country home furnishings

Period furniture is the sine qua non of country home furnishing. Chippendale mirrors, tables and chairs usually form the central theme of the hall, while the living room is usually a mixture of stuffed chairs and sofas, wall hangings, and coffee tables. The drawing room is a little more elegant with period furniture and the library with its overstuffed comfortable chairs and window seats is perhaps the best room in the house. The dining room radiating cheer is usually in perfect keeping with the other rooms. Bedrooms have mahogany or walnut furniture, which is in harmony with the curtains. Cane Bamboo, and rattan furniture spell the ethnic message. In India, embroidered Kashmiri and benarasi cushions, oriental carpets and Rajasthani wall hangings are a part of country homes.

Small bungalows are usually furnished with willow furniture with chintz or cretonne cushions. Oak tables, storage boxes and pine keepsake boxes add an air of intimacy and uniqueness to the house. The abundance of fresh air, sunlight and lovely views of the garden are expressive of the spirit of the home. Window and fireplace seats, bookshelves in the library and sideboards in the living and dining room are functional. Carved end boards and picturesque paneled doors with ornamental hinges lend that touch of austere elegance, which is so symbolic of a country home. Quail lamps, paddle lamps and basket lamps help to highlight strong features of a room. The illumination from Japanese and Moorish lanterns is soft and a sight for sore eyes. Old brass and bronze lanterns, candelabras add to the rustic touch and give country homes the true spirit. Electric lights subdued by the use of lanterns are an invaluable addition.

Appliqué lampshades from Orissa are very popular in Indian country homes. The multi colored lampshades and the soothing lights are good for tired eyes.
The furnishing of any house is complete only if it blends with the color scheme. Cold colors are best avoided, and warm tones incorporated. There has to be an atmosphere to let the beautiful things become striking. There must be continuity of idea, and is absolutely fundamental to any setting. Patterned Wallpaper could cloak the elegance of pieces of pottery and china, whereas a plain background could highlight the art.

Hanging baskets, potted plants, vases and other earthenware pottery lend that special ambience so typical in a country home. Swings and basket chairs spell languor and easy living. Country home furnishing is an exquisite task, which can be performed with ease. Pictures and wall prints add to the décor and lend a finishing touch to the whole scenario. Remember country home furnishing means going beyond furniture, it means adding those little things which make the country house a  country home. 
 

Author M. Hemdev

data(c)Indian child.com. all rights reserved

HOME