There is peace and tranquillity that can be found in the country ~ Anonymous.

What is country-style decor?

The country-style decor is another name for simplicity. A theme of decoration that exhibits the modest country life. No rush, no haste just soothing, relaxing, and ordinary life.

Styling homes this way is appreciated and liked by many people. It has that IT factor, a common yet unique charm that attracts everyone. The simplicity reminds people of the simpler time, mostly of their childhood when everything was perfect, untangled, and easy.

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Thinking of shifting to the country?

With the increased pace of development and modernity, the simple country setting is becoming more common day by day. It is preferred by people more than modern complex settings. The country-style decoration is a fun yet informal setting.

Some characteristics of Country style decor

Every person has their own style even in the same category, but you can get a head start by these neutral tips that are common and signature to country style decoration and settings.

Floors

The floor that is rough and has slight unfinished appeal is the signature mark of country style. Especially the wooden floor has a charm that screams country from all sides. If you do not want an exposed wooden floor, go with a simple finish not too extravagant. In addition, you can have polished and painted floors.  The floor should be light in color and not something too bright that pops out. You can paint over the wood if you like but that would be doing injustice to its natural one-of-a-kind brown shade. The natural patterns of wood are unique in every bar of wood, its every piece, and every tile. Seeing the patterns, you cannot help but fall in love with the wonders of nature.

Furniture

Along with the wooden floor and its relaxing vibes, you can raid your grandmother’s attic and find the lost, strong furniture. Wooden furniture would go with the wooden floors perfectly. Or keep an iron table to add a contrast.  Up until now, you can feel the country vibes getting stronger. You can also go through some yard sales to discover a lonely piece of a wooden table, chair, or shelf and bring them home. Make sure there are no tiny holes in the wooden furniture that might be the gateway, a passage of termites to eat your furniture hollow. It is all about shopping smart. Slap the furniture, this would give you an idea if the furniture is hollow or strong from inside. If you buy Iron made furniture from a yard sale, make sure it is not too much corroded as to break easily. Rustic and unpolished furniture is a part of country style but so is a neat piece of table and chair with polished finish. In addition to the rustic style, the polished and classical style of furniture is also an important element of country style. Anything that is modest, natural and reminds people of simpler times, is country.

Accent furniture is crucial for any interior style, and selecting perfect accent furniture is an art everyone should learn. Read my article onTips for Picking up the perfect accent furniture

Some of the most common material used in the making of country style furniture are as follows:

Wood

Wood is the most common and sensible choice for country decoration. You can even build your own chair or tables if you like. The imperfect, piece of furniture would add the real natural element to your country theme. It would also help you love your home even more considering all the effort to put in making the furniture. Wood can be subjected to termites and brittleness over time if not taken care of properly.

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Brick

Bricks are the basic construction material used in all types of homes. In the case of a country setting, you can make use of bricks as decorations. For example, you can build a fireplace with bricks, also a kitchen counter with bricks. You can paint over these or leave them as they are for the natural experience and view.  Bricks are strong no doubt, but they can wither away with time.

Iron

Wrought iron has been used in the making of furniture for centuries if not longer. Iron is sturdy, strong, durable and weather resistant. It has a charm to it and an appeal not in any metal. Iron can be moulded into various shapes to result in the best article for you. You can get many iron made decoration pieces as well as some chairs and tables. Unlike brick, iron won’t wither away, unlike wood it would get brittle, and unlike stone it is not as heavy. Iron is however susceptible to corrosion, for that it is usually covered by another metal or made into an alloy by combining two metals.

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Stone

Stone is a close relative of ceramic materials. They are very earthy and strong to use. The kitchen counter made of stone and marble is a good place to start. Stone-made tables are also common in a country setting. This type of material is durable but very heavy to move around just like ceramic. Stones are water resistant as opposed to wood or bricks.

Glossy White Ceramic Stool

Walls

Try and add a more natural element to the setting. After installing the wooden floor let’s divert your attention towards the wall. One way to get country vibes is to keep the bricks of the walls exposed. It would give a natural appeal to them. Or, paint them over with colors that are simple, Muted colors like pastel, cream, or white work best. You can also decorate your walls with wood. Wooden walls can be a bit expensive but surely provides that elegant country charm. You can use wood paneling on ceilings as well. Another unique idea is to have a sheet of iron as your wall coverings. You can use Iron sheets as separations, to divide a big room into two and also get a country theme.

Learn the essential things to consider while choosing the perfect wall decor in my article The guide in getting the perfect wall decor

Country themed decorations

Decorations and ornaments are a great way to set a style, a vibe. Country-style decoration includes many things that can be used like,

Small chickens and other barn animals

You can use decorations of animals found in farms and barns to really commit to the setting. Small animals stuffed with cotton make up for the cutest items of decoration.

Brown Rooster Decoration

More exotic animals

You can decorate your home with synthetic figures (not at all natural) of animals like deer, lions, and rhinos. They are expensive but give an adventurous and wealthy vibe to your setting. These are common because what can be closer to nature than animals that thrive in nature.

Iron made decorations

As we have established till now that country is related to simpler, earlier times. Iron has been known as the earliest of metals for many purposes not just furniture or swords. There are so many Ironmade decorative articles that are not only used in country style decorations but also in modern settings.

Iron Scrollwork Wall Decor

Some general tips.

Don’t go too bright:

The answer of simplicity is not complex. Although bright colors pop and excite the surroundings. But you need a peaceful and quiet theme so, choose the furniture of modest colors. Try to match natural colors, natural white is not glue white but pearl white. It is more like milky white. Warm colors like light yellow and brown would also work.

From stressed to distressed furniture:

Using old-looking furniture, but not too old-looking furniture can also help with your country decoration theme. You can simply use old furniture passed down from your parents or grandparents. Another way is to buy some distress furniture.

Chalkboard And Mirror With Barn Door

Destressed furniture is defined as articles of furniture that are subjected to weathering and mechanical stress over time. They have an old, worn out appearance.

Powell Furniture Calypso Console

Go for muted colors:

As discussed earlier, choosing lighter colours is the key to the door of country style. Not only do light colours have a soothing and therapeutic effect on our mood and health, but also look exquisite.

Traditional style furniture.

Going for a more contemporary approach in furniture would help make your home more country. Simple yet traditional is the way to go. Natural material and ancestral style combined to make the perfect country setting.

Comfort over everything

While choosing furniture make sure it is cozy and comfortable to sit it. At the end of the day comfort and simplicity is what defines the country best.

Patina and distressing

As discussed earlier distressing your furniture would give an old era vibe. The same is the case with patina. Patina is the outer covering resulting in overtime exposure to climate change on the materials like copper, brass, and wooden articles. It is highly desirable while in this case.

Boot Wall Decor

Polished and enamelled pieces

Anything from piece of furniture, a table surface, a wall or floor, nothing beats style and modernity than a fine polished surface. A simple, chic styled mirror with neatly finished rims would increase the appeal of any area with its charm and style.

Texas Star Wall Plaque

Go floral or go somewhere else!

Floral patterns are very beautiful, intricate, and common in country-style settings. Pretty floral wallpapers and bedsheets are used to decorate rooms. You can even find, fine chinaware with floral patterns on them.

Add more nature

The more natural elements you integrate, the better it would be. Wood, bricks, stones are all here to help you decorate your home. Decorative articles made of these elements are durable and cheap.

Antique it to the fullest.

Decorating your home with old and historical items can also increase the country element. Raid your mother’s home and steal (or better ask) her expensive chinaware, she got on her wedding. And decorate your cabinets and kitchen counters with them.

Antique Finished Table Lamp

Indoor can be incorporated with outdoors.

Buy small planters that can be hanged from the ceiling. Keeping potted plants indoors would add an element of nature. Muted, pastel colors would look serene when combined with random greenery popping out from the corners.

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Mix and match.

While transforming your modern home into country style, do not just throw away the other stuff. Match the color scheme and style of the modern item with those of old ones to create a contrast. Add a little uniqueness to the setting. You do not have to be textbook about it. Add your element, your signature. Make your home your kind of country!

Match quilts with curtains.

To tie a whole set together, choose the same pattern of quilts and curtains of one room. While decorating a living room, match the curtains and their color scheme with sofa covers. It would make the whole area as one.

Have your budget in your mind.

Decorating your home with intricate and natural country articles and furniture seems fun and exciting. While decorating and refurbishing your home, don’t go all out and end up with nothing in your pocket. It’s good to have a refreshing change in your surroundings but don’t forget your limits in terms of finances. Make a budget and set the limit that you can afford to spend without being burdened. Discuss with your partner before jumping in. Little expenses might not seem much but they can accumulate and result in massive expenditures. 

Clean and maintain your decor and furniture.

A damp cloth and dishwasher soap

This little trick can do wonders while cleaning any surface or piece of furniture. Soak the cloth with dishwasher soap and rub gently over the surface. After cleaning, remove the residual soap with a clean damp cloth. After cleaning, dry the furniture and surfaces completely under a fan to not let water be absorbed in too deep.

Polishing the surfaces

During cleaning, some of the polish or outer protective coatings can be removed. To revitalize it, use a polishing chemical that does not contain alcohol in large quantities. Alcohol in polish can damage the wood. Repeat the polishing process several times to ensure a longer lifetime of your decor and furniture.

Coasters and trivets

Coasters and trivets are important touse. They avoid direct contact with the furniture. Moisture can damage the wood. Excess heat can break ceramic and other furniture. Take care of your chinaware with protective covers to avoid accidental breakage. Take your expensive crockery out only when needed.

Take care of the Wood.

Wood seems to be the central element while talking about country-style decor, so it is important to talk about wood. Following is some of the tips you can use to keep your wood floor, walls, and furniture maintained for long.

•  Keep your wood away from too much sunlight. Excess heat can make wood brittle and susceptible. You can use curtains to protect your setting from the sunlight during the hours when the sun is full of its glory. But do not close your decor either, let sunlight shine from time to time to freshen up the setting.
• Avoid moisture exposure for too long. Wood no matter how much polished or enamelled, tends to absorb moisture. It can swell up in too much moisture and become soft.
• Avoid a too dry environment as well. Wood is a natural material; it is necessary to let it breathe. It needs moisture but not too moisture and neither too little moisture. Wood can shrink down or split up in dry environment.
• Try not to let water be jammed up between glass surface and wood. It can get absorbed in the wood which is not good.

Expert’s advice:

Decorating Your house country styleseems to be the next big trend. This trend is taking turns and tides and it deserves to be hyped up every bit. You can style your home and get a new and fresh outlook from a boring and drab-looking place. Turn your house upside down (in a good meaning). Happy Country-ing!