Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Decorating Styles Part III: Country


Decorating Styles 

    by Powell Brower Home 

For lack of a better broad term for this next category we are going to call this style "country".  This style years ago had a different connotation altogether. Today it encompasses the style of all countries: French, Italian, Spanish, Sweden, Southwest, Shabby Chic, English country, American colonial, Amish, 'southern style"- you get the idea. Decorating decidedly is regional. Here in Virginia you see alot of southern influences; "Williamsburg" decor, equestrian style or colonial influences.

Country style can be rustic,vintage or more up-to-date with 'new' finishes. It can be neutral in color, or colorful. The term "cottage" and "farmhouse" can apply to country style.  Let's take a look.


Part III: Country

This Swedish country bedroom is rustic with fine finishes, or look at the home of Loi Thai here for a fabulous more 'polished' example.



Shabby Chic, coined by Rachel Ashwell, features whites, rustic,romantic,cozy, and a "grandma's attic" feel.




Southwestern decor: "cowboy" and animal themes, symbolism, heavy wood and textiles:



Farmhouse-the upscale version -with fine fixtures and more sophisticated finishes:



Farmhouse, a more rustic version:




Nothing says country more than this picture:



Some characteristics of Country style are:
  • both straight and curvilinear lines
  •  ruffles, embellishments
  • floral fabrics ,plaids and checks ( like gingham )
  •  vintage finds
  •  antiques
  •  flea market finds
  •  recycled and repurposed furnishings
  • metal art
  •  "americana"
  • casual and cozy
  • handcrafted furnishings
  • romantic
Is your style "country"?

Nancy

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11 comments:

  1. I do like some elements of the style but an entire room or house would be too much for me to live with.

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  2. Probably my least favorite but I do like it in small doses.

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  3. I don't love country in an entire room or house, but small touches add character to any space - love the island and cabinets in the kitchen!!

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  4. I feel the same, love the texture and patina a rustic piece adds here and there in the mix.

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  5. No...I know now I am Transitional with some mirror and gold.

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  6. Thanks so much for the shout out, Nancy :) I love country style! But not an entire house or room. A few rustic antique pieces or quirky folk art accessories can really warm up a room.....give it character and patina.
    xoxo
    Loi

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  7. Ummm.........nope....not me even though I'm from Alabama and live in Nashvegas! :) Brandy

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  8. not really, but I must admit I have a lot of touches of it around my house - from vintage finds to plaids in my sons bedroom, it has appeal to me in small doses. :-)

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  9. I have a few rustic pieces that would fit into this one. Overall, it is still not me.

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  10. I love the rustic look!! Swedish style has really made such a huge impression here in the states!!

    www.donnaviningblog.com

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