Jul 05 2010
Apartment Living: Creating a Country Atmosphere
Most apartments are located in the city. If you live in an apartment and long for the warm, cozy atmosphere of a country home, you can certainly have it! Just because you live in a city, whether big or small, doesn’t mean you have to give up a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Walk in the door, and feel as though you have been transported to the country where wildflowers are rampant and fresh air flows through every fiber of your being! This article will give you some tips on turning your blank, expressionless apartment in to a real home.
Start With the Furniture
Decorating in country style requires lots of wood – the more the better. Shop around for a sofa, kitchen table and other large pieces that are made of natural looking wood such as knotty pine. You don’t have to spend a fortune; you may be able to find used furniture at flea markets or online.
Wood end tables are essential as well. Once you have your tables in place, consider using lace doilies or checked pattern cloths to casually drape over the tables. Display candles in jars that have a country appeal and scents like cinnamon, vanilla or apple pie.
Decorate the Walls for Added Interest and Depth
Bare walls tend to look very stark and blank, leading to a cold atmosphere. Warm up your walls with rural or black and white prints framed in wood. You might also want to consider using a country style quilt alone on a large wall – this creates a great focal point for the room!
Don’t Forget the Kitchen!
If you have room for a table in your apartment kitchen, continue with the natural or knotty pine wood theme. You may also want to top your table with a checkered or lace cloth for a continuous feel to your décor. If there is no room for a table, use antique looking bar stools at the counter. Add country candles, wooden bowls and spoons, and wildflower arrangements to enhance the country atmosphere. A wicker centerpiece for the table and wooden spice rack for the counter top are nice touches as well.
The primary things you want to remember when decorating your apartment in country style is to use plenty of natural, exposed, or antique looking wood and simply patterned cloths for table decoration. Always add those accessories and accents that you truly love – this helps add a little of your unique personality to the mix. Natural flowers, country style candles, bookcases filled with old or leather-bound books, quilts, and wicker are all great touches when decorating with country flair.
All too often, an apartment tends to look and feel just like all the others, and totally uninviting. Warm up your living spaces and make them your own! Create a style that you will love coming home to after a hard day’s work. Country décor is like no other when it comes to comfort, coziness, and a truly welcoming feeling. Transform your apartment into a place you will love calling home!
