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

1/2/3/4/5/6

Check out our TAG SALE!

Think hiring a designer is too expensive? Think again! There are so many different ways to work with a designer. We offer room consultations, paint suggestions, shopping and sourcing, complete room and house redo's, staging and reworking your current furniture, spot-checks in areas that aren't quite gelling and many other services. eBoards are a quick and easy way to get a design look and feel in your home. While hiring a designer may cost you a bit extra, we aim to save you money by preventing costly mistakes in your design plan.