Things You'll Need:
- Stencil Brushes
- Stencil Paints
- Stencils
- Colonial-style Exterior Shutters
- Baskets
- Braided Or Hooked Area Rugs
- Country-style Wallpaper
- Lamps
- Light Fixtures
- Quilts
- Simple Curtains
- Simple Wood Furniture
- Slim Candles
- Stencils
- Baskets
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Step 1
Notice that American country style furnishings can have many pedigrees - Shaker, English antiques (as long as they're not too fancy), Pennsylvania Dutch, Colonial, old Southwestern/Mexican/Mission, country French or homemade items. What they share is an informal, unfussy look that's usually large-scale and rough-hewn.
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Step 2
Realize that the furniture can be a mix of woods, painted or stained. Cupboards might have pressed tin or glass doors, and beds are typically four-posters.
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Step 3
Study the windows. They might be left plain or have Colonial-style shutters. If they have curtains, they're likely to be simple ones such as tab-tops or other shirred panels made of calico or gingham fabric or a homespun-type linen.
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Step 4
Look at the floor. It could be hardwood, possibly with stenciling, and partially covered with a hooked or braided rug.
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Step 5
Check out the walls. Ornamentation might be simple stenciling, a primitive mural, or wallpaper in an appropriately casual style.
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Step 6
Consider lighting options. Lamps will often be pottery, copper or distressed wood. Overhead fixtures can be simple wrought iron, tin or copper; they may include a lantern or a chandelier.
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Step 7
Note that American country style rooms are usually highly accessorized with items such as quilts, folk art, dried flowers, baskets, slim candles and "found objects," or flea market bric-a-brac.
Comments
danielzrib said
on 8/7/2008 Good description. Thanks!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 My collection of glass master salts find practical and decorative uses throughout my country home. On a desk, they hold stamps, paper clips and rubber bands. On a dresser, they contain pins, cotton swabs, earrings and a flower nosegay.