Quilts are a staple in many country-themed homes.
Country-style decorating can range from the "primitive" style, which is rustic in design, to "French" style, which is elegant with touches of nature, according to Better Homes and Gardens. All country decorating styles have many things in common. They all use natural materials to create a feeling of cozy warmth that hearkens back to simpler times. Does this Spark an idea?
Quilts
Quilts are commonly used in country-themed decorating. These colorful textiles evoke the feeling of a country quilting bee and can really bring life into a room. Hang a quilt on a wall, and then use the colors in the quilt to guide your decorating choices. Many wall quilt holders are shelves with a hanging bar underneath. Place the quilt on the bar, then decorate the shelf above it with other country accessories such as an old lantern, a ceramic pitcher full of fresh flowers, and some candles in pewter candleholders. Or, throw a quilt over the back of a neutral-colored sofa to give a room an instant country look. Often, you can find single quilt squares at thrift stores or on fabric remnant tables. Frame several quilt squares and hang them on the wall as artwork.
Antiques
A room is just not country unless it has a few antiques. Peruse thrift stores, garage sales and antique stores for things like barn stars, old baby carriages, wooden butter churns, spinning wheels and distressed furniture. Old washboards look terrific in a country-style laundry room. Antique milk jugs and bottles are perfect for displaying bouquets of wildflowers. If you want the room to look more "French" country, look for old, rich textiles in jewel tones, gilded but distressed antique mirrors, and ornate chandeliers.
Pottery and Ceramics
Pottery and ceramics are important accessories in country homes. Display a collection of your grandmother's collectible plates on the wall. Or, line a shelf with pottery items of various shapes and sizes that you found at a flea market. Fill a clay bowl with bright yellow lemons and place it in the center of your rough-hewn dining room table. Tin is also big in country themes. A dented tin mug is charming when filled with fresh daisies. Tin stars are often hung on the wall in country homes.
Tags: country homes, country look, quilt squares, style which, thrift stores