As with all rustic decorating ideas, the central focus in country home decoratingis one of simplicity that makes use of natural colors and textures. These unique home decorating ideas suggest comfort, hospitality and the friendliness associated with living in the country. On one hand, rustic decor can refer to a simplicity that recollects a less modern world. This decorative scheme is marked by uncomplicated form, and components, which are often left in a natural unfinished state. (more…)

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen?  You may want to consider a design style that evokes a warm comfortable and inviting atmosphere. An ideal style to achieve this feel is French country design. The French Country décor establishes an inviting kitchen by incorporating a palette of colors to create a room reminiscent of a French country cottage. This style is warm and relaxed, while the design elements are practical.

The kitchens in old, rural France relied heavily on natural elements that helped to create a warm feel. Typically, the walls of these kitchens are covered with natural materials or colors, such as stucco, brick or wood or yellow or coral paint. Cabinets can be painted a white to brighten light-filled spaces in the kitchen or they can be left as natural wood.  You don’t want to use strong colors let the cabinets provide a light and airy feel to your kitchen.

Natural materials are an important part of the design in the French County Kitchen. Such as a stone tile, wood beams, plastered walls, real wood paneling, decorative ceramic tile or granite. Floors can be made of stone or brick and covered with wool or cotton rugs, a fireplace made of stone with a heavy beam that can serve as a mantel or granite for the counter tops.

Finish off the look of your French country room with accessories, you will find that tile, rustic urns, hand-painted European ceramics and pottery accents are used extensively. Wrought iron elements are a perfect choice, such as candlesticks, clocks and spice racks. Brass pots placed on the walls are useful and add a decorative element to the space. Place wicker baskets on the tops of cabinets and countertops or add copper pots. So fill your French country kitchen with natural and rustic elements and use every nook and cranny available as they did in the original French Country Kitchens.

Photo by:http://www.wedgewoodcabinetry.com

If you want to lend a warm, pleasant and inviting feeling to your kitchen, then decorating it in the Country Style will be the perfect theme for your new kitchen. A country style kitchen is a perfect blend of old world charm and modern comfort based on the concept of simplicity. More an more people are resorting to country style kitchen design, mainly because it keeps comfort and casual living in mind.

Color is the first thing that should be considered the walls as well as the ceiling. Since, country kitchen decoration is all about warmth, warm colors throughout the area are a must. Pastel shades like butterscotch yellow, beige, cream, light peach complement the bold furniture and other decorations. Earthy shades like terracotta, light brown also go well with the country kitchen décor. Or you may also consider patterned wallpaper, with a country print, and solid colors, with a country themed wallpaper border to create that personal touch.

The floor should be easy to care for.  For this reason  if you are installing a new floor think carefully about your cooking habits and the type of traffic that will be in the kitchen. The best option would be natural wood, flagstone, or terracotta tiles in hexagonal shape. A good way to get wood flooring is to check with the architectural salvage yards and e-bay, there may be some old flooring available from old buildings that are going to be torn down.  It will give you the scuffs, scratches and nicks that are characteristic of old floors. But if you have some other type of flooring and cannot afford to change it, then adding country style area rugs or old fashioned braided rugs is a good option. If possible, get themed country rugs, adorned by sunflowers or roosters.

There are certain types of furniture that are associated with a country style kitchen.  You can get antiques and vintage items to give your kitchen an authentic look or you can use furniture created in an antique style.  A country kitchen is incomplete without a large wooden table and chairs. The chairs need not match the table, which is often in darker shades of brown; wood and wrought iron are the favorite materials. A metal baker’s rack and a cabinet with metal mesh doors are pieces of furniture you may find in a country kitchen. Matching the furniture items is not an issue when using a country style decor as the furniture is often passed from one generation to other, with newer items being added to the existing collection.

With a country Decor accessories go a long way in adding to the charm of a room.  In your country style kitchen, use lots of accessories, each of which reflects your personal taste and identity. Large earthen or ceramic vases in varying sizes can be either left empty or filled with fresh flower arrangements. A wrought iron candle holder and plate holder are items every country kitchen has.  A throw rug also adds to the beauty of country kitchen. Wooden spoons, spatulas complete the look of the table. Porcelain teapots and cookware are often displayed in open cabinets. Or for a personal touch hang family pictures in wooden frames.

Creating the kitchen of your dreams does not have to be expensive or difficult.  With a one or two new items, a coat of paint and a few changes you can create the County Kitchen you have always wanted.

Photo By:  http://kitchen-cabinets-designs.blogspot.com/2009/08/country-kitchen-decorations-remodel.html