Furnishings are grouped for ease of conversation, meals and family interaction. Area rugs define the space and also create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Many pieces serve multiple functions. For example, it's quite common to find a wood bench in the room, settled underneath a window, with storage capability in the seats. Or, end tables in the living room that have drawers as well as a bottom shelf for display of collectables and family photos.

Casegoods are often constructed from solid pine or oak and stained to a medium finish or left in their natural state. Country furniture may have a painted base with a natural wood top. Wicker is another option found in traditional country settings.

Base colors can be lighter pastels if the style is leaning toward Country Cottage, or dark shades of green, burgandy, navy and even black in a traditional country styled home.

The pieces will have a straight, turned, or slightly curved leg, but nothing too dainty or intricate. Remember that country furnishings are sturdy, functional and user-friendly.

You'll often find a hutch, display cabinet or other similar type piece in the dining room, or perhaps book shelves with an entertainment center in the living area.

Country furniture always includes opportunity for display of collections, photos and such.

Bedroom furniture is usually all wood, and doesn't have to be a matching set, although that would be fine in this style of decor.

Another option is to have an iron bed, with the other pieces in the room antique, natural wood or painted wood pieces...take your choice!

The bed will usually include a headboard and footboard, and it's quite common to see a rail system in the design.

A pencil post style bed is another option that is quite at home in the country style bedroom, as well as a wood footstool on one side of the bed.

Accent pieces such as end tables, bedside tables and hall tables are sometimes painted with colorful country scenes or flowers, which adds a whimsical touch to the space.

Here is a tip for you: Avoid doing the 'matchy matchy' thing with your fabrics and casegoods. What I mean by that is to have some variety in your wood pieces, both in finish and shape. Same goes for the upholstered pieces. They don't all have to have the exact same leg...same fabric, etc.

I had a client once who really enjoyed country decor. But, every single piece of furniture in her home was medium oak finish...in every room. Same drawer pulls, same leg shape...same everything. Yawn....

Your home will be much more interesting to you as the occupant and to your visitors if there is some variety and uniqueness to your country furniture selections!

Antiques, reproductions, flea market finds, matching sets, painted wood, natural finish, wicker...all of these elements work together when you create your unique country style home!

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