| Gone are the sleek, cold lines of ultramodern | | | | designers. |
| contemporary decorating. The most popular styles of | | | | Go for the country cabin look. Wood wall paneling is |
| home decorating today emphasize the warmth and | | | | back in style - but with a twist. Rustic paneling features |
| congeniality of the country. Decorators are embracing | | | | wide planks and a rough-hewn look, with a warm, |
| the charm and simplicity of rustic home decor, and | | | | honey tone. |
| combining it with some surprising accents. | | | | Country crafts can warm your whole room. Try a |
| For the last few decades, there's been a distinct split | | | | classic patchwork quilt on a metal frame bed, or throw |
| between high-end upscale home decorating and | | | | it over the back of a homespun sofa. Patchwork and |
| comfortable down-home affordable décor. The | | | | appliquéd pillows with a country theme can |
| high-style magazines featured glossy photos of | | | | bring a hint of rustic charm to your living and sitting |
| modern contemporary homes, replete with stone, glass | | | | rooms. |
| and steel. The colors were stark - black and white | | | | Think hunting lodge. Functionality meets creativity in |
| with a few slashes of brilliant tones to emphasize the | | | | some of the most charming and whimsical accents. |
| contrasts and smooth lines. Meanwhile, the magazines | | | | Chainsaw carved bears sit by fireplaces, deer antlers |
| aimed at Mrs. America around the U.S.A. offered the | | | | hang on walls to hold hats and wrought iron is |
| warm, cozy sensibility of country kitsch and homespun | | | | everywhere. |
| fabrics. Cows and chickens, hearts and patchwork | | | | The right floor can transform your entire room. Bare |
| quilts, rag rugs and solid wood furniture filled rooms that | | | | wood is beautiful, and fits the style perfectly, but it's not |
| invited guests to sit down, take your shoes off and set | | | | your only choice. Stone floors softened with woven |
| a spell. | | | | and braided area rugs, or a classic sheepskin from |
| The gap has closed, and one of today's hottest new | | | | Australia or New Zealand can be the perfect |
| decorating styles blends the two into a stylish, classic | | | | backdrop for rustic furniture and collections. |
| blend of rustic charm and high-bred functionality. This | | | | Go Navajo. Or Hudson Bay. Woven wool throws in |
| new style - call it rustic modern - features natural | | | | Southwestern designs or a classic Hudson Bay wool |
| materials (wood and stone, wool, cotton, linen and silk) | | | | blanket are a subtle touch of bygone rustic charm with |
| and floor plans that flow and move into each other | | | | a masculine feel that's perfect for this style. |
| without overcrowding. The best examples of rustic | | | | Keep it subtle. Opt for an open floor plan with plenty of |
| décor have the feeling of a country lodge on | | | | seating space and choose your colors and materials |
| an estate: open, relaxing and friendly. | | | | to accent a few special pieces. |
| Want to bring a bit of rustic warmth to your decorating | | | | Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights |
| scheme? Here are some suggestions from top | | | | Reserved. |