Country Home Furnishings
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For many city dwellers, country home furnishings are a way to escape the hectic urban lifestyle for the peaceful tranquility of rural living. When it's impossible to leave the corporate rat race behind, an urban apartment or city house decorated in rustic home furnishings can be a relaxing place to unwind after a stressful day at the office. For those living on country farms or in mountain cabins, the rustic decorating style is a natural choice that showcases the tradition of a farming heritage. And for those who live in-between, the suburbanites, upscale country home furnishings can provide a comfortable gathering place for family and friends to enjoy each other's company, or to relax after a long commute.
Country decorating utilizes natural materials as much as possible and decorative items that look handmade even when they aren't. Wooden floors may be polished to a sheen, yet have characteristic pitmarks from decades of being walked on. Braided rugs are scattered about, providing texture and warmth. The walls may be painted in neutral shades or earth tones, or perhaps papered in small floral patterns or bold country motifs. Popular designs incorporate such elements as apples, floral wreaths, roosters, birdhouses, hearts, and Americana folk art for borders or to be used either above or below chair railing or crown molding. Wide borders with bold patterns complement smaller matching designs, checks, stripes, or plaids that can be used for larger wall areas. A bear or moose motif may be used with more rustic home furnishings to create a log cabin ambience or to bring the feel of wilderness living into the dwelling. Chandeliers that look like wagon wheels or that are made from antlers, whether authentic fixtures or reproductions, are common lighting elements for rustic decorating.
A dark brown leather sofa fits perfectly in a country theme, especially when teamed up with either complementary or contrasting upholstered chairs. Comfort is a primary factor when it comes to selecting seating for the rustic dwelling. Throw pillows and curtains can be made from the same fabric to add a unified look to the room, though window shutters are an innovative alternative to traditional drapes when it comes to window treatments. A stack of folded quilts, perhaps piled in an open trunk or a large basket, invites family and friends to wrap themselves up on chilly evenings while watching television or reading a good book. Or handmade afghans can be draped over the back of the sofa and chairs. Such simple decorating elements provide a hospitable feel to a family room. Other furniture, such as tables, bookshelves, and an entertainment unit may be weathered or painted pine or perhaps crafted from aspen logs. Some pieces may be lightly painted in neutral colors or blues or greens. A red-barn color palette is also popular for country home furnishings. Coarse and unfinished pieces are perfect choices for this decorating style.
Other natural materials that can worked into the overall design are stones, perhaps for a fireplace, flagstones for an entry way, and such items as evergreen branches and pinecones. The evergreen is especially popular for Christmas decorating, though pinecones are interesting accents for rustic home furnishings at anytime of the year. The outdoors can be brought into the house by potting native plants in stoneware or earthenware crockery, pottery, or terra cotta containers. Another idea for bringing elements of nature into the house is to arrange a small collection of bird houses on a plant shelf or countertop. Other collectibles can also be displayed, perhaps rag dolls or stuffed teddy bears. Baskets, in a variety of shapes and sizes, are also an integral element of country decorating whether handmade or mass-produced. To add additional interest, baskets can be lined with calico prints or trimmed in lace, filled with balls of yarn and embroidery projects, or hold freshly baked cookies for mid-afternoon snacking.
When Solomon, the wise king of the Old Testament, built the Temple of God, he used many precious stones and much fine gold. But he also used natural materials. "Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. . . . . And the greater house he cieled [paneled] with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains. And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim" (2 Chronicles 3:3, 5-6). The Temple of God was uniquely designed and magnificently furnished. The royal style will never be confused with rural elements. But the design incorporated motifs and themes that were significant to the Israelites. This significance can be incorporated into country home furnishings by using items that invoke memories and traditions. Family photographs, treasured heirlooms, and cherished mementos can be artfully and tastefully displayed to invoke tradition and heritage. Needlework created by beloved family members can be transformed into creative wall hangings. Even a quilt, if properly handled, can be displayed as a work of art. Many people make a hobby of finding unique items to add to their rustic home furnishings by visiting flea markets, antique stores, online auction sites, or thrift shops. Yard sales (known as tag sales in some parts of the country) are a great source for finding that perfect piece at a discounted price. For lots of people, the hunt is as much fun as acquiring something new.
No matter where a person lives, in an urban high-rise, a suburban ranch house, a rural farmhouse, or a wilderness log cabin, country decorating can create a relaxing and comfortable environment for family and friends. Natural materials, treasured heirlooms, and unique collectibles add to the rooted ambience of both country and rustic home furnishings.
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