Rustic Country Decor - How To Decorate Cottage Style Homes

Rustic country decor and how to decorate cottage style homes
are extensions of American country style decorating. In
addition, traditions are borrowed from French, English and some
Swedish country looks. Rustic country decor can be defined as
coarse, charmingly simple, unfussy, unfinished and yet with
endearing qualities. Rustic country decorating includes the use
of natural woods, aged surfaces, rough finishes and simple
lines. Cottage style homes are comfortable, modest, quaint
homes that can be made of thick stone or log wood.



Floors in rustic country decor and cottage style homes are made
with stone or wood materials. Wooden floors were traditionally
constructed with boards that were bare and simply waxed and
hand-polished (high-gloss varnishes did not exist). Sometimes
the boards were painted with light colors. If you like floor
coverings, use oriental rugs and throws for visual warmth and
color. Rustic country decor is about handcrafted objects,
simplicity, furnishings that you enjoy and connecting back to
nature.



Rustic cottage furniture is commonly made with pine and perhaps
painted with hand-painted designs such as flowers, birds,
animals, country scenery or leaves. Use ladderback chairs,
rocking chairs, benches, wicker furniture and Windsor chairs. A
large rectangular table made of pine is a good option for your
kitchen or dining room table. To give your furniture a rustic
look, brush a coat of paint on the furniture piece, then rub
most of the paint off. After it dries, apply wood stain
unevenly for an older weathered appearance. It will be perfect
and rustic looking!



Baskets can be used to store wood, pine cones, flowers, plants
and needlework. Brass candle holders, oil or kerosene lamps,
sconces, hurricane lamps, tin lanterns, recessed ceiling
fixtures or a vintage wrought-iron or metal chandelier provide
successful lighting for rustic country decor and cottage style
homes. Colors used in rustic country decor or cottage style
homes are neutral tones ranging from white to bone, earth
tones, red barn, blues and greens.



For rustic country decor in the kitchen, use open shelves,
hutches, buffets, plate racks and cupboards for storage. Often,
country kitchen storage is crammed with stoneware pots, plain
glazed earthenware and glass jars. Kitchen pots should be made
of copper, steel or cast iron - cookware tends to be large and
plain. Use open shelving in the rustic country kitchen to
display plates, dishes and dinnerware collections. Natural
woods, light colors and bright fabrics work great for window
treatments. Adding a rustic butcher block island creates a
wonderful visual effect as well as provides useful
functionality.



A rustic country decor bathroom has neutral tones or soft
colored walls, antique-looking lighting, and wooden antiques or
antique reproduction cabinets and vanity. Knowing how to
decorate cottage style homes and bathrooms can result in
creating a calm and elegant atmosphere. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal
sinks, country style antique brass faucets and old-fashioned
country cabinets provide the kind of atmosphere that makes you
want to spend time there. Plain white towels are recommended
instead of patterned or bright modern patterns. Use wicker or
wire baskets to keep your sponges, loofas and shampoos handy
near the tub or shower.



Understanding how to decorate cottage style homes means
including items like quilts, antique furniture or
reproductions, flea-market pieces, trunks, chests, armoires,
stenciling, wallpaper, adirondack chairs, flower wreaths and
bistro chairs. These types of elements give cottage style homes
the kind of rustic country decor that is simpler, very personal
and warmly inviting.



Whether in a seaside setting, an urban environment, a
countryside location or a wooded mountain retreat, cottage
style homes are cozy and unassuming, combining the past with
the present. Read all you can find and learn what creating the
rustic country cottage means to you no matter where it is
located. Enjoy expressing your personality and showing what the
definition of home means to you.



Copyright 2005 InfoSearch PublishingDavid Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing
and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the
website and learn more about rustic country home decor and
design, rustic kitchens and bathrooms, fireplaces and much
more.


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