Heartland's natural décor celebrates the simplicity of the past

You know that feeling when you come into a space for the first time and it instantly feels familiar and warm? Chances are it's imbued with rustic décor elements that elicit family nostalgia – which is part of the appeal of such design. 

Rustic décor is mostly featured in rural homes, cabins and cottages, according to Michelle Mawby, registered interior designer and principal of Lucid Interior Architecture & Design and host of Weekend Reno on Cottage Life Television. 

"We seem to really enjoy a rustic feeling while tucked away in the woods, mountains or by the lake or ocean. We are comforted by its familiarity and transported to a simpler, easier, unplugged era," she says.  

Humans are hardwired to crave nature and we can certainly bring nature inside by introducing organic materials like raw wood or stone and clay. 

"Rustic décor heavily utilizes found objects and antique or local furniture – an old door used as a coffee table, antlers from the land or piece of driftwood used as art go a long way."

This type of interior design is featured a lot in television shows including hit CBC drama, Heartland. A show that follows the Fleming family through the highs and lows of life on a ranch in Alberta. 

Heartland has built a homey aesthetic by extending the outdoors into its sets, idealizing a nature-infused life as it celebrates the simplicity of the past through imperfect lines, textures and patterns. The use of rustic décor on the set of Heartland was strategically thought through to reflect just how warm and tight knit the Flemings are. And whether in the living room or the bedroom, there are a few ways warmth and comfort are highlighted.

Interior designer, Michelle Mawby, further explains how the set of Heartland uses rustic décor:

"Rustic décor can mean different things to different people and differ by location, but the foundations of the style starts with the use of handmade, non-refined, off-the-land items in the home. Some of the key elements used on Heartland are: natural finishes and especially wood, rusticated stone in walls and fireplaces, nostalgic pieces like an antique rocking chair, hooked rug, or an inherited cabinet."

"Logs with exposed chinking, natural field stone fireplace surrounds and natural wood floors set the tone for the rustic look to emphasize the rural setting with a mix of antique, passed down family pieces, wood furniture and tones of deep greens and red. Simple wood shaker style pieces dominate the furniture style in this room. Natural fabrics and textiles such as cotton and wool are used for the rugs and window treatments. All of these combined accentuate the warmth and create that safe and comforting feeling and sets the tone of the family dynamic."

"Rustic imagery in the bedrooms is layered through the use of furniture that takes us back to a simpler time – wood or iron bed frames, a hope chest that looks like it's been passed down through generations and quilts handmade by Grandma."

"Exterior of the Heartland set further emphasizes the rustic look with a simple wooden dock, Muskoka chairs and stacked stone fire pit where we see the family really come together to relax."

Incorporating rustic pieces like the ones used in Heartland — regardless of your interior décor — may feel like a compromise on the overall design, but that's simply not the case. The overall aesthetic of rustic décor is often described as simple and raw, sometimes even unflattering but when done right, any space can look transformed and strikingly beautiful. Here are a few rustic pieces inspired by Heartland that can help you achieve the optimal Heartland look.

The trends have changed in recent years and you don't have to wait until you're at a cottage anymore to get your cozy rustic fix. It is pretty much everywhere, even in office spaces. If you have exposed beams or original brick walls in your home, you're already using rustic elements and know how flattering they can make a space look. Pair that with some pattern and raw textures and your rustic décor game will be on point.

Get your rustic game on and catch up on past episodes and full seasons of Heartland on CBC Gem. The new season premiered on Sunday, September 22nd on CBC.