| Rustic country decor and how to decorate | | | | kitchen storage is crammed with stoneware |
| cottage style homes are extensions of | | | | pots, plain glazed earthenware and glass |
| American country style decorating. In | | | | jars. Kitchen pots should be made of copper, |
| addition, traditions are borrowed from | | | | steel or cast iron -- cookware tends to be |
| French, English and some Swedish country | | | | large and plain. Use open shelving in the |
| looks. Rustic country decor can be defined | | | | rustic country kitchen to display plates, |
| as coarse, charmingly simple, unfussy, | | | | dishes and dinnerware collections. Natural |
| unfinished and yet with endearing qualities. | | | | woods, light colors and bright fabrics work |
| Rustic country decorating includes the use of | | | | great for window treatments. Adding a rustic |
| natural woods, aged surfaces, rough finishes | | | | butcher block island creates a wonderful |
| and simple lines. Cottage style homes are | | | | visual effect as well as provides useful |
| comfortable, modest, quaint homes that can be | | | | functionality.A rustic country decor bathroom |
| made of thick stone or log wood.Floors in | | | | has neutral tones or soft colored walls, |
| rustic country decor and cottage style homes | | | | antique-looking lighting, and wooden antiques |
| are made with stone or wood materials. | | | | or antique reproduction cabinets and vanity. |
| Wooden floors were traditionally constructed | | | | Knowing how to decorate cottage style homes |
| with boards that were bare and simply waxed | | | | and bathrooms can result in creating a calm |
| and hand-polished (high-gloss varnishes did | | | | and elegant atmosphere. Clawfoot tubs, |
| not exist). Sometimes the boards were | | | | pedestal sinks, country style antique brass |
| painted with light colors. If you like floor | | | | faucets and old-fashioned country cabinets |
| coverings, use oriental rugs and throws for | | | | provide the kind of atmosphere that makes you |
| visual warmth and color. Rustic country | | | | want to spend time there. Plain white towels |
| decor is about handcrafted objects, | | | | are recommended instead of patterned or |
| simplicity, furnishings that you enjoy and | | | | bright modern patterns. Use wicker or wire |
| connecting back to nature.Rustic cottage | | | | baskets to keep your sponges, loofas and |
| furniture is commonly made with pine and | | | | shampoos handy near the tub or |
| perhaps painted with hand-painted designs | | | | shower.Understanding how to decorate cottage |
| such as flowers, birds, animals, country | | | | style homes means including items like |
| scenery or leaves. Use ladderback chairs, | | | | quilts, antique furniture or reproductions, |
| rocking chairs, benches, wicker furniture and | | | | flea-market pieces, trunks, chests, armoires, |
| Windsor chairs. A large rectangular table | | | | stenciling, wallpaper, adirondack chairs, |
| made of pine is a good option for your | | | | flower wreaths and bistro chairs. These |
| kitchen or dining room table. To give your | | | | types of elements give cottage style homes |
| furniture a rustic look, brush a coat of | | | | the kind of rustic country decor that is |
| paint on the furniture piece, then rub most | | | | simpler, very personal and warmly |
| of the paint off. After it dries, apply wood | | | | inviting.Whether in a seaside setting, an |
| stain unevenly for an older weathered | | | | urban environment, a countryside location or |
| appearance. It will be perfect and rustic | | | | a wooded mountain retreat, cottage style |
| looking!Baskets can be used to store wood, | | | | homes are cozy and unassuming, combining the |
| pine cones, flowers, plants and needlework. | | | | past with the present. Read all you can find |
| Brass candle holders, oil or kerosene lamps, | | | | and learn what creating the rustic country |
| sconces, hurricane lamps, tin lanterns, | | | | cottage means to you no matter where it's |
| recessed ceiling fixtures or a vintage | | | | located. Enjoy expressing your personality |
| wrought-iron or metal chandelier provide | | | | and showing what the definition of home means |
| successful lighting for rustic country decor | | | | to you.Copyright 2005 InfoSearch |
| and cottage style homes. Colors used in | | | | PublishingDavid Buster is VP of InfoSearch |
| rustic country decor or cottage style homes | | | | Publishing and webmaster of - visit the |
| are neutral tones ranging from white to bone, | | | | website and learn more about rustic country |
| earth tones, red barn, blues and greens.For | | | | home decor and design, rustic kitchens and |
| rustic country decor in the kitchen, use open | | | | bathrooms, log cabins, fireplaces and |
| shelves, hutches, buffets, plate racks and | | | | firewood and much more. |
| cupboards for storage. Often, country | | | | |