A warm welcome

We pay a visit to Rustic House’s chic furniture and homewares showroom to see what’s in store for 2018.

It’s a beautifully bright and crisp January morning – the first sign that winter will soon make way for spring. We’re on our way to Par, just outside St Austell, to visit the Rustic House showroom, and as we arrive the sunny outlook continues, with exciting plans afoot. The showroom, full of beautiful furniture, homewares and accessories, is expertly curated with a keen eye for design. Everything fits together thematically, with a clear identity in the grouping, palettes and blend of materials.

Natural materials are the company’s bedrock, from teak root and wicker, to whole wood and reclaimed furniture. A recent addition is the range of gorgeous sheepskins. Everything is wonderfully tactile with a solid, warm and timeless feel – the natural materials often complemented by metal hardware in a range of finishes to provide a textural counterpoint. Whilst this all looks effortlessly simple, this impression belies the considerable work and skill that goes into creating the wonderful ambience by the team, led by Emily Hawken. Emily says: “We take inspiration from what’s around us, but have our own signature style. While we’re inspired by trends, we’re not trend led.” As Emily explains, the aesthetic really resonates with customers – people love furniture with a story. It’s all about showcasing the pieces’ natural charm, character and individuality. Emily understands the emotional connection someone makes with a piece of furniture, and the showroom provides the perfect platform to see pieces in situ, and feel the quality of materials. These rugged pieces will enhance any style of home – the natural forms sit perfectly in a chic minimalist space, breaking up the sharp edges of modern architecture.

Building up strong relationships with customers is so important to the company’s ethos. Customers will often seek out Rustic House, one recently making a seven-hour journey just to see a dining table. “We carry a huge amount of stock,” Emily explains “perfect for those with holiday homes, who are often on a short visit and don’t have a lot of time.” What’s more, throughout February and March lots of new stock will be arriving, providing the perfect excuse to pay a visit to the showroom. Why not pop in and have a look at the unique treasures that lie in store?