Reliving The English Country Style In Your Own Home
Posted By on April 7, 2010
Country style is a very cozy and homely theme, perfect for creating that ‘home sweet home’ ambiance. Although country style is also rustic in looks, it just adds to the charming quality of this home design.
Decorating won’t have to be a mind-boggling work where you need to put in too many expensive stuff. Middle-class impression is the look of a country design and not of an elite, upper-class abode.
A trademark of an English Country theme is the nature-ly look it has – floral prints, flowers and plants, earth and pastel colors, etc. Rustic wood is also the top choice for flooring and furnishings. Area rugs in earth or natural tones, with floral patterns or of Oriental and Aubusson kind are the adornments that are commonly seen on floors and walls.
English Country decor also features a rustic build to the furnishings. Although accented by Victorian or Queen Anne pieces – such as a writing table and chair – the emphasis in this style is country comfort. For instance, both open cabinetry and freestanding cabinets can be found in the style. Antique furniture is highlighted by voluminous window treatments featuring lace inner curtains that allow plenty of light to filter into the room. These lace panels are then topped with wildly floral valances and tieback drapes. Florals are essential to an English Country style, especially upholstery, slipcovers, linens and drapery with ornate patterns often featuring enormous cabbage roses.
If the home’s architecture permits, cozy little nooks for reading or needlecrafts are popular in English Country style. Remember, the emphasis is on a vision of middle-class English comfort and homemaking.
If you have collectibles and souvenir items, bring them out and showcase them in glass-cased shelves or built-in cabinets.
For accessorizing, go for the comfortable-looking rather than the sophisticated. Sepia-colored picture frames, artworks about nature, brass candlesticks, vintage lamps, homey metals and such look great in an English Country theme.
Add more cozy elements like throw pillows, cushions and small area rugs strategically scattered throughout a room.
If you’re quite limited with decorations in a Contemporary theme, English Country is about accessorizing. A home is not exactly crowded, but it sure is not bare and plain. Have wall hangings and if space permits, bigger items to display.
Make your English Country-inspired home a relaxing abode by using colors that enhance a calming and cozy atmosphere. Coordinate the colors, area rugs, decors and others, and you’ll have a beautiful place to be proud of.
Home Design experts all agree that it is essential to use area rugs. And as discussed here one of the most popular ranges is the floral rugs.