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Home Decorating Ideas - Elements of Country Style

By Candi Randolph

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Published: 24Jun2009
Word count: 521
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What do you enjoy most about Country Home Decorating? For some it is the casual, colorful, nic-nac haven of the 1980's...I remember that time, do you? Other country home decorating ideas of the past included ruffles, painted wood plaques on the walls, wreaths made of natural materials, braided area rugs, pine furniture, bunnies and duckies (with clothes on) in the front yard...it was and still can be, a comfortable, cozy and homey type of decor. At that time it was THE look in my midwest neighborhood!

Twenty five years later, Country home decor is still a comfortable and sought after look, although some of the elements have undergone a 21st century transformation. In this fresher, updated look, the wall plaques and ruffled plaids may no longer be present, but the overall look is still casual, informal and inviting.

Antique pieces, distressed wood (from age or intentional) of pine, oak and maple are staples of country home case goods. There are many great sources of new furniture that provide that 'got this from my grandmother' look, and are well-made, too - a big plus! If your style preference is more sophisticated upscale county, you'll most likely select new pieces which will have a light wood finish and a slightly more traditional look as opposed to a Colonial style turned leg, for example.

Fabrics are no longer cute ginghams and plaids in red, green and blue. Textile choices should remain organic, informal and durable, but the pattern and color schemes may vary, depending on homeowner taste. Select your color scheme early on in the project, determining the two or three colors that will make up your palette, and add one or two accent colors. Then stick with the plan to ensure that your space retains that 'put together' look.

As with any home decorating project, Country Home Decorating requires thoughtful planning with regard to the budget, color scheme and coordination of the furniture, accessories and room layout. And please remember that country decor doesn't mean cluttered and disorganized.

You can showcase your collectables, such as glassware, baskets, candles or whatever your passion is, and display them in a way that highlights rather than makes them disappear in the crowd. How? Keep the pieces in groups of no more than five, and vary the size and shape of the vignette. Whatever you decide to use as an accent in your country style home, make sure it is something that you love and enjoy having around every day, and that will be your secret to success.

Country style decorating is practical, so look for ways to make your pieces multi-task, or give them a new function. For example, if you find a hand-woven basket that you love and must have, use it for storage, too. The antique nightstand that you picked up at the flea market may have a place in the guest bathroom as a small storage unit.

Whether your unique interpretation of country style decorating is rustic, casual and primitive, or updated, fresh and simple...decorate from the heart with pieces you love and you will be pleased with the result.

Candi Randolph is the author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple and easy to understand guide with home decorating ideas and interior design tips. Please visit Great Home Decorating for home decor advice, tips, articles and help for all styles and budgets.

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