How does the saying go? You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl? Photo Credit - Century Furniture Ind.
Many of us still adore the look and feel of country décor. No, not ducks and geese lined up to take over the world or rows of cutesy blue and white cottages with pickets fences (remember those wallpaper borders - blech!).
Today's country is a modern twist on traditional pieces that offer a little nostalgia, some good taste and fun for the eyes. It is adored by city slickers and chic suburbanites alike, retooled to preserve the charm of country-inspired living with an added sense of piazza that is anything but 'grandma'ish'.
In a home decorated with the flare of today's country, you'd be sure to find a black and white zebra hide layed at an angle on the floor as a base for a hand painted hutch or a milk painted table accessorized with Asian accents. Time worn items can be reworked to fit into today's city lifestyles and bring a sense of glamour and class to a rooms décor.
Every room can stand to include one or two country elements - perhaps a hand-painted dressing table or a modern take on a traditional grandfather clock or even a few 'kitschy' items for accent. Imagine a set of old tin cans or a metal calico cat sitting near the back door - how quaint!
The idea is to surprise yourself. How fun is it to turn a corner or come into a room or a hallway and see something unexpected - something that is totally out of character for the room, yet still works? A design element that catches you off guard yet fits brilliantly is the essence of good design and the 'new country'.
Never take design or your self too seriously. Country is all about living the good life and anybody living the good life never takes any thing too serious.
While you are scouring local flea markets and garage sales this summer, look for items that can be used as great home accents. Perhaps an old plate, pot or enamelware colander that can serve as a wall clock, tins that can hold utensils or pens on your desk. A vintage bureau that can be painted a wonderful ecru (or how about Asian red or aqua?) is always a treasured find, or think about covering your bureau with mirrors (this is very "New York" at the moment). Speaking of mirrors, one of the hottest looks in wall art right now are antique mirrors, and the more distorted, desilvered and clouded the mirror is the better.
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