If you belong to those groups of individuals who rarely care about glamour and over-the-top designs for your home, then the country style is definitely your cup of joe. Its popularity with the masses is simply timeless because it combines "calm" with a bit of "chic". It's a comfortable way of dressing up your home, minus all the fuss!
Albeit ageless in its appeal, this kind of theme has undergone several evolutions through the years. Some twenty years ago, the typical charm of the adorable little country house was very much in demand. However, as time progressed, the French-inspired style caught on and eventually became the new trend. This was also influenced by a more rugged Western look. Nowadays, the Country style has become a bit more modern with the addition of crisp fabrics in vibrant white and pieces made from natural stone. It has come a long way from your idea of the regular primitive farm shack!
If getting all down and dirty isn't your style, then you can pick a more polished Country home design. Try adding a touch of French influence in your decorating plans. This can be done in two easy ways. First, you can mix in accessories and walls in combinations of black and white to lend a more elegant appeal. But if you are a follower of the toile pattern that comes in blue and red, then don't hold back because this style is still quite popular, not to mention very "French". While the charm of the rooster-type decor remains infectious, too many cock-a-doodle-do's around the house could cause migraine headaches for some folk in your family! Be sure you use this colorful and fancy accessory in areas that need it the most! Otherwise, you'll end up with a house that looks more like a barn.
Investing in a rustic and informal Country theme assures you of a laidback ambiance that is very conducive for de-stressing. Others go as far as chipping off paint from a brand new bureau to obtain that worn down effect! You can do the same too! Another great idea would be to combine these weathered or beat up pieces with furniture that's soft and simply comfy. If you have antique pieces lurking about, give them a quick polish and they'll turn into instant home decor features that will definitely spark conversation. Think of rugged tin furnishings and shabby items that reflect eras gone by. You'll have guests thinking about how your house has been handed down through generations when it's actually relatively new!
Remember also that the rustic style and the primitive style are two similar yet very distinct themes. The primitive approach to country design tends to utilize accessories and furniture that are a little bit more shabby-looking compared to the rustic style. The drapes and the fabrics are virtually free of any bright color save for tea-died pieces that celebrate life in the country. This designs overall aura is a cross between crudeness and sheer comfort!
If you don't want to live in a farmhouse that looks almost prehistoric, try some modern approaches as well. How about adding some dark wood items in a setting of bright white walls? Hues of white and taupe also go well even when you have white walls, so don't worry if you purchase a sofa or a center table in these colors. The real bonus is that you won't have to make any major alterations when trends change because this design scheme is very safe. For a hint of color, why don't you incorporate interesting accessories such as throw pillows and rugs? If you feel the need to revamp your space later on, changing some of these accessories for currently in-demand items would lend a whole new "look" to the area.
This last option is for those who worship the Victorian era of style. Just because you decided on a country theme doesn't mean you have to go all the way and miss out on the fancy decor items that you could use. Try merging the relaxed country style with an unexpected twist of Victorian flair using some elegant accessories. The key antiques that you have deserve some refurbishing with a touch of lace or some adorable covers in rose prints.
So go on, indulge in a Country theme that will make you wonder why you ever left for the city.
By:Jacob Ginsbrook
