Country Home Decorating ? Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

What is the lure and appeal of country home decorating? Maybe it's the desire to escape the rush and demands of a hectic lifestyle. It could be the need to return to a time when life was simpler, perhaps even happier. The necessities of rural life are what influence today's country style home decor.

Country home decorating can be defined as a style featuring rustic simplicity and tradition. Home decorating country style is viewed as welcoming, unpretentious, friendly and practical. Country style home decor is flexible enough to include timeworn antiques, reproductions, crafts and handmade products all together. Country furniture is usually made by craftsmen and has a sturdy, rugged appearance. Country style furniture seldom uses delicate designs. Country home decor may feature unfinished beams, floors with natural finish, rough bricks and unpainted or undulating plaster walls.

Here are recommendations for specific rooms when country home decorating:

Country Kitchen Décor - use open shelves, buffets, plate racks and cupboards for storage. Country kitchen storage is usually crammed with stoneware pots, plain glazed earthenware and glass jars. Country kitchen pots should be made of copper, steel or cast iron -- country cookware tends to be large and plain. Country kitchen cabinets that are made of aged surfaces, natural materials, rough finishes and round knobs will keep the country style. Open shelving in the country kitchen is perfect to display plates and dinnerware collections. Kitchen cabinets or kitchen furniture made of pine or perhaps even painted can be a beautiful key element in the country kitchen.

Country Kitchen Countertops and Floors - country kitchens countertops have ceramic tiles or even hand painted tiles, slate or marble. If you want to use laminate materials, go for plain colors for coverings. Terracotta tiles, brick, stone and wood are very popular in country kitchen floors. If you decide to add some antiques to your country kitchen, they don't have to be perfect -- even chips and scratches will add to the charm and un-restored look of the antique. Adding a bit of wear and tear to maintain the country flavor is fun and it works!

Country Dining Rooms - dining rooms are once again popular. Many years ago, meals were eaten in large country home kitchens. Today, the kitchen continues to be the hub of the home and the place where you can have less formal meals. However, when entertaining guests, a dining room is the place to be. Country style dining rooms can have a large rectangular table made of pine, oak, walnut or mahogany with wooden chairs or old benches that are similar in style and material. A corner cupboard, plate racks, dresser or sideboard will provide perfect storage and serving area for the dining room as long as they match the style and the materials of the table and chairs.

Country Bathrooms ? the characteristics and styles of country bathrooms take us back to our simple life and roots. A bathroom with neutral tones or soft colored walls, antique looking lighting and wooden antiques or antique reproduction cabinets and vanity will give the country bathroom a calm and elegant atmosphere. Clawfoot tubs, country style antique brass faucets and old-fashioned country home decorating cabinets will give your bathroom the kind of atmosphere that invites you to spend time there.

A country bathroom should have wood, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl or natural cork floors. To have carpet in the country bathroom is not appropriate. Wood and brass accessories are perfect materials to use in a country style home decor bathroom. Plain white towels are recommended instead of patterned or bright modern patterns. Use wicker or wire baskets to keep your sponges, loofas and shampoos handy near the tub or shower.

Country Home Furnishings - decorative items associated with country style home decor include adirondack chairs, Windsor chairs, fresh or dry wild flowers, vintage baskets, quilts, yellowware bowls, blue and white ceramics, wicker or wire baskets, floral tapestries, linens and paintings, wool blankets, duck decoys and teddy bears. Floral patterns and candleholders also remind us of the country-style life.

The colors used in country home decorating are neutral tones ranging from white to bone, earth tones, red barn, blues and green which are the most appropriate colors for country style. Stenciling and wallpaper are frequently used in country home decorating. Stenciling originally was cheaper than wallpaper. Stenciling can be used around windows, in areas where the walls meet the ceiling or on the floors. Oftentimes, stenciling is even used on furniture. Done correctly, stenciling adds a great deal of charm to a country home decor.

While country life in the old days was often very difficult, it's now possible to recreate the pleasures and peace of a nearness to nature without having to endure the adversity and hardship of everyday rural life. In general, the knowledge and abilities needed to create a country style home are achievable by nearly anyone. Read all you can. Inspiration will come if you understand the basics for creating a country style home decor that provides the look and feel of the way life used to be.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

David Buster is Vice-President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the website to learn more about home decorating and remodeling, backyard living, home plans, kitchen and bathroom design and decor tips, home storage, fireplaces, log cabin rentals and more.

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:58:10 GMT

It's officially over: Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing - New York Daily News


ABC News
It's officially over: Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing
New York Daily News - 3 hours ago
BY LEO STANDORA Madonna's marriage to Guy Ritchie really is kaput , her rep told the Daily News on Wednesday. "Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after 7 l/2 years of marrige," Liz Rosenberg said in a statement.
Video: AP Exclusive: Madonna, Guy Ritchie to Divorce AssociatedPress
It's Official: Madonna And Guy Ritchie To Divorce MTV.com
BBC News - The Associated Press - The Gossip Girls - Just Jared
all 1,632 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:56:56 GMT

Jerry Jones exposed as gutless by Goodell's ruling - FOXSports.com


TSN.ca
Jerry Jones exposed as gutless by Goodell's ruling
FOXSports.com - 1 hour ago
by Ian O'Connor Ian O'Connor is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry," which Kirkus Reviews calls an "exemplary sports history.
Video: Dallas' Adam Jones Suspended Again AssociatedPress
Give Cowboys credit for not counting on Adam 'Pacman' Jones too much Dallas Morning News
Los Angeles Times - New York Times - Fort Worth Star Telegram - Detroit Free Press
all 1,080 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:52:30 GMT

Polls: McCain forced to play defense in some red states - CNN


Telegraph.co.uk
Polls: McCain forced to play defense in some red states
CNN - 1 hour ago
HEMPSTEAD, New York -- New polls out Wednesday in some crucial states that could decide the race for the White House suggest Sen. John McCain is having to defend himself in areas that once were reliably Republican.
Union sues over policy banning political material at polling places DetNews.com
Pollsters say odds of McCain winning election 'incredibly remote' guardian.co.uk
Boston Globe - New York Magazine - San Francisco Chronicle - AFP
all 989 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:34:00 GMT

Obama’s spending how much on ads? - Christian Science Monitor


Times Online
Obama’s spending how much on ads?
Christian Science Monitor - 1 hour ago
By Jimmy Orr | 10.15.08 It’s been a week of non-surprises thus far. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has been suspended - again.
McCain calls for 'voter fraud' inquiry Los Angeles Times
A stolen election? Washington Times
New York Times - Talk Radio News Service - Boston Globe - Seattle Times
all 859 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:03:33 GMT

Migraine-hit Janet Jackson to resume US tour - Reuters


CTV.ca
Migraine-hit Janet Jackson to resume US tour
Reuters - 55 minutes ago
By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A rare form of migraine forced Janet Jackson to cancel several dates on her Rock Witchu concert tour but she planned to return to the stage on Wednesday in Washington, DC, her manager said.
Jackson was laid low by migraines BBC News
Janet Jackson: She's Baaaaack* Washington Post Blogs
The Associated Press - eFluxMedia - FOXNews - Access Hollywood
all 846 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:02:47 GMT

Hurricane Omar gains strength and nears Puerto Rico - Reuters


BBC News
Hurricane Omar gains strength and nears Puerto Rico
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By John Marino SAN JUAN (Reuters) - Hurricane Omar strengthened on Wednesday as it bore down on Puerto Rico and the small islands of the northeastern Caribbean, and could be a "major" storm by the time it reaches them, US forecasters said.
Omar on the Move. Paloma Next? Washington Post Blogs
Hurricane Omar heads for US Caribbean islands The Associated Press
BBC News - United Press International - USA Today - NBC 29 News
all 2,556 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:12:36 GMT

AMR Plan to Buy 787s Will Update Fleet, Bolster Boeing Program - Bloomberg


KING5.com
AMR Plan to Buy 787s Will Update Fleet, Bolster Boeing Program
Bloomberg - 34 minutes ago
By Susanna Ray and Mary Schlangenstein Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- AMR Corp.'s American Airlines said it may buy as many as 100 Boeing Co.
AMR overcomes fuel costs to squeeze out small profit MarketWatch
AMR 3Q Net Down 74%, To Buy Up To 100 Dreamliners CNNMoney.com
Bizjournals.com - International Herald Tribune - Reuters - Flight International
all 186 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:24:10 GMT

Clickbank RSS Feeds
Easy Work At Home Opportunity


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Decorating Ideas for a Baby Nursery

Creating a comfortable area for your baby is important to... Read More

Candle Holders Add Flair To Your Home Decor!

Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first... Read More

How to Repair Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher isn't measuring up to the price you paid... Read More

Contemporary Grandfather Clocks

The name "grandfather clock" instantly conjures up images of a... Read More

Embossed Votive Holder Shade

Create the look of a Stained Glass Votive HolderSupplies Needed:Most... Read More

Corner Bakers Rack: Create Extra Storage Space and Style

One of the most highly sought after pieces of furnishings... Read More

Plantation Shutters Bring Antebellum Elegance To Modern Homes

Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer... Read More

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Open Windows ? Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze ?... Read More

The Benefits of Goose Down Comforters

It's a safe bet that you've never heard a goose... Read More

Installing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such... Read More

Decorating The Bathroom ? Dress Your Mess For Less

The bathroom may be the hardest room to decorate. Its... Read More

A Look at Wine Glass Racks

Any wine collection is not complete without a collection of... Read More

Carlton Ware: A Colourful Collectible

These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were... Read More

Fireplace Accessories - Adding The Finishing Touch To Your Hearth

Back in the day, fireplaces were an integral part of... Read More

Buying Parsons Chairs - What You Need to Know

Parsons chairs are commonly seen in homes around the dining... Read More

Decorating Kids Bedrooms - Get Them involved!

I believe kids are born creative. Unfortunately living life usually... Read More

Four Decorative Painting Techniques

Tired of plain, boring walls? Faux finishes are a great... Read More

Fireplace Screens - A Practical and Beautiful Addition To Your Home

There once was a time when the fireplace was the... Read More

Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office

From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and... Read More

The Arts & Crafts Movement for Beginners

If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you're likely an... Read More

A Guide to Bathroom Vanities

The basic bathroom vanity includes a mirror or medicine cabinet... Read More

The ABC of Being a Good Interior Designer

It may seem that all you need to be a... Read More

How Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home

The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they... Read More

Conservatory Furniture - Hints and Tips

No conservatory is complete without beautiful conservatory furniture to relax... Read More

Eastern Influences On Western Interiors: Japanese Décor - Part I of II - Color, Texture and Contrast

The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a... Read More