Print Article for : Country Style Decorating Ideas

Your Online Guide » Home Decor » Home Improvement Tips

[C1139]Country Style Decorating Ideas

by Matt Trostle, Mat

Born out of the innovative shift in art and design trends that swept the world in the post-World War II era, the modern decor aesthetic defined many homes in the 1950s with sleek, streamlined silhouettes, striking organic shapes, and an emphasis on geometric angles.

Although the apex of modern decor is regarded as the mid-twentieth century when pioneers such as Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi were in their heyday, this highly influential style has played a major role in shaping twenty-first century design trends. Its most obvious successor is contemporary decor, with which modern decor shares many important features.

Modern decor is sleek, sophisticated, and angular, with an emphasis on low-laying furnishings and the subtle understatement of a neutral or monochromatic palette. However, whereas contemporary decor has become more adapted to the needs of everyday life, modern decor typically offers a less compromising aesthetic vision, in which artistic concerns of the visual impact of a room are generally regarded as more important than their convenience as living spaces.

For this reason, modern decor is often associated with people whose lifestyles do not require a great deal of adaptability of their home environments.

The last several years have seen a major resurgence of modernist prints, fabrics, and furniture designs, making this style more accessible than at any time in recent memory, modern fabrics, rugs, and upholstery typically offer less variation in color and texture than their contemporary counterparts.

Art and accessories in the modern style often involve the repetition of bold, simple geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, or the boomerang shape that was characteristic of the era. Polished, reflective surfaces and metallic accents are common, as are boldly contrasting black or white pieces. Window treatments are typically very minimalistic, and it is not unusual to see windows left entirely bare in many modern rooms.

While this dramatic look can please the most discriminating, sophisticated consumer, some compromises and adaptations may be necessary to make a modernist space more suitable for active family living. Perhaps dedicating a room that isn't used very often, to the modern style. Then you won't have to burden yourself with the upkeep.

Good cooking, company, and wine are at the heart of an Italian; therefore, your decorating efforts should start in the kitchen. Italian decorations for the kitchen are very popular, so you shouldn't have a hard time locating them. There are paintings and other clever things such as representations of spaghetti or meatballs that can be hung on the walls. The olive, a staple of Italian foods, is represented on many serving trays or other functional pieces for the kitchen. If you choose one thing and build on it, soon you'll have things all over your kitchen that scream Italian.

Somewhere within this kitchen or in a dining room there should be a wine rack and at least four wine glasses, but preferably more. Wine is in the hearts of most Italians. They are famous for their vineyards and their love for their wine is obvious. White or red does not matter, but wine is a part of the Italian culture, and makes a wonderful addition to an Italian style decorated home.

The walls of an Italian styled home should be colorful. Rich earthy tones immediately come to mind. The kinds of colors that you may find out on one of those vineyards in Italy or on the shores of the ocean are the types you should use. The walls should also include some type of texture. It may be painted texture created by using the sponging or ragging technique while painting or it may be actual texture created by either using stucco or mixing paint with some sort of textured material such as sand, but there should be texture. A decorative moulding between the tops of the walls and the ceiling would also be a nice touch in at least one room, preferably the dining room. This will enhance the d'cor as well as add more texture to the room if it's lacking.

Another staple to the Italian culture would be that of fresh herbs. If you have a sunny windowsill, place some fresh herbs in terra cotta pots. Not only are they functional, but they are also fragrant. Their scent will waft throughout your home creating a smell that in pleasant and reminiscent of Italian cooking. If you purely want these plants for the decoration and have no intention of using fresh herbs in your cooking, many stores will sell fake pots with fake Italian herbs in them or you can buy the supplies from a craft store and make them. Either way, they will give you that Italian look and you won't have to worry about watering them or trimming them down.

The Italian decorated home is one that has a lot in it. There is a lot of color and warmth. There is a nice family feel to this home. With a little effort, an Italian style home will be created for many generations to enjoy.

Article Source : Get Value Of Your Home

About Author

Both Matt Trostle & Lee Dobbins - 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.

Matt Trostle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Home Management and Home Improvement. Matt creates articles for GreatPricedFurniture.com North Carolina's largest online store. Offering premium furniture including a large selection of. Matt Trostle's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.

Lee Dobbins - has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Lee Dobbins writes for where you can learn how decorate in many styles and get more tips on decorating with. Lee Dobbins -'s top article . to your Favourites.