How to Recognize American Country Style

American country style celebrates objects that were made and used generations ago. Though not tied to a particular era, the style is generally casual and always comfortable, issuing a silent invitation to sit back and relax.

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

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

4. Look at the floor. It could be hardwood, possibly with stenciling, and partially covered with a hooked or braided rug.

5. Check out the walls. Ornamentation might be simple stenciling, a primitive mural, or wallpaper in an appropriately casual style.

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.

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.