Red Mulch as Your Main Attraction
Red mulch for landscaping will be your main attraction for the rustic theme. Due to this importance, you’ll want to choose a high-quality organic hardwood mulch that’s been dyed red using natural ingredients. Not only will this give you the longest-lasting color, but it will also nourish your soil as it decomposes!
One excellent benefit of choosing red mulch at the beginning of your plans is that it gives you a center point for the rest of your design. This is especially important if you’re new to the exterior design world. Having a focal point for your design can simplify every decision moving forward.
Another benefit of red mulch is how well it embodies the rustic theme. Wood mulch is already a natural, organic element – and the vivid red coloring resembles a sturdy, weather-worn barn.
Designing Your Flower Beds
Once you’ve chosen the perfect high-quality organic red mulch, it’s time to start designing your flower beds. You’ll experience this theme’s simplicity and versatility in this step because nearly any range of flowers, trees and shrubbery will work well! After all, greenery is a cornerstone of the rustic design.
Consider pairing a combination of colorful flowers with plants of varying shades of green. For example, you could plant roses, marigolds, geraniums, daylilies or any combination of these colorful flowers in the garden beds along your home. Then, choose simple shrubbery along your fence line. Of course, you can never go wrong with trees. If your yard doesn’t already have them, consider planting a tree or two to bring more nature into it.
Of course, this is only a suggestion. Feel free to plant anything you want, and feel assured it will come together for a beautiful rustic theme in the end!
Adding Practical Theme Elements
Your next step will be to choose (and install) the practical elements in your theme. This includes your fencing, garden bed border, lighting and (potentially) walkways. Choose natural elements like wood, stone, metal and brick over artificial options like plastic. For example, you could use premium red mulch or small stones to create natural walkways through your yard. A fence made of unfinished natural wood or black metal is also a great idea.
Bringing nature into your yard is a big part of the rustic theme, so try to incorporate things that will attract wildlife. Excellent options include bird baths, water fountains, bird feeders, and birdhouses. Planting trees and shrubbery that produces berries or fruit are other options, but they’ll require additional yard upkeep.
Developing Your Outdoor Seating Area
This step is optional since not everyone has room or desires an outdoor seating area. But, if you do choose one, you’ll want to pick wood, stone or metal furniture. You can often find outdoor seating in thrift stores or yard sales, which is a perfect way to save a little money on your project so you can spend more on the things that need to be bought new!
A few ideal types of outdoor seating for the rustic theme include:
- Wooden Adirondack chairs
- Stone benches
- Metal patio tables with chairs
- Stone retaining walls that double as seating
- Distressed lodge-style seating
Picking Aesthetic Décor
Finally, add your personal touches with aesthetic décor to finish your rustic outdoor design. Your choices have no limitations, but certain elements work best with this theme. Examples include:
- Vintage wood or metal wagon wheels
- Decorative water wells (which can double as planters!)
- Hammocks
- Metal tree or yard décor
- Figurines depicting animals, plants or rural scenarios
- Upcycled window frame décor (which you can be crafty with or purchase already done)
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably have a few questions before you begin implementing the steps above. Below, you’ll find the answers to common questions about the rustic outdoor theme and the red mulch, which stars as the main attraction.
What colors are generally used in a rustic theme?
Reds, greens, browns, grays, and oranges are the primary colors in a rustic theme. Think about the colors you might find on a farm when the leaves change colors in the fall. Of course, you can feel free to experiment with varying shades of these colors, but the traditional options are dark and deep.
What are the most significant elements of a rustic theme?
The rustic theme is traditionally defined by natural, aged, organic and even a little distressed elements. “Rustic” embodies a well-used, relaxed look that many find peaceful. If you grew up in a rural setting, the rustic theme may bring a sense of nostalgia and a deep feeling of home.
Who is a rustic theme for?
The rustic theme is for anyone who wants to use it! While you can make the rustic theme work in nearly any outdoor space, it pairs most seamlessly with farmhouses, ranches and rural areas. If your home is built in a farmhouse, colonial or ranch style, you’ll likely find the rustic theme works remarkably well.
Why choose red mulch for a rustic-themed outdoor space?
Red mulch is the shining star of any outdoor rustic design – but why is that? It’s surprisingly simple. The vivid red mulch symbolically brings to mind the red barn so many people associate with simple rural living. Plus, red is one of the primary colors of the rustic theme, making red mulch doubly perfect for your project!
How long does red mulch last?
How long red mulch lasts depends on the type of mulch received. Over time, the vivid red color may fade, but choosing a high-quality mulch means a longer-lasting red.
How much does red mulch cost?
The costs of red mulch will vary based on several factors. Price considerations include mulch type, supplier, location, amount purchased, etc. To receive the most accurate cost estimate from Lumberjacks, contact us today. We’re happy to provide you with a free quote!
Is red mulch toxic?
Some companies may use potentially toxic ingredients to reduce costs. However, the red mulch from Lumberjacks is created using natural materials and isn’t toxic.
How much red mulch do I need?
How much red mulch you’ll need will vary based on how many flower beds you have and their size. Use our handy mulch calculator to accurately determine how many cubic yards you need to order.
When might a rustic theme be a bad idea?
Choosing a rustic theme is never a bad idea, per se. However, you may find this theme clashes with certain homes and buildings. Examples include:
- Modern-themed buildings
- Buildings with sharp lines and edges
- Buildings that primarily feature colors that aren’t in the traditional rustic palette
What if the rustic theme isn’t for me?
If you’ve decided the rustic theme isn’t the right choice for your outdoor space, fear not! Check out our useful guide on landscaping mulch, which features nine beautiful but practical usage ideas! You can also check out our guide on how to use black mulch to create a gorgeous modern aesthetic.
Order Your Premium Red Mulch Today!
The rustic theme is a simplistic, versatile outdoor theme embodying a laidback lifestyle many yearn for. At Lumberjacks, we’re ready to supply you with the premium red mulch that will function as your design’s centerpiece. Not only will you receive high-quality red mulch, but you’ll also get our top-notch customer service to go with it! Give us a call to place your order today!
