Country Style Decorating

Still stuck in the sleek lines and bare floors of modern décor? Maybe it\'s time for an update. Country homes are coming back in style in 2009, and the designs are more impressive than ever. Gone are the stark colors and bold pieces of the past two years-we\'re back to warm, homey spaces that exude that distinct old-school charm. If you\'re not sure how to start, here\'s a quick guide to help you out.

Wood surfaces

Wood remains the hallmark of country home design, and for good reason. Its classic look simply goes with everything, from large to small spaces, brilliant colors to muted earth tones. If you already have a wood floor, accent it with wooden wall décor, wood furniture, or wood window panes. Try to keep a uniform shade, or keep it down to two different varieties.

Nature-inspired colors

Country décor is about going back to nature, so it makes sense to surround yourself with natural colors. Earth tones like brown, rust and green work very well in a country home. Not only are they easy on the eyes, they\'re also very relaxing. Highlight these colors with contrasting shades such as blue and yellow, used in small amounts and distributed evenly throughout the room.

Area rugs

Soft surfaces are a vital part of country décor, and the best way to do that is with country-style area rugs. Country rugs are very soft and warm underfoot, perfect for relaxing on those cold winter days. You can put one in the middle of the room or under your furniture. For added color, look for southwestern area rugs-the vibrant shades and gradient patterns are sure to bring life to any space.

Natural light

Large windows and sunroofs make the perfect accessories for country décor. In the daytime, pull up the blinds so that sunlight can come in and illuminate the room. Or if you find it too bright, throw on some sheer curtains to diffuse the lighting. If you have small windows, don\'t worry-you can maximize incoming light by putting up mirrors to bounce the light around the room.

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