When first introduced in the late 20th century, country decor often struck homeowners as a cheesy, cheesy type of decorating theme. Today, however, country decor has evolved into a fascinating array of styles that can be formal, traditional, casual, or modern.
In fact, this interior decorating style runs the gamut from Cottage Country, Shabby Chic, and Country French to English Cottage and Tuscan. Each version of this down-to-earth category has its own traditions and charm.
A traditional country decor can be achieved quite simply with the addition of some quilts as wall hangings and some colorful braided rugs. Antique tables, antique pickling jars, a collection of baskets, and a duck decoy or two embody the traditional style.
English Cottage is a pleasant combination of comfort, color and period. The emphasis in this style is a feeling of antiquity, that is, furniture that has been passed down from generation to generation is a treasured element of decor. Fabrics include chintz, floral prints like curtains with large cabbage roses, and floral rugs on the floors. An old steamer trunk can serve as a coffee table, while a collection of china plates can decorate the kitchen. An old china coffee pot could serve as a vase for a bouquet of mixed flowers from the garden.
Speaking of gardens, the Garden Cottage or Garden Country style aims to bring the outdoors inside. Colors of nature dominate this decorating theme, with dark green wicker furniture, fluffy pillows covered in yellow or pink floral prints, and lots of plants of all shapes and sizes throughout the house. Unusual containers such as garden buckets, old coffee pots, china vases, and even bowls and teacups are used to hold bouquets.
Country style has even gone modern! This updated version blends the uncluttered eclectic principles of modern decor with country motifs. Updating a Country look with modern touches requires embracing a “less is more” design principle. Rather than Grandma’s entire collection of backsplashes on the sideboard, Modern Country dictates choosing just a bowl full of apples to serve as the centerpiece on the kitchen table. Floral-patterned synthetic rugs cushion the cook’s feet and tie the design together. Modern Country pairs a marble countertop with a farmhouse sink, ditching an overstuffed chair from the living room in favor of a dark brown leather club chair.
Whichever Country style an owner prefers, there are still a few basics to follow. For example, this style bypasses wall-to-wall carpeting in favor of exposed floors covered in beautiful rugs. Hardwood flooring is most commonly used, although wood-look laminate and bamboo flooring are less expensive options in many cases. The key to this style is to use large rugs to define living spaces.
Window treatments are usually simple roller blinds framed by cotton drapes in muted plaid or calico prints. Natural fibers such as cotton rugs or wool rugs are preferred. Kitchens have freestanding cabinets instead of cabinets and built-in appliances. A rustic wooden table, often made of pine, is a must whether the style is French country, Tuscan or traditional. Landscape paintings, wrought iron sconces, blankets, and displays of wood or ceramic bowls on end tables complete the country feel of a home that is elegant and welcoming.