Country decorating no longer includes just cutesy duck designs, baby blue and pink color combinations and cluttered shelves. Modern country looks utilize stronger color schemes, clean lines and Scandinavian influences.
The intent is to get away from the busy look and create a relaxing space. Soothing color schemes, lighter and airier atmospheres and more structured accessory displays help achieve this mood.
Colors - Old country colors tended to be dark and represent the woods and barns of rural New England; there is now more of a European influence, with brighter and lighter colors, which are also being used on furniture instead of heavy, dark woods.
- Whitewashed and light-color stained pieces are very popular.
Fabric Prints - In the past, country prints usually had dark backgrounds with tiny repeating designs such as flowers or hearts. Older plaids incorporated a lot of color combinations, which also tended to be dark; new country plaids are either two colors or a family of colors, perhaps various greens. The look is softer and lighter.
- Floral prints used to be darker and were more elaborate; many of which evolved from Oriental, Old English or Victorian influences; now florals are more like nature--light, simple and usually of one or two color schemes.
Wallpaper Designs - As with fabric, old country wallpaper prints tended to be small, cutesy or overcrowded with design. Now there are larger but simpler patterns (perhaps just one type of fruit repeated throughout).
- Colors are muted and often in one or two color families.
- Oversized checks, plaids and polka dots are used but in softer color combinations.
Accessories - Handpainted Italian-style plates and china are used in today's country. They are more realistic as opposed to the stylized designs of roosters, box houses and stamped apples. The painting should flow and look like a watercolor or artist's sketch.
General Decorating - Old country often had a cluttered, busy look. Bookcases and armoires were filled with all sorts of items from antiques to country crafts to family mementos. Now, instead of having such an assortment of accessories on one shelf, they are displayed as collections with one theme or style per shelf. For instance, group antique garden tools in one spot and spongeware bowls in another.
- If desired, mix assorted items in straight, clean lines.
Window Treatments - These were heavy before, including frilly valances, top treatments and lots of ruffles. New country looks are lighter and although they still can have a layered look, the bottom is usually a neat, straight-hanging sheer. The top draperies can be pulled to one side to create clean lines.
Resources Country Sampler Decorating Ideas magazine
Project sheets are not available prior to 1997. No back issues prior to 1996 are available except for Jan/Feb 1996. Contact Country Sampler for back issue availability.
Country Sampler Group
Website:
www.sampler.com
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