Rustic simplicity that is modest, unassuming and friendly forms the core of country home decor. Though flexible enough to include natural materials of all kinds, hand made period pieces, well-worn antiques as well as reproductions, country style furnishings will rarely include designs that are delicate or furniture that is formal. Look for rustic, sturdy and durable country furniture that is hand crafted; country furniture is rarely machine made.
There are several types of country decor styles, from American Rustic and European Country to Vintage or Modern Country. While sticking with one style of country decor for your entire house is a safe, simple and time saving option, the very coordinated sameness that you tried so hard to achieve can look monotonous and humdrum after a while. Mix and match complementary country-styled furnishing and give every room a refreshing yet eclectic look.
Here are a few vital elements of country style d'cor. Mix and match the different elements in different rooms to acquire a country look that is time-honored and yet unique at the same time.
Wooden Surfaces
Wood is the key material in rustic country style d'cor. For an authentic country look and feel, the style should be plain and simple, the wood unpolished, with the wood grain visible and chips and scratches completing the natural look. Cabinets, beds and tables are hand carved in oak, walnut, cherry, hickory, pine and other exotic woods. Cabinets with inlaid tiles and wooden chairs with colorful cushions enhance the beauty of natural wood and are great additions in rustic country interior decorating.
If you are hesitant to invest huge sums of money into your country style d'cor endeavor, you could acquire the country style look with smaller items including wooden bowls filled with usable items; wooden kitchen accessories; rustic wooden shelves and wooden containers such as large camphor boxes or smaller carved chests.
Country Texture
Textured surfaces that emphasize the beauty of natural materials are indispensable in country interior decorating. Wicker furniture and willow baskets are excellent accessories for any country style d'cor. They are comfortable, relatively inexpensive and impart a casual country atmosphere to any room. Colorful, terracotta bowls, plates, jugs and vases in different glazes add country color to any room.
Country Lighting
Nothing breathes country atmosphere into any room more than the warm, gentle light emanating from a live flame. No dimmer switches and railing lights in your country room. Instead go in for antique candelabras for the dining table and side tables, petroleum or candle-lit wall sconces and real petroleum lamps or chandeliers with real candles handing from the ceilings.
Country Fabric
Natural fabrics including cotton and wool are a simple, cost-efficient, yet wonderfully effective way of enhancing the rustic country atmosphere in any room. Blankets in soft, natural-dye colors; embroidered tablecloths and cushions-covers or an old sampler, framed in wood and hung up on the wall are all suggestive of country living. Avoid synthetic, man-materials of any kind. Quilts in faded, muted, subtle color combinations that hint at long usage infuse the room with an old-world country charm.
Country Accessories
Windsor chairs, Adirondack chairs, dry or fresh wild flowers, quilts, vintage baskets, blue and white ceramics, floral linens and tapestries, wire or wicker baskets, wall clocks, candle holders and wool blankets are all reminiscent of country living.
Decorating Ideas For Homes
How you decorate your fireplace will depend in part on the room where it is located. A bedroom fireplace may look quite different from one in the family room or den. Part of your decorating decision will be based on the room and its tone. For example, your bedroom fireplace should have a cozy, intimate look with a d'cor that is special for the occupants of the room. If one or both spouses like cats, use cat-decorated accent pillows with a matching throw for a rocking chair on the hearth. Add a coordinating mantel runner, and you have a total look, especially with a nearby wall picture or two of a related theme.
A living room fireplace can become the focal point of the area. Accompanying floral arrangements sitting in an unused fireplace center or on either side of the hearth add a warm touch. Fireplace tools, like tongs, a brush, and a poker for stirring the embers come in many designs and styles to match the room's decorating scheme. You can get a Mediterranean, early American, or French provincial style to suit the mood of your living room. Adorn the mantel with period antiques or accents to add color and design.
Some people even have kitchen fireplaces on which they cook or hang decorator pots and kettles. Baskets hanging on the mantel and pewter urns across the top help to make that type of fireplace inviting and attractive. A cat, ceramic or otherwise, adds even more charm.
During the holidays, a fireplace offers the perfect place to hang Christmas stockings or holiday greeting cards. Some families stack gifts on the hearth or arrange Christmas decorations for a magical display area in keeping with the holiday spirit. Children sometimes put out a plate of cookies and a cup of cocoa for Santa. A wreath above the mantel is a nice seasonal touch.
When you arrange a fireplace in your den or home office, it could look semi-formal, with paperweights, books, and quill pens for effect. But it also may have accents like your favorite coffee cup, a planner, and an afghan quilt draped over a nearby rack when you stretch out on the leather sofa for a snooze or to catch up on your reading. Photos or busts of famous people and admirable mentors can round out the various types of d'cor you may want to include in your personal workspace area fireplace.
Your fireplace serves as the heart of any home, and particularly the room that it occupies. Use your creative talents to devise a decorating scheme to make your fireplace a showcase of the things that are special to you, as well as those that make a visitor feel welcome.
Both Bill Brennan & Charles Kassotis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Bill Brennan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Food and Drink and Home Management. Create a country d'cor with or for more lavish appeal look at. Bill Brennan's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Charles Kassotis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Appliances, Gifts for loved ones and Pets. Fireplace Decorating Ideas and information of all types can be found at ?>The Fireplace Directory. Charles Kassotis's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
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