What is Country Style?

T.R. Humphrey
Do you have a vision of a perfect country style home? Country style is warm and welcoming. Comfortable furniture fits in naturally with this style. Colors and patterns should be informal. You can use New England, Shaker, or even some Modern Ethnic style furniture in this design. Some people believe that country style should have a darker color palette. You can make country style light and airy. Remember to bring a little of the outside in. Textures are important when designing a country palette.

Try choosing a color scheme form a garden outside. You can pull colors from a window box or use tactile natural wood with Earth tones. Pick something for inspiration to draw your color scheme from. You can try keeping your color palette neutral and throw punches of color in draperies, pillows, or fabrics. Using checks and floral patterns are very popular in country style. Remember to keep a sense of light and space throughout your design. If you use patterns of florals or checks in your design try using a classical white on trim or in the furniture. On the other hand, you may want to go with wood tones like naked wood tones or stained furniture. Think about what you like in country style and personalize your design to fit your taste. Placing old items in your decor can add charm to your country design. Display old cutting boards in the kitchen or old tea kettles, baskets, and dishes. Using old boxes or baskets filled with flowers is another idea. You can be creative and find uses for old items. For example, kerr jars can be used to store spices or other items. However, keep it simple and uncluttered.

Simple patterns, furniture, and craftsmanship are the heart of a country design. Painted floorboards or white wash is another popular use in this design. Textures found in country style can include brickwork, pebbles, copper, steel, glass, wrought iron, baskets made from twine, and different types of wood. You can always mix and match textures along with colors and patterns. This is a natural way to design in country style decorating.

For a more chic country style use white or light colors on the wall to keep it light and airy. Then, add punches of color like red, pink, blue, yellow, or lavender. Pay attention to you instincts and pick colors you find pleasing. The colors you choose should be in the same color family. Pastels, antique colors, neutrals, or brights should be kept in the same group. Take your starting color and look for other shades in a similar family to complement the design. Adding contrast in your design can add life to it, but be sure to use it in small doses. Too much contrast can make your room seem busy. Always remember to keep country style uncluttered, light, and airy.

Sources:

http://www.decorating-country-home.com/

Published by T.R. Humphrey

T.R.Humphrey was a featured Home Improvement Contributor for 2010 and has helped many of her clients with home improvement projects. She specializes in painting, faux finishes, and murals. However, she has...  View profile

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