Country Style Basics:
Country style started out as a more practical and utilitarian version of traditional court furnishings in Europe. Some popular styles such as French Provencal can hardly be classified as rustic, yet they have their own charm and character.
Despite the diversity, there are some common elements such as muted colors, mid-toned or painted finishes. There is a homespun quality with handmade accessories such as baskets, and florals, checks, calicoes and stripes are the dominant patterns in fabric.
English Country :
Many styles stemmed from English country living, but all of them share a more relaxed style than the ones seen at court.
- Use of oak, ash and elm along with some walnut and mahogany pieces
- Less ornate with an emphasis on functionality
- Cheerful, garden-inspired colors and patterns and feminine touches with delicate china and embroidered pillows
French Provencal :
Just as with English country styles, some French Provencal furniture pieces were simpler, locally constructed versions of court furniture while other styles were original to the provinces.
- Walnut, ash, poplar, chestnut and fruit woods like cherry and pear were used, sometimes with marble or wrought iron embellishments.
- Painted finishes, natural finishes and vibrant colors were used.
- Smaller scale, more casual than court furniture
- Cane and rushed chair seats rather than heavy upholstery, with simple and charming decoration
- Stone and terra cotta accents and accessories
American Country:
American styles are simple and uncluttered. Early American style was influenced by English styles, but local wood such as maple walnut and pine was used. Later many other distinctive American styles were developed such as Amish, Shaker, Mission or Arts and Crafts Style and the South Western/Lodge style.
- Muted, rich tones and aged patinas
- Textured fabric and leather
- Beauty in craftsmanship with the inherent quality of different woods coming into play
- Relatively unornamented forms with a homespun style
