Gone are the sleek, cold lines of ultramodern contemporary
decorating. The most popular styles of home decorating today
emphasize the warmth and congeniality of the country. Decorators
are embracing the charm and simplicity of rustic home decor, and
combining it with some surprising accents.
For the last few decades, there's been a distinct split between
high-end upscale home decorating and comfortable down-home
affordable décor. The high-style magazines featured glossy
photos of modern contemporary homes, replete with stone, glass
and steel. The colors were stark - black and white with a few
slashes of brilliant tones to emphasize the contrasts and smooth
lines. Meanwhile, the magazines aimed at Mrs. America around the
U.S.A. offered the warm, cozy sensibility of country kitsch and
homespun fabrics. Cows and chickens, hearts and patchwork
quilts, rag rugs and solid wood furniture filled rooms that
invited guests to sit down, take your shoes off and set a spell.
The gap has closed, and one of today's hottest new decorating
styles blends the two into a stylish, classic blend of rustic
charm and high-bred functionality. This new style - call it
rustic modern - features natural materials - wood and stone,
wool, cotton, linen and silk - and floor plans that flow and
move into each other without overcrowding. The best examples of
rustic décor have the feeling of a country lodge on an estate -
open, relaxing and friendly.
Want to bring a bit of rustic warmth to your decorating scheme?
Here are some suggestions from top designers.
Go for the country cabin look. Wood wall paneling is back in
style - but with a twist. Rustic paneling features wide planks
and a rough-hewn look, with a warm, honey tone.
Country crafts can warm your whole room. Try a classic patchwork
quilt on a metal frame bed, or throw it over the back of a
homespun sofa. Patchwork and appliquéd pillows with a country
theme can bring a hint of rustic charm to your living and
sitting rooms.
Think hunting lodge. Functionality meets creativity in some of
the most charming and whimsical accents. Chainsaw carved bears
sit by fireplaces, deer antlers hang on walls to hold hats and
wrought iron is everywhere.
The right floor can transform your entire room. Bare wood is
beautiful, and fits the style perfectly, but it's not your only
choice. Stone floors softened with woven and braided area rugs,
or a classic sheepskin from Australia or New Zealand can be the
perfect backdrop for rustic furniture and collections.
Go Navajo. Or Hudson Bay. Woven wool throws in Southwestern
designs or a classic Hudson Bay wool blanket are a subtle touch
of bygone rustic charm with a masculine feel that's perfect for
this style.
Keep it subtle. Opt for an open floor plan with plenty of
seating space and choose your colors and materials to accent a
few special pieces.
Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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