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