Country Decorating For The 21st Century
Matt Trostle
If the words "country decorating" conjure up unpleasant visions
of floral print wallpaper, cross-stitched samplers,
kerchief-wearing geese and copper hen statuettes that may have
bedecked your grandmother’s kitchen, you need to acquaint
yourself with the twenty-first century update of this popular
style.
Today’s country decor is rustic, not rusty, with an emphasis on
vintage charm and a spring-influenced color palette that is as
refreshing as breath of country air.
Like almost every other popular decor style, today’s
re-imagined version of country decorating has been heavily
influenced by the spare contemporary style that has come to
dominate American homes.
Gone are the days of antique accouterments, tools, and utensils
plastered over every square inch of wall in a country kitchen --
instead, today’s country decor takes a style note from
contemporary design and favors a sparer aesthetic in which
unique accents, accessories, and pieces of art are highlighted.
The color palette associated with today’s country decor is
muted, but not bland, pairing mid-value colors such as slate
blue, sage green, and off-white. Distressed finishes that call
to mind the look of weathered and aged surfaces are also
popular, and it is not uncommon to see accent walls or pieces
of furniture highlighted with crackle glaze, milk paint, or
another similar technique.
The furniture in country interiors is often inspired by antique
designs and silhouettes. An eclectic approach that pairs diverse
pieces is favored over an excessively coordinated look,
mimicking the appearance of a room put together through years
of thrift store acquisitions.
Divergent prints that blend but don’t match are an important
part of the country look, as are straight, spare lines
influenced by the Amish or Shaker aesthetic. Window treatments
are typically light and playful. Unique, primitive accessories
and accents that proudly announce their handmade heritage
complete the country look.
About The Author: Matt creates articles for
http://www.GreatPricedFurniture.com North Carolina's largest
online furniture store. Offering premium furniture including a
large selection of bedroom furniture at
http://www.greatpricedfurniture.com/living-room-furniture.html
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