Country Home Decorating
Simplicity and Warmth

Country home decorating is one of simplicity that invites a warm, casual, and kid-friendly atmosphere to the home. The fact that this style has been around for centuries just adds to its charm and its use of natural colors and textures embody the culture of simple country living.

Do you ever hear yourself saying Ah . . . the good old days?

Family heirlooms of the “good old days” conjure up tender sentiments and those heirlooms work as well today as they did in the days of old. Generally, if a piece still works there is a tendency to hang onto it.

But country home decorating has variations to the term and can mean many things to many people. All share an interest in restoring the warmth of history, updated for today.

One of those variations to the theme of country home decorating that comes to mind is rustic or primitive.

Rustic country is a homespun, down to earth style that is created using plain furnishings of pine or oak and simple cotton or wool fabrics with accents of weathered copper, pewter, brass and tin.

But if you are attracted to flowered chintz (inspired by English gardens) porcelain, lots of books, or the wondrous art of the Italian countryside or French provincial fabrics, then the world class approach and the romance of European culture are more to your style of European country decorating.

But what if your idea of fun is antiquing and open air markets? Do you love the cottage style of whitewashed wood and painted wicker even though they may be a little shabby? Then you want to check out the resale shops and estate sales for pastel colored quilts, chenille bedspreads, lace, pastel depression glass and crystal drop chandeliers.

All of the above styles can be categorized as country home decorating and the one thing many appreciate is that it is easy to mix the various pieces regardless of the theme you favor.

The interiors decorated in this style and its many variations are furnished with wood furniture ranging from budget friendly pine or oak to the more sophisticated maple and cherry.

When you begin looking for special pieces to complete your country rooms, don't rule out antiques. They were made by hand to last for generations and many can be acquired for no more investment than a modern piece. Also, it is eco-friendly.

Quilts are used for their architectural impact as well as their versatility and cuddling factor for napping. They can be used in almost any country home decorating theme because of the many patterns including some surprisingly geometric shapes and colors.

Throw one on the arm of an otherwise formal looking sofa, by taking the quilt (or a blanket) by the corner and give it a shake. Then “throw” or drape it over the corner of the chair or sofa. Don’t worry about fussing with it. Leaving it casually tossed like this gives a sense of movement and life to a room.

Store them in cedar lined hope chests that can just as easily store the kid's board games.

Wood plank floors are widely chosen and loved for their homey feel of the texture as well as the comfort. Flagstone or tile floors find their way into this style with a hooked or braided rug adding warmth to your rooms.

Windows are treated in a simple manner and not too fussy which could include plantation shutters, roman shades or simple panels with or without valences. Wood blinds are also suitable.

Start collecting genuine old items that are meaningful to you or handmade artifacts that show some unique craftsmanship and display along with accessories of simplicity including wooden bowls and baskets left empty or filled with apples, or photographs that never made it to the photo album.

Baskets can also store newspapers, magazines and blankets and can be kept out in the open or under a sofa table as they compliment this style in a big way.

Show off fresh flowers but just use plain glass vases. Group several glass vases inside a basket, or use a single bloom in several old milk bottles. Farm stand baskets can hold an abundance of lilac boughs or hydrangeas.

Layer pillows and mix the patterns. (Remember the English gardens)

Group together a variety of wooden or silver/pewter candlesticks with ivory taper candles. Small urns or terra cotta pots can become candle holders for pillar candles.

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