Country Style Decorating

The country style of decorating is warm and inviting. It combines homespun items and looks with comfort and a lived in feel.

Colors:

In this style muted colors are best. Bold colors detract from the overall feel of this look, so stick with colors like: pale red, mustard, cream, light blue and olive green.

Floors, Ceilings and Architectural Features

• There should never be carpeting in a country style bathroom; instead opt for wood, ceramic tile, cork or linoleum.
• Opt for soft antique lighting features such as wrought iron chandeliers.
• With kitchen cabinets create an aged wood look by distressing them, and have round knobs made of wood instead of metal.
• Countertops in the bathroom or kitchen should be ceramic tile, slate or marble.
Furniture:
• Have a large rectangular kitchen table made of hard wood. It should have wooden chairs or benches. A matching sideboard is also common in the country style.
• Make sure furniture has simple lines and is wood.
• Country chairs and sofas usually have high backs.
• A rocking chair is a simple way to bring the charm of the country look into any living room.
• Look for furniture in flea markets or furniture that looks like it came out of your grandparent's attic.

Fabrics and Patterns:

Floral, striped and checked patterns usually printed on calico fabric. Any vintage looking fabric will also work well.

Accents and Accessory Pieces:

Accents and accessory pieces in the country style are generally items that you would usually have but are put on display. Here are a few ideas based on what you could display by room:

Kitchen

• Wooden spoons
• Dishes
• Pottery
• Bowls of fruits or vegetables
• Cookbooks
• Canisters for sugar, flour etc.
• Dried herbs or flowers

Bathroom

• Baskets to hold towels
• Glass jars for holding bathroom supplies or toothbrushes
• Baskets or pots to hold books, towels, soap, shampoo etc.

Living room

• Throw pillows
• Quilts
• Rugs
• Flower, candle and potpourri displays