There may be many reasons why rustic home décor has surged in popularity in recent years. Some point to the pandemic as a catalyst, suggesting hybrid work schedules encourage the soothing effects of natural, authentic materials in today’s work-from-home world.

The editors of Houzz seem to agree, singling out rustic-style kitchens and living rooms among their top home design trends of 2023.

Many of us have an informal understanding of rustic. Perhaps it conjures images of rough-hewn wood and other natural elements informing a comforting, unpretentious look. Call it the triumph of the authentic, as nature is invited to calm the spirit with familiar, time-honored materials.

Rustic home décor is distinguished by several elements, which can also enhance farmhouse, Tuscan or coastal home styling:

  • Perfectly Imperfect: Natural (not engineered or mechanical) lines and silhouettes.
  • Primary Colors: Wood grains in beiges, browns, and muted white shades.
  • Accent Colors: Think tans, reds, blues, greens, yellows, and grays, with an occasional pop of bright color.
  • Fixtures: Iron, pewter, copper, and/or brass.

Rustic styling can be applied in a myriad of ways, modulated from modern to vintage. For new and remodeled home design, the presentation typically starts at the entry door, the architectural equivalent of the proscenium curtain. Is there a more telling way to reveal the ambiance within?

Behold, the Rustic Front Door

What distinguishes a rustic entry door? Here’s a checklist of expected features:

  • Rich, deep look of mahogany, cherry, or knotty alder
  • Evidence of purposeful weathering
  • Panel construction, metal accents, and etched design work
  • Featured wrought-iron clavos in a geometric shape paired with hinge straps
  • Dentil shelves and speakeasy privacy opening

While the authenticity of wood may be preferred by some, fiberglass is often selected as the composition of choice by many residential architects, home designers, home builders, and specialty contractors.

Aesthetics without Callback Worry

Topping the list of reasons is aesthetics. Fiberglass door craftsmanship is highly evolved, mimicking nature with uncanny fidelity, right down to subtle earthy tones, texture, and natural serendipity of swirling grain patterns. Seasoned building material experts have a difficult time answering, “Is it wood?” when inspecting a next-gen fiberglass entry door. The addition of wrought-iron accessories like decorative clavos, hinge straps, and a speakeasy grille completes the effect.

Beyond Beauty

Other reasons to specify a fiberglass door include maintenance and durability. For example, doors manufactured by Plastpro are sealed on all six sides by patented HydroShield Technology. That eliminates callbacks due to warping, delamination, corrosion, rotting, and the buildup of mold and mildew. Plastpro further extends door durability with full length composite stiles and top/bottom rails.

The sizing palette is generous too, with assorted door widths and heights available, up to 3-1/2 feet and 8 feet respectively.

It’s good to know one of residential architecture’s most popular design themes offers professionals the charm and beauty of the classic, rustic entry door without the usual callback worries.

Learn more about how worry-free rustic entry doors can enhance your next residential design project.