Country Decorating Style On A Budget
“It would be nice but...” How often has this
sighing refrain been heard while gazing at the perfect country
show-homes proudly on display in websites and magazines through the
land? Do not be disheartened, though. The country decorating style may
still be possible on the most meager of shoestring budgets. Consider
the following…
Buy second hand. Old furnishings in particular can be found at bargain
prices in flea markets, charity auctions and yard sales. Do not worry
if you find your prospective purchase is less than perfect, it is all
part of the charm of country decorating. There are rumors that the
manufacturers of certain leather jackets drive trucks over their wares
before putting them on display, just to get that “beaten
in” look. If you don’t find any bargains in your
searches, you could always set about a new piece of furniture with a
hammer and chisel, but that may defeat the point a little. Reuse and
repair is the theme of country decorating.
Be creative. You can create your own pillowcases and throws with only a
little learning involved and it’s a great way to relax.
Consider buying ginghams and plaids. Your home will feel all the warmer
for the care you’ve shown it.
Flowers are a must for bringing that country decorating feel into your
home. Simple wicker baskets with herbs dangling indolently from them
will make your home live and breathe. If you have an uncontrollable
aversion to nature in your living space, replicate the effect with
dried or fake flowers. Once again, improvise. Don’t buy the
factory-manufactured planters from your local store, reuse coffee jars,
pencil boxes or even old drawers make for excellent seed flats.
Plants are for the daytime, but there is nothing that makes your home
feel more cozy or intimate by night than the flicker of candles.
Homogeny is once again the devil; your candles should be irregular,
spaced almost chaotically. Place them in ashtrays, or pencil cases.
Finally, your windows are the eyes of your house and eyes are the
windows of the soul, don't forget about them in your country decorating
scheme. Uncover them and let the natural light in. Not only does the
free flow of light add apparent space to your house it instantly makes
your home open and welcoming.
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