Town & Country Home Decor

Wood stoves were part of town-and-country-themed decorating.

Town & Country home decor is a popular style that's suitable for most any home. This style is not just for residents living in the country. It's popular in cities as well. Town and country decor represents a time when life was not so complicated and hectic. It can create a relaxing atmosphere where you can escape the real world and all of its problems for a little while and reminisce about a simpler time that was easier to understand.

History

Town and country home decor began in the United States and was originally called "Early American" decor. American pioneers, tradesmen and farmers created this style in the process of using their imaginations and designing their homes in a way that was functional while improving the quality of life as they knew it. Today, country styles from all across the United States are combined to give homeowners a variety of options to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere that brings back memories of the past.

Distinctive Qualities

Town and country decor has several distinctive qualities that set it apart from other styles. Early Americans used wood cookstoves for both cooking and heating the home. They used items such as the butter churn, spinning wheel and quilting rack as part of their daily lives but these items were also decorative. Today, they're used purely for decoration and are considered antique furnishings. Country homes are built with exposed beans, rough plaster and small windowpanes. A fireplace is a necessity. Log cabins are a good example of a country home.

Accessories and Fabrics

Fireplace with painting completes town and country decor.

The accessories used in town and country home decor are rather simple. A painting above the fireplace and a few framed pictures or special statuettes over the mantel are a good start. Cast iron, enamelware, earthenware pottery, washboards and rolling pins are examples of kitchen accessories. Only natural fabrics made from cotton, wool and linen are used with this decor, and they're designed in neutral colors, flowers or stripes. Complete the look with at least one patchwork quilt.

Color Schemes and Furnishings

When it comes to color schemes, red, blue and white are very popular but there is no particular guideline for color. Fabrics in earth tone colors and flowers are often used for furnishings, curtains and similar items. When choosing furniture, look for oversized sofas and chairs that are simple in design but soft enough to sink down into. Wood canopy beds and dressers or cast iron beds are typical choices for the master bedroom.

Conclusion

Town and country home decor is meant to be simple, charming and comfortable. All furnishing for this decor serves a practical function while keeping comfort in mind. The decor represents a piece of history that revolves around a time before the age of technology and electronics. It's an informal style that focuses on the simple lifestyle of the past and is a fun way to decorate that is suitable for most any lifestyle you lead today.

References

• Creative Home Decorating Room by Room