Farmhouse Country Style

Farmhouse country style takes on a more contemporary, bold style.

All About

Product Ideas

Today's farmhouse country isn't the country style of yesterday. It has a whole new look and a more contemporary feel.

The farmhouse look is growing in popularity because people are going toward an eclectic look and this style blends with many others. It's a very appropriate look for large dinner parties because you can mix dishes, glasses, placemats and accessories for one great table.

Figure A

Farmhouse country is very bold in scale with a lot of bright colors such as reds, blues and greens plus heavy wood for the table and chairs. Apply patterns and colors in the tablecloths and napkins with plain dishes or do it the other way around (figure A).

Figure B

American farmhouse country can also borrow from the yard. Simple earth tones can accent what's gathered naturally (figure B). Elements of nature are also being put on plates (ferns, leaves, sticks, etc) and flatware in the shape of twisted twigs complements the placemats completes the natural look.

For an inexpensive trick, use different kinds of dried peas to accent the table settings. Guests are likely to play with them so they're a good conversation starter.

Figure C

French country is a little more formal than American farmhouse with more carving , curls and detail but in a less bold way. Lace and crystal combine with delicate colors for a very inviting feeling (figure C).

Figure D

Italian country is big, rustic and brings along a family feel. Plates are heavier and patterns are stronger with yellows and golds as the dominant colors. Italian country style also allows you to show off the table--especially if it's wood. There 's no written rule that you must have a tablecloth or a placemat (figure D).

Dried flowers in pots across the center of the table are an easy and beautiful accent that works with almost any country style.

Turn inexpensive paper napkins into pretty yet practical place mats.

Farmhouse Place Mats

Materials:

four or six decorative paper napkins
iron
towel

Steps:

1. Place the towel over the napkin and iron on low to eliminate creases.

2. Have the napkins laminated or encapsulated at a copy shop.

American Farmhouse (harvest tablerunner, twig flatware); Italian Country Style (rustic plates, dried flowers in pots centerpiece) (Style House)

colored plates, patterned place mats, centerpiece with fruit; French Country (bamboo placemats, country style striped and plaid plates and cups) (Design Center of the Americas)