Friday, April 25, 2014

How I Bring Country Style to my Home

Hello everyone!

To me, there is nothing better than a good old fashioned country style home.  It feels livable and relaxed and is very unpretentious.  I try to bring elements into my home that give it that country relaxed feeling that I like.  One way to do that is to not use too many things in my home that don't serve a purpose.  In other words, they could serve double duty in some ways.  I make functional items become decorative accessories.  I don't have a lot of knick knacks around my house because of that reason.  

Here are some examples:

Who needs a vase for flowers?
I used this pitcher instead.  


I hung these coffee cups off my bottle tree.  It keeps them on display until I use them.


I took the doors off a set of cabinets so I could display my everyday dishes.  They're all white and are not only useful but pretty to look at.  


I use this wire basket to hold books or magazines.  Why buy a specific magazine rack when a simple basket will do the trick?


I used this over sized basket in the center of my dining table.  You don't always have to have a fancy flower arrangement in the center.


I'm using this old crate to give more personality to this plant on my fireplace hearth.


Some things just need to be added as a "signature country look".  These are a few that I've added to my home.  

I made this skirt to hang in place of ordinary cabinet doors under my sink.  


I placed this cobbler bench in my foyer.


This vintage enamelware tea kettle replaced a newer modern one.


Who says that all chest of drawers should only be used in bedrooms?  I use this one in my sitting room.  It has a country look and gives me more storage.


This is an old rake that is no longer relegated to the outdoors.  It is propped up as a country accent in my foyer.


My coffee table has peeling chippy paint on it for a distressed authentic country look.  (Country homes are not perfect!) 


What to do with leftover old rope?  Why wrap it around your light fixture chain, of course!  


And finally, simple fabric patterns are used,  such as these striped pillows.  



So, now you know what kinds of things I look for to create the country look in my home.  

Do you like the look of a country home? What elements do you use?

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kelly ~


38 comments:

Unknown said...

it's all so ooh la la French country lovely. sigh...."merci" for sharing. ;)

Ron said...

Your country style is spot on. I always looking at your fresh design.
TGIF!

Linda said...

Yes you have that French flare...
Love it!!

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

So pretty! And so soothing as well as pleasing to the eye:) Love how you displayed white flower bunches throughout your beautiful home. They look so pretty in the pitcher and galvanized bucket:) Thanks for the inspiration! Have a lovely day~hugs, Poppy

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

My favorite post today!!! I love all of your storage ideas. Especially the baskets. Everything looks so pretty Kelly! I wish my house was as clean as yours looks. Hope you have a great weekend!

Susie said...

Kelly, I like all your country touches. That is a wonderful tea kettle. I love baskets too. xoxo,Susie

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

I love the look of a country styled home Kelly and yours is spot on!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Kelly, I really love the casual country look you have created. It is a breath of fresh air!

Art and Sand said...

Every time I see your home, I am in awe of how simple, yet awesome your style is.

I have the book Shade of Country, but it is not out on display because it doesn't fit my palette. But, it is the perfect book for your basket.

Enjoy a lovely weekend in your little piece of country.

Unknown said...

To me country home evoke such comfort. Luv the inspiration Kelly. Now you have me adding a small chest on my list.I can use one of those 8n my sitting room as well.
Happy Friday.
Hugs, Gee

AntiqueChase said...

Very nice post.. enjoyed this Kim! My very favorite thing (and you have a lot) is the crate with the plant in it by the fireplace. Was that decor steals?

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

The perfect post/tutorial for creating the country look...you make it look oh so easy...I love your country touches and vignettes!!
Have a great weekend Kelly!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love it all, your home is so gorgeous and so inviting. Beautifully decorated.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love the look of a country home and yours is just perfection! I totally agree on using a chest of drawers in places other than the bedroom. They have so much extra storage. Love the enamelware tea kettle too!

Teresa@magazineyourhome said...

Very nice post, I love the plant in the wooden box. I have an old dresser in my dining room that holds extra dishes and linen napkins. Love everything you featured.

Stacey said...

Just beautiful! When we were first married I thought we needed some fancy vases. Now they sit and collect dust because I prefer jars and flowers from the yard. :)

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Lovely country touches, simplicity at its best!
Blessings,
Cindy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Nice touches and one day that fork just may go missing.:)

NanaDiana said...

When I hear "country" I often think back to the 1980's country look...it is nothing like today's country look (thank Goodness). Your home is beautiful-a clean-lined comfortable looking place that FEELS like home to me. Great job on pulling it all together. It's just lovely- xo Diana

cynthia lee designs said...

Kelly...I love all of your country touches!! I'm trying to get a more simple country look and have been trying to get rid of some stuff.
hugs,
Cindy

Unknown said...

Love this Kelly, very inspirational, has me thinking how to bring such a look to my home.

regards
Jane

Lady Pamela said...

Great post. Love all the ideas of using what we have to do double duty. Your décor is so soothing, just the way I would love my home to look. Thank you so very much for sharing.
*Smiles*

Haddock said...

Simple and great ideas. Loved that enamelware tea kettle and the striped pillow cover.

Katie Mansfield said...

I love all your country touches. It has been my fall back look for over 30 years. I love the crate on the hearth.

Junkchiccottage said...

Kelly,
I always love your style and I love that you use things that are not necessarily purposed for just one use. Ohhhh I love that tea kettle too. That is awesome.
Kris

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh Kelley - it's so beautiful! It's sweetly country, but has a hint of French personality, too. :) I love using rustic items mixed in with my shabby chic treasures. I think it grounds a space and gives it so much character.

xoxo laurie

Holly said...

I LOVE your style!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

20 North Ora said...

I just love to decorate with anything vintage. Your home is beautiful and has so many neat country things. Love it!

Judy

Christine at Little Brags said...

beautiful pictures Kelly! For some reason I have not been getting my emails from feedburner, so I missed your last 2 posts. Have to look into it and see what the problem is! HUGS

Christine at Little Brags said...

beautiful pictures Kelly! For some reason I have not been getting my emails from feedburner, so I missed your last 2 posts. Have to look into it and see what the problem is! HUGS

Burlap Luxe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Burlap Luxe said...

A beautiful place to visit this fine Sunday, loving your sense of calm.
Your tea pot is so sweetly inviting me to stay awhile having a cup of tea with you!

Will go catch up on some more inspiring beauty here that I may have missed out on.

Xx
Dore

Linda said...

I LOVE love LOVE it ALL!!! I so want to walk through the house with a cup of coffee and chat about each room!! Love your home, your style, love YOU, my sweet blogger friend!!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I really love your house. The "feel" is cozy and relaxed for sure.

must love junk said...

I love a farmhouse country look, and you do it so well! Love all your photos! :)
Susan

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Kelly I love your home! And I'm with you - why use something intended for a certain purpose when something else is so much cuter?! Love the basket for magazines and pitchers are my fav for flowers - is that on from IKEA? i've looked at the one there so many times - need to break down and get one next time I'm there.

Anne said...

Love your beautiful French inspired home.....<3
xx
Anne

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I love the look of a country home -- even though mine is traditional. I think what I love best about your house is that you use unexpected things - like the rake, and the chest in the sitting room. It creates so much interest!