No other style of decorating offers a warm, comfortable atmosphere in addition to the charming beauty associated with country decorating. Even in the modern times in which we live, country decorating holds a special place in the heart of many people who grew up in a rural setting or on a farm.
Whether you live in the middle of a bustling city or in the country, you can recreate the look of a decade ago, adding charm and character to your living room.
Choose a color scheme first Before you start deciding on accents, curtains and other elements of the room, decide what colors you want to use. It’s best to stick to three colors so that the look is balanced, with one color being the dominant color for the room.
Country colors range from cream and pale red or rusty shades to country blues and brown tones, shades of orange, warm yellow and forest green.
Warm up the walls with a rustic touch Some people use a wainscoting technique for the walls. This simply means that you will use a different element for the bottom half of the wall than what is used on the top half.
Rough boards create a rustic look and add texture. Run the boards vertically up the wall to a point that is about 3 to 3 1/2 feet from the floor. Use nails to put the boards on the wall instead of glue; if you ever decide to remove the boards, nails will leave far less damage than glue.
Top the boards off with a pine board that is 2 x 4 inches, running horizontally across the top of the vertical boards. For a country look, stain the boards in a light pine or oak stain. Paint the remainder of the wall, up to the ceiling, with the color of your choice.
Stick with wood or tile for floors Carpeting doesn’t lend itself to an authentic country look. For real country style appeal, choose hardwood flooring or tile in a rustic finish.
While you want the wood floors or tile to be on display, throw rugs are a must for adding warmth and a splash of color in country decorating. Braided rugs are perfect for this use, and come in a wide range of sizes and colors. Scatter them around randomly for a relaxed, comfortable look.
Decorative accents can add country flair to almost any type of furniture While it is best if you can afford country style furniture, there are things you can do to make your current furniture take on a more countrified look and feel.
If you can afford to buy new furniture, stick to wood or leather when possible. Wood arms combined with floral upholstery are common in a country themed home. Wood accent and end tables help complete the look.
Now, for a few simple tricks to give any style furniture that country look. Large crocheted doilies placed on the arms of a chair or couch add an old-fashioned touch. Toss a few country-themed throw pillows in the mix, and your furniture has transformed to country! There are also a huge number of fitted slip-covers available that you can use to entirely cover your furniture, giving it a whole new look.
When it comes to accents for the walls, country decor often leans toward a farm or western theme, using old items that look like they are “gently” worn. Old-fashioned kitchen implements such as small iron skillets, rolling pins, small barn tools, saws, old farm pictures and other items all give new life to bare walls and add warmth.
Decorating your home in old-style country is easy! Put these tips and ideas to use in your home, and you may find that this is the most comfortable, welcoming environment you have ever come home to after a long hard day.
Wooden beds have long been a popular choice for the bedroom and continue to be bought by individuals who are looking for a durable and cost-effective sleeping solution. Wood is a renewable resource and for those with green concerns, it is worth noting that it is possible to purchase beds made exclusively from sustainable forests.