Create a Rustic Retreat: Outdoor Design Ideas for Your Country Home

Looking to create your own rustic retreat on the outside of your home? These types of homely additions are becoming more and more popular with homeowners seeking to give their property a rural look.

Adding a country-inspired design to your home's exterior will give it a warm atmosphere and allow it to stand out among the others in your neighborhood. Between cool wooden features and stone details, you'll be able to make your visitors feel like they're in the Wild West.

We've compiled our favorite outdoor designs in this list to give your property some country flair!

Install a Chicken Coop

Whether you own some chickens already or are considering getting some,  if you install a chicken coop, it could be a beautiful addition to your backyard. While they provide comfortable space for your furry friends, they can also add character to your garden, especially if you paint it in a striking color.

The chicken coop size you'll need will depend on the number of chicks you own. You can usually find them starting in sizes from 3 x 4, and they go up to 12 x 24. However, the number of chickens you own will play a big part in your decision.

You'll want to ensure it maintains the rustic style you're going for, so stick to wooden options. Additionally, be sure to consider woods that are very durable. Cedarwood, for example, has a long lifespan and looks great.

Build Your Own Front Wooden Patio

With a front wooden patio, you can give your home the look of a saloon from cowboy movies. Some key features you could add to make it look the part include wooden railings, benches, barrels, an overhanging cover, or even a little rocking chair.

Prices of wooden patios vary greatly depending on the style and size you want to go for. In most cases, you should expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,500 for a ground-level type. On the other hand, raised options range between $2,000 and $6,600.

Don't forget to factor in any additional costs that come with building a front wooden patio. Things like lighting fixtures, electrical sockets, and landscaping integration will all have to be paid for (if you want to add them).

Open-Front Barn Garage

Keep your jeeps protected at home with an open-front barn garage. You might be thinking barns are only for animals, but that's not the case; there are tons of barn-style options specifically for vehicles.

An open-front barn garage allows you to easily store your vehicles after a long work day. The ceilings need to be high enough so your cars can squeeze in smoothly, and you'll want to add some beams to separate each parking spot.

If you have the space, you can build a standalone open-front barn garage or attach it to the side of your property. Remember to factor in the number of vehicles you have at home so everyone can fit in, but also consider the times when you'll have guests.

Hang up a Farmhouse Swing

Another cool country-style feature you could add to your home is a farmhouse swing. This is a relatively easy addition that only needs a supply of wood, durable rope, and some woodworking skills, and you're good to go.

Farmhouse swings can be added pretty much anywhere outside of your home, as they don't take up too much space. You could hang one out on your front patio, between two trees in your backyard, or in an alcove at the side of your property.

The amount of area you've got to work with will determine the style you can opt for. A swing bed will make a stunning statement if you want to go big. However, if you only have a small amount of space to hang it, a classic one-seater wooden swing may be a better route.

Create a Country Kitchen Outside

Take your cooking outside with a country-inspired kitchen. Add all the essentials you have indoors, like an all-weather oven, hobs, sinks, and a dishwasher. At the same time, you can give it some rural elegance by adding faded brickwork, wooden countertops, shaker-style cabinets, and much more. Moreover, we think Caraway's Bakeware Collection really goes with the country look, so it could be a lovely addition to your kitchen.

To finish this idea, adding a dining area beside the kitchen would be great if you've got some space. You don't even have to go out and spend a fortune; all you need is a wooden farmhouse table and some chairs that go with the style. The tablecloth and cushions can be stored inside and brought out whenever you want to use them.

Add a Wooden Shed

A wooden shed can be used for many different purposes, not only for storage. There's no end to how you can use them, from setting up your own little man cave to developing it into a local speakeasy for your guests only.

Get started building your wooden shed by deciding on the layout. Consider its purpose and the maximum number of people you'll want to fit inside; this will give you an idea of the size you'll need before the building begins.

Once it's built, then you can focus on the style and interiors. Sticking with the rustic elements, keep your furnishings wooden, but don't be afraid to play around with color.

These Are Some Ways You Can Create Your Own Rustic Retreat

Start building your own countryside haven by adding some of these ideas to your outdoor area. It only takes the right materials, enough space, and a spark of imagination, and you'll have your dream rustic retreat in no time.

Pulling off an outdoor design of this style takes some work. It's not easy, but if you stick to the finer details of these ideas and understand what goes into a transformation of this magnitude, you'll give it your personal touch.