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Read More:Country on a shoestringRustic style elements Get the 'country' look Rustic pictures Country Furniture: Styles, by country/region: |
... country decorating features in
In Europe, traditional rustic homes come in distinct shapes and styles.
You go 'a mile up the road', or just across the border, and you can immediately tell where you are by looking at the farmhouses and cottages.
(You'll see what I mean when you compare the page about Switzerland to the ones about its neighbor, France. Or to the articles about Tuscany.)
So on the one hand, there are many differences between, say, the decorating colors in a Gustavian style home and a country cottage in Calabria, or the furniture in a Provençal bastide and a traditional Swiss chalet.
On the other, there are lots of things that all these interior styles have in common.
Common Features in Rustic Homes
- Natural materials are key:
- wood
- stone
- earthenware
- non-precious metals
(iron, copper, pewter).
- Everything is well taken care of, but it is also well-used and will typically have the soft lines - and scrubbed surface - to prove it.
- Country decorating colors used to be made with natural pigments or dyes, and look more 'muted' and mellow than industrially produced colors. You won't find highly saturated color (or shiny fabrics, for that matter) on things that are for everyday use.
- Textiles (linen, cotton, wool) are often homespun, and woven in simple patterns (stripes or checks). Silks are only for very festive occasions.
- Embroidery can be sophisticated and intricate for special pieces, like bed spreads or tablecloths.
- Tools are often quite beautiful, and hang on the wall ready for use.
- Nothing fancy. Rustic decorating is not about showing off, it’s about useability. (Of course, if there’s a Meissen plate in the household, it really should be exhibited center stage, on a plate rack or the armoire in the living room. But the odds are there won't be anything really dainty in the house.)
That was a quick overview - for more details and a lot more pictures, have a look at the creative country style decorating ideas in these articles:
- Rustic Country Style Decor
- Country Window Treatments
- Country Style Home Decor on a Shoestring
- How to Get the 'Country Look' in the City
Country Style Decorating Choices
If you're lucky enough to own a farm house or a chalet that's a few hundred years old, you have some wonderful country decorating choices: - Fill it with as much original, antique furniture as you can lay your hands on, or...
- Create the greatest possible contrast through contemporary furnishings and appliances, or...
- Mix old and modern furniture into a harmonious composition, or...
- Decorate your home with beautiful things from all over the world - art, textiles, antique pieces, all displayed against the backdrop of a deeply provincial style of home.
Well, chances are that your home isn't an old farm house ... in which case you could have a lot of fun creating your personal country decorating style! Here are some ideas for your Allow yourself to get inspired by rustic homes in your own country, or from other parts of the world. Take what you love and create your own, quirky or romantic take on country style home decor!
If you're looking for inspiration, try some of the articles below. You're bound to find loads of useful tips and ideas.
Country Style Decorating - How to Get the Look - particularly if you're living in the middle of the city and there's not one exposed beam in sight.
Country Style Home Decor on a Shoestring: An article on how not to spend your entire pocket money on country decorating.
Country Style Living Room Furniture: Creating a room that really 'works' - for relaxation, warmth, and informal living.
Country Style Bedroom Furniture: You can buy country style bedroom furniture in a staggering number of ‘period’, regional, and national varieties. But why not mix & match it - or even invent your own?
The Perfect Country Style Sofa: ... too much choice. So which country style sofa is right for which kind of home?
Country Window Treatments: A show-and-tell of window decorating styles in different European countries.
Interior Rustic Pictures: The pictures on this page tell a story of lives more than a century ago, in a world that still exists.
Rustic Country Style Decor: It's a little more rough-hewn, a little less ‘pretty’ than most other country decorating styles. It has a simple, natural beauty all of its own.
Italian Country Style: Italian country decorating is done with love and with taste. Here’s an Italian designer’s thumbnail sketch of her country’s rustic decor.
Tuscan Decorating Style: Tuscany is where 'everyone' wants to own a house. Check out this series of articles about Tuscan kitchens, colors, bedrooms, living-rooms ... get the full lowdown on Tuscan interiors and lifestyle.
Swiss Country Style: Swiss country decorating is understated and quietly beautiful. Here's an original Swiss checklist for country interiors.
French Country Style ... is a unique, and very addictive form of rustic chic. Look here for ideas and tips to create French country kitchens, bedrooms, window treatments, and for ways to get the 'French' look on a shoestring.
Swedish Country Style: Swedish country decorating is all about space, clean lines and a light touch. Here's a young Swedish designer's take on her country's decorating style.
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