Finding a bookshelf that ticks all the right boxes is a famously tough task. It needs to be the right size for the space, it needs to be the right shape for the objects it will hold, and it needs the right style to flawlessly complement its surroundings. Our Product Of The Week review introduces an exceptional bookshelf that tackles this age-old problem through smart modular construction. The Omba Bookshelf combines smooth solid wood with smart design flexibility, making it easy to create a truly timeless storage solution that checks off every item on your list.
These bookshelves are handmade in a North Vancouver workshop using FSC-certified solid wood. Choose solid walnut for a rich and dramatic finish, or lighten your space with the creamy white oak option. You won’t find a single hint of MDF or plywood anywhere and the beautiful wood grain is the real deal – no veneers. Thick, stable boards allow the bookshelf to function without a backboard for a breezy appearance that embraces its surroundings.
Shelves are made from individual box modules that stack neatly on top of one another and connect via secure tenons. We love this modularity because you can cut right to the fun of organizing and decorating without busting out the toolbox or poring over complicated instructions. Pictured above is the Step Bookshelf, one of the pre-configured setups – other shapes and sizes are available to suit a wide range of placements.
Need something special? Omba will walk you through the customization process from start to finish. Build your ideal bookshelf from four module shapes including standard, double width, double height, and extra-large. Fill a wall in your home to get a luxurious built-in look or create the perfect configuration to fill an empty niche. The team will reach out with a diagram confirming that all the dimensions are exactly how you imagined. And the shipping? It’s totally free so your bookshelf is limited only by your imagination.
This solid wood bookshelf is made to provide a lifetime of dependable performance. It’s visually adaptable, sturdily constructed, and made from premium materials that will only grow more beautiful with age. Check out the entire collection of solid wood bookshelves here.
*This Product of the Week article is designed in collaboration with Omba.
Do you want a cozy rustic cottage living room? Find these ideas and expert tips to bring the countryside into your home.
Rustic cottage living room design blended with a bit of modern amenities, forms a style that brings warmth as well as comfort. This design makes people think about staying in the country, where it should be wholesome and natural.
Whether you’re longing for a bit of rustic charm or have always yearned to live in an English cottage filled with flowers, this guide has all the moves. We are going to discuss many rustic decor ideas such as incorporating vintage furniture, exposed wooden beams, opting for layered rugs, plush sofas, and more.
Rustic Cottage Living Room Ideas
The 24 ideas to decorate your living room in a rustic way are:
1. Exposed Wooden Beams
Visualizer:Shorouq Hossam
Exposed wooden beams are a staple of the rustic cottage living room. They add structure and charm to your living room. Go for reclaimed wood for even more rustic charm.
With these two floor beams, white walls, and soft lighting, you can create a beautiful cottage living room. The wood beams add to the overall warmth of the space making it inviting and comfortable.
2. Create a Cozy Focal Point with a Stone Fireplace
Visualizer:Esraa Hossam
A stone fireplace is the focal point of any rustic cottage-style living room. Its rough texture and natural beauty bring warmth and earthiness to the space.
Surround it with comfortable seating like armchairs upholstered and rustic decor to enhance the cottage living room feel. Go for reclaimed stone for a more authentic look. Stone and wood is a classic cottage look that’s timeless and cozy.
3. Built-In Bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves are functional and beautiful. Use them to display books, vintage decor, and family photos. Choose wooden shelving units with a distressed finish to match the cottage living room decor.
Built-in shelves can be customized to fit your space perfectly, providing plenty of storage and display space without overwhelming the room. Add decorative elements like beadboard backing or crown molding to enhance the cottage feel.
4. Choose a Plush, Timeless Sofa
Visualizer:Max Vakhtbovycn
A plush classic sofa is a must-have for a rustic cottage living room. Choose a sofa with a timeless design, like a Chesterfield or rolled arm sofa, in a soft durable fabric like linen or cotton.
A neutral-colored sofa, like beige, cream, or soft grey can be a versatile base that is perfect for cottage living rooms. Pile it with cushions and throw in natural fabrics to make it cozy.
5. Add a Quilt
Top off your furniture with a quilt in your english cottage style living room. Choose a quilt with classic patterns like patchwork or floral to add to the cottage feel.
Drape it over a sofa, or armchair or even use it as a wall hanging to add warmth and texture to the cottage style sitting room. Quilts are a decorative element and a layer of comfort for chilly nights.
6. Go For Sloping Ceilings
Visualizer:Irina88w
If your living room has sloping ceilings go for it as a feature in your cozy cottage living room. Exposed beams on the sloping ceiling add to the rustic charm and coziness of the room.
Use the vertical space to add decorative elements like hanging plants or wall sconces. Light-colored paints such as light blue, white, beige, or neutral shades with subtle patterns will make the space feel larger and more open while keeping the intimate feel of a small english cottage living room.
7. Add Character with Vintage Furniture
Visualizer:Nhật Vy
Every interior designer recommends incorporating vintage furniture to add character and history to your living room. Look for items like antique armchairs, wooden coffee tables, and vintage chests. These will add charm and personality to your small english cottage living room.
Vintage furniture has unique details and craftsmanship that modern furniture lacks, so perfect for adding authenticity to your rustic house or cottage living room.
8. Layer Comfort with Textiles and Throws
Visualizer:Chandlerphoto
Layer your living room with textiles like knitted throws, woolen rugs, and linen cushions. These will provide comfort and add to the rustic feel of your home decor.
Go for earthy tones and natural fabrics to keep the cottage living room theme. Use textiles with different textures to add depth and interest to the space, a tactile and visual treat.
9. Add A Chandelier
Visualizer:Sahar Mohamed
A chandelier with a rustic design – think wrought iron or vintage finish – will add a striking contrast to the softer elements of the room. It’s more than just a light fixture, it’s a statement piece that draws the eye and fits with the more English countryside or cottage decor.
A chandelier not only gives plenty of light but also adds to the cozy feel of the room. This combination of function and style makes for a warm and inviting space.
10. Farmhouse Style Lighting
Visualizer:Irina88w
Farmhouse-style lighting fixtures like wrought iron chandeliers or pendant lights will add rustic sophistication to your living room. Choose light fixtures with vintage-inspired designs to match the overall living room English cottage interior.
Look for lighting with distressed finishes, exposed bulbs, and metal accents. These will give ambient and task lighting so your front bedroom or living room is well-lit and functional while still retaining the rustic charm.
11. Add Whimsy with Vintage Floral Patterns
Visualizer:Pixelrz
Add floral patterns to your decor through upholstery, curtains, or throw pillows. Go for vintage-inspired floral designs to match the english cottage decor.
These patterns will add whimsy and softness to the rustic space. Floral fabrics can be used in many ways, from slipcovers for furniture to decorative cushions and drapes. Mix different floral patterns to create a layered, eclectic look that’s both charming and elegant.
12. Add Warmth with Layered Rugs
Visualizer:Max Vakhtbovycn
Layering rugs will add texture and warmth to your living room. Use a large neutral rug as a base and layer smaller patterned rugs on top. This will add to the rustic charm and make the space feel more cozy.
Use rugs with natural fibers like wool or jute to match the rustic theme. The combination of different patterns and textures will give a cozy, lived-in feel perfect for a cottage living room.
13. Organise with Woven Baskets
Visualizer:Max Vakhtbovycn
Woven baskets are practical and beautiful additions to a rustic cottage living room. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or firewood. Their very natural grain texture and earthy tones will match the rustic decor and add organizational functionality.
Woven baskets come in many shapes and sizes so they’re versatile storage solutions that can be used in many ways. Place them under tables, beside sofas, or on shelves to keep your living room tidy and looking good.
14. Add Elegance with Antique Mirrors
Visualizer:Mikolaj
Antique mirrors will add elegance to your rustic decor. Look for mirrors with vintage frames or distressed finishes. They will reflect light make the space feel bigger and add to the overall charm of the room.
Antique mirrors come in many styles, from ornate gilt frames to simple wooden ones, so you can choose the perfect one to match your decor. Hang them in strategic places to maximize natural light and create focal points in the room.
15. Handmade Pottery
Visualizer:Peter Visualz
Add handmade pottery to your living room decor. Use ceramic vases, bowls, or pitchers to add a personal touch and match the rustic theme. The unique textures and shapes of handmade pottery will add to the overall charm of the space.
Display these pieces on shelves, tables, or mantels to add color and interest to small spaces. Handmade pottery will add authenticity and craftsmanship to your living room and make it feel more personal and cozy.
16. Bring On Natural Materials
Visualizer:Hikesterson
Incorporating natural materials is essential to creating a warm and inviting rustic cottage living room. These materials bring an earthy, organic feel that enhances the cozy and authentic charm of cottage decor. Natural fiber textiles, such as cotton, wool, and linen, provide comfort and texture through rugs, cushions, and throws. These materials are breathable, and comfortable, and add layers of texture to your living room.
17. Display Big Art
Visualizer:Waleed El Akshar
Make a statement in your rustic cottage living room with big art. Go for pieces that reflect the natural beauty and tranquility of cottage life, like landscapes, botanical prints, or vintage posters.
A big piece of art will be a focal point, drawing the eye and adding visual interest to the room. Choose frames that match the rustic theme, like distressed wood or wrought iron to tie it all in
18. Show Off Your Collections
Visualizer:Pixelrz
Displaying your collections is a great way to add character and charm to your rustic cottage living room. Whether it’s a collection of vintage books, antique pottery, or family heirlooms, these items tell a story and make your space feel lived in and loved. Arrange your collections on built-in bookshelves, rustic wooden cabinets, or open shelving units.
19. Cottage Curtains
Visualizer:Bpix
Go for cottage curtains in floral or plaid. These curtains will add a touch of whimsy and privacy to your living room. Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen for a soft, airy feel that matches the rustic decor. Cottage curtains can have ruffles or tiebacks for extra charm.
20. Patchwork Quilts for a Cozy Feel
Visualizer:Sahar Mohamed
Patchwork quilts will add a cozy, homely feel to your living room. Drape them over sofas or use them as throws. The different patterns and textures of patchwork quilts will add to the rustic charm of the space.
Patchwork quilts are the epitome of the handmade, personal style of cottage living room decor and are especially sweet in tiny cottage living room ideas where every detail matters.
21. Vintage Clocks for Nostalgia
Visualizer:Stock Snap
A vintage clock will be a lovely focal point in your living room. Look for clocks with antique designs and distressed finishes. They add nostalgia and match the rustic cottage living room decor. Vintage clocks can be placed on mantels, shelves, or as a standalone piece on a wall. Their timelessness and history will add to the overall rustic feel.
22. Shabby Chic Furniture
Visualizer:Stock Snap
Shabby chic furniture with distressed finishes will add to the rustic cottage feel. Go for items like painted wooden chairs, side tables, or dressers. Their worn look will add character and charm to the english cottage living room. Shabby chic furniture often has pastel colors and floral patterns, for a soft, cozy atmosphere perfect for a cottage.
23. Bring in Freshness with Greenery and Indoor Plants
Visualizer:Mirna Soliman
Add greenery and plants to your living room to bring in some nature indoors. Choose a mix of potted plants, hanging plants, and fresh flowers to create a lush, vibrant atmosphere. Plants can purify the air and add color and texture to your living room.
Look for plants that thrive indoors and are low maintenance. Greenery can be placed on shelves, tables, or windowsills to create a fresh, inviting space that matches the rustic cottage living room theme.
24. Cottage Living Room Furniture Ideas
Visualizer:Imaginima
Cottage living room furniture is the epitome of the charm and comfort of cottage decor, combining functionality with a relaxed, homely feel. Start with vintage-inspired pieces like a weathered wooden coffee table or a classic armchair with floral upholstery.
Add natural elements like a reclaimed wood side table or a wicker basket for storage. Soft, upholstered sofas in neutral or earthy tones will create a cozy atmosphere, and shabby chic furniture with distressed finishes will add character and warmth. Farmhouse pieces like a sturdy wooden dining table or a charming rocking chair will add to the rustic feel.
Designer takeaways
Rustic living is all about combining natural elements, vintage bits, and cozy pieces. With these 25 ideas, you can turn your living room into a warm and inviting rustic cottage. Whether you’re using exposed wooden beams, a stone fireplace, or personal treasures, every element adds to the overall feel of comfort and style. Go for the simplicity and beauty of a rustic cottage and have a space that’s both timeless and yours.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
