How to Recognize American Country Style

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (5 Ratings)

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

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

Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
Look at the floor. It could be hardwood, possibly with stenciling, and partially covered with a hooked or braided rug.
Step5
Check out the walls. Ornamentation might be simple stenciling, a primitive mural, or wallpaper in an appropriately casual style.
Step6
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.
Step7
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

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danielzrib

danielzrib said

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on 8/7/2008 Good description. Thanks!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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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.

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eHow Article: How to Recognize American Country Style

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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