Tips and ideas for decorating country houses
Farmhouse decorating is generally referred to as a “rustic” decorating style and can be created whether you live in a cabin-style home, mountain retirement home, or modern city apartment. Your home is your castle and you can create the look and feel of a country house no matter where you live.
Cottage-style homes are often made of stone or logs and offer a comfortable “home” feeling and are usually simple, charming, and unpretentious in their decorating style. You’ll want to incorporate the use of stone and natural woods, such as pine, which can be unfinished, aged, weathered, and hand-painted with designs such as birds, animals, country landscapes, flowers, or leaves.
Rustic country decor is all about handmade objects and furniture that connect with nature. Rustic country decor can start in the kitchen with a large, aged and weathered rectangular pine table, along with ladder-back chairs. Antique wrought iron or metal tabletop candle holders are appropriate for lighting a rustic decor, as well as hurricane and oil or kerosene lamps.
Vintage wrought iron or metal hardware is an excellent idea for decorating a country house and is available in many different styles and finishes. Use cabinets and pantries with open shelves and dish racks to display colorful dishes and dinnerware collections in earth tones, off white or blues and greens, glazed china and glass jars.
Add a rustic butcher block island and simple-lined copper or cast iron pots and pans. Another popular country house idea is to stencil decorating themes like roosters, hens, apples, or cows on vintage wooden shelves, the edge of the wall, or a rocking chair in the corner of the room. Use lots of baskets to store fire logs, pinecones, and sewing.
Country-style living rooms start with bare or waxed hardwood floors or stone materials paired with floor coverings like wool oriental rugs for warmth and texture. Add a warm bedspread or “throw” on the sofa, stencils on the walls, and decorations of flowers and wreaths.
Gingham patterns create a country home feel and can be used for window treatments, dining room chairs, upholstery, and wallpaper. Wreaths make a nice rustic decoration on a wall or door and can be found in many colors and materials such as pine or branches. You can make your own by shopping at craft supply stores and choosing from many different color schemes.
Add rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, trunks, chests, and antique or reproduction furniture. You can find cheap and inexpensive antique furniture at garage and yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and consignment stores.
The country-style bathroom will have a clawfoot tub and pedestal sink with antique brass faucets and rustic antique cabinets and hardware. Use lots of baskets to store your towels, sponges, and shampoos. Your rustic-style bathroom should create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Don’t forget the candles for a calming and relaxing bath after a long day.
Rustic farmhouse or cabin décor includes elements that are more simple, personal, comfortable, warm and inviting and can be created to express your personality no matter where your home is located.