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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, well constructed furniture that provide a timeworn appearance - 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. The early stages of your home decor project is the time to decide on the color scheme. You will select two, possibly three colors for your palette, with 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.
Collectables such as candles, baskets, porcelain figures, small antiques, baskets or whatever your passion is, can be displayed in a way that showcases them rather than disappearing into the background. How? Display your pieces in groupings of five or less, varying the size and shape of each piece and thus creating an interesting 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 have found the most perfect hand-woven basket to add to your home's country decor, use it for storage as well. 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.
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Candi Randolph is a Design Consultant, owner of 'Simply Designed...Decorating to Fit Your Budget' in Fort Myers, FL & author of 'Ten Simple Steps to Design Success!' Her website, Great Home Decorating, offers a wide variety of advice, help, tips and articles for all styles and budgets. For more information please visit
http://www.Great-Home-Decorating.com
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