Country Style Decorating

While country style decorating has evolved and changed with the times, it remains unchanged in that it still follows the basic principles of the past. Flowery fabrics, simple designs and wood are the mainstays of the country décor; intricate patterns and furniture made of metal have no place in a country home.

When you are going for the country look, lighter colors, gardens and comfort should be uppermost in your mind. Floral wallpapers with a light background and delicate floral patterns will fill the room with country charm. However, you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to decorating to look more country. If you choose a floral paper for your walls, be sure to use solid colors in your furniture and flooring. White lace curtains look beautiful with floral wallpaper. Conversely, a subtle floral pattern on curtains will look nice against a solid colored wall.

Pick a flower - any flower. The florals with which you decorate should be either delicate floral arrangement patterns or one specific flower. Throwing roses around here and putting up daisies there will make a home look mismatched. However, if you know of a couple of different kinds of flowers that can be used without a problem, then go for it!

Set a couple of plants by windows and get a crawling vine for your ceiling. A beautiful vine is perfect for country style decorating. What could be more country than being surrounded by plants? If you do not have a green thumb, there are synthetic plants available that so closely resemble the real thing that one must look very closely to be able to tell the difference.

• Country Lighting: When it comes to lighting your country style home, use all the natural light you can by keeping your curtains sheer. While you do not want your lights to be glaring, plenty of light is in order for this style. Central lighting in each area coupled with a few scattered lamps will let you go from bright and cool to warm and cozy with a few flips of the switches.

• Country Flooring: Wooden floors are always perfect for the country look. If your floors are dark, lighten up your rooms with area rugs that are light in color. If you cannot do without wall-to-wall carpeting, go for a solid color rather than a multi-toned carpet. Keep your carpet color simple to make it easier to match the rest of your country home. A carpet in a rarely seen shade of blue might look stunning on its own but if you cannot find colors that blend with it, there is no use in trying to be impressive with the color.

Keep your look open, light and airy. Think summer breezes when you are decorating. A cream colored couch can be accented with different colors of throw pillows but they should be light in colors as well, especially if your flooring is dark. A large beige area rug placed under your couch and coffee table will pull the living room together and will also keep your furniture from scratching the floor.

Whether you live in the countryside or simply wish to feel as though you do, decorating in country style is the perfect way to create a casual but elegant atmosphere.