Monday, June 22, 2015

Decorating The Western Style Home


Who says rustic Western decor can’t be stylish? The trend that started strong in 2014 is still a player in the design world. There are several styles to consider when decorating your Western Style home. Choose from a rustic cowboy hideaway cabin in the hills, to a Western lodge style, or cattle ranch. All styles that capture the warmth and charm of the Old West. In other words there are several ways you can decorate in Western Style without feeling that you are living in the OK Corral. But if that just happens to be your thing there is even a style for you called Cowboy Kitch.

Below are some images I have collected that show ingredients that will help give interiors a feel of the Wild West. And if you are a homeowner that loves the romantic history of the Old West and are looking to replicate that style in your home, hopefully this will help you get started.

With colors reminiscent of the painted desert, and clear southwestern skies, comfortable natural furniture pieces instead of ornate ones, your Western home will feel relaxed and inviting


Kevin Corn Design

Western style decoration usually uses wood, rock, leather, and metal in abundance. The fireplace and mantle are prerequisites for a western style living room interior. Decorate with artwork on oil, vintage photos,  paintings, and Western artifacts.


Western home decorating ideas suggest an accent on anything that is old and antique but rugged in looks and nature. Consider not using window treatments, especially if you have a great view of the mountains or other natural settings. Just leave them bare!

lizzyandme-westernhomedecor

If you do want the warmth of curtains remember to keep them simple. Make them long and out of thick material like  suede. Add Western Style details like the leather trim and beading in this pic. 


When it comes to furniture, Western Style is most often large, bulky, and simple in design. 


Western heritage is deeply rooted in the ranching industry so couches and chairs typically feature leather and hides. The hand tooled look is especially popular.



 Rugs with a southwestern design, sheepskin rugs, and cowhide rugs go well with this style. Native American artifacts and collections make great displays in the Western home.

Ralph Lauren

Western interiors can also take color direction from Native American rugs with rock gray, metal black, cream, coral and turquoise as well as strong reds, blues, and earth tones.



Western themed art also provides color direction. Cowboys, bear, moose, pine trees, cattle, lakes and rivers, and hunting and riding scenes take center stage. I'm loving this bunk house look!

skullbliss.com

We all know that cattle and buffalo skulls lend to the Western look but these beautifully carved examples take this popular accessory to the next level. True works of art!

Antler accessories also enhance the Western Style interior. You can find everything from curtain tiebacks to chandeliers.


These is alot to love in this rustic Western interior. Everything from the fringed leather sofa to the great log coffee table and cow hide Queen Anne chair work to combine rustic and elegant.

via pinterest

Hardwood flooring, especially with a touch of flagstone, is pretty much required for a Western home decorating style. Throw down woven or Native American style rugs or even fur or animal skin and you are off to a great start.


Today's "cowgirl" bedroom has more of a vintage flavor. This one is done up in shades of pink. Just don't get frilly or too girly.



Look for fabulous accessories that will add western character to your home.

center -www.rods.com
right -via Pinterest

For the authentic Western look search for saddles and other accessories with decorative details such as barbed wire, fringe, and nailheads.

Of course log walls are a desired element.
I have misplaced the source of this image. If it is yours, please let me know and I will credit.

But stone and rough plaster are also stunning in the Western Style interior. If these are out of the question, try a suede-effect paint for a more rustic look. Don't hide your boots and cowboy hats behind closet doors. This is one decor where it is stylish to leave them tossed about. Here pottery, horn furniture, and a cowhide table cloth also enhance the look.

Jean Macrea Interiors, Inc.

Fabrics for the Western home tend to have Native American or Cowboy prints, as well as nature prints. For a layered look mix in stripes or plaids. If busy prints are not for you, consider leather (matte finish), denim, suede, or nubby weaves.


Is this an office for a cattle baron or not? Even if your office is not this grand you can still get an idea or two on how to decorate it in Western style.


I had to share this. It's kitchy and fun but somehow works.


Using some Western bedding and throwing down some western rugs will get you heading in the right direction. Look for bold-colored quilts and old saddle blankets.

source unknown

via Pinterest


Western interiors can also incorporate a "saloon" feel to them. Notice the cowhide chairs, stretched rawhide lighting and that counter!

Most rustic Western bathroom designs are in wood. Using natural elements like the stone basin also helps warm up every space. What a great mirror for a rustic Western bath.


Heavy timber is popular for the Western Style bathroom vanity as it supplies the sought after natural look. Heavy vanity tops of stone are also popular.

Bess Jones Interiors's

I really like the faux adobe walls and the look of hand tooled leather on the vanity.

source unknown

Great accessories with a hand tooled look for the Western bath.


As you know I love old world classic decor and simply adore curtained beds. I even found a bed I could use if I ever choose to change my style to Western.






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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

Friday, June 19, 2015

How To Create A French Bathroom


For a bathroom that oozes style, sophistication, romance, and elegance, French decor is the perfect choice. There is nothing like the feel of starting your morning off in style, whether you choose Parisian chic or the quite charm of Provence.

Below are some tips to help you turn your bath into a warm and romantic retreat with all the elegance that decorating in French style brings. Perhaps the charm of a French bathroom is due to the fact that the French consider it to be another important room which they decorate in the same way as the rest of the house.

Just remember French decorating is actually a way of life. For example most Americans choose their bath accessories based on functionality while the French will rather choose what works best in pleasing the eye. Curtains are chosen for charm....... not mildew resistance, and mirrors for the elegance they bring to a room....... not the fact that they are guaranteed not to steam up. So you might have to change your way of thinking if you choose to truly have a charming French bath. Just saying......!


As you will see from the images below, one of the best ways to achieve the French look in your bath is to invest in a wonderful French style tub. It will be the perfect focal point that dictates the rest of the styling in the room. Decorating in Parisian and Chateau style, certainly adds class to the bath.

source unknown

This wonderful French bath is decorated in Country French or Provencal style and has more of a charming earthy appeal. Replacing modern storage shelves with an antique wooden piece like this armoire will give an authentic feel to the space as well. 

Jacques Garcia

To achieve the classic French look you should furnish a bathroom with antique-style pieces that will enhance the look. It may take some weekends scouring antiques and collectible fairs but the prettiest rooms are those that are collected and curated over time. Your French bathroom will look more authentic if you follow this plan of decorating it. Don't forget the floor. I love the warmth of an oriental carpet in the bath!


A standard style claw foot tub is less expensive and still works wonderfully in your French style bathroom. Check out salvage companies and keep your eye on old homes that are being demolished.

Sophisticated and feminine, this French bath is ornate and romantic without being frilly. So many people think you have to be frilly to be French. NOT SO! Pretty bath towels in light colors, such as peach, gold, white or tan are worth the splurge.

via pinterest

Shutters on the windows of your French bath are a wonderful alternative to curtains.

Charles Faudree

Basins in French baths are often fitted into wooden cabinets, giving extra storage space and neatly concealing plumbing. Search for secondhand furniture that can be re-purposed for this project. 


Wall sconces in wrought iron or gold gilt, chandeliers, and candles provide your French bath with romantic, soft light. You might also consider a harlequin floor.........they are stunning.




Look for large, ornate mirrors in gold, or neutral colors with detailed carvings of sculpted bows, ribbons, and architectural elements.


via Pinterest

An ornate mirror is much lovelier and  lends more elegance to the French bath  than a bare or frameless mirror.

joycehornantiques.com

In the French Provencal bathroom look for rustic mirrors with patina. Same for pieces of furniture re-purposed as basins. Hand painted pieces are especially lovely!


Another great example!


Touches of black, sconces, and a gallery wall of small antique pictures capture a romantic French ambiance in this Paris apartment bathroom. Again scour the thrift and antique stores for treasures.


Another image of the same Parisian bathroom. For a touch of decadence use beautiful silk or velvet in you curtains. Don't forget the embellishments! All this added together gives your French bath it's character.

French furniture is often delicate with elegantly turned legs and this smallness of scale makes it ideal for more compact rooms. Add a touch of glamorous drama installing a crystal chandelier.Understated Luxe!


Add elegant, carved prickets with candlelight that can easily melt the stress away. I love the use of corbels to display the towels. This is an idea I plan to use! You can do wonderful things with architectural elements and they make your bath look so French.
southernhospitalityblog.com
Toile on the walls, window treatments, or upholstered pieces is a sure winner at giving a bathroom French appeal.


Create a textured, rough look to the walls with a faux painting technique. Learn how to create the look of aged plaster.  


Wood floors are the number one choice but you can also floor your traditional French bathroom using patterned stone tiles or terra cotta tiles. Go for carving in a tasteful amount as well as luxurious fabrics at the windows. Provide light for primping at your vanity with a small crystal chandelier.



The vanity space of the French bathroom requires special attention.The French color scheme of neutral white, tan, gold, soft rose, cream, brown and black provides you a wide range of color to work with and gives a  subtle look that is sophisticated and elegant. Of course any hand painting you can hire done or execute yourself will amp up the French style.


A small, cushioned  chair in front of a beautiful French table and mirror is the perfect place to indulge your vanity. And by all means add doors like this is you can!

via Pinterest

Display perfume and other toiletries in antique glass dispensers and bottles. They look much more elegant than the same products in their original containers. There are gorgeous glass bottles to be found so get out there and treasure hunt! I even store my liquid laundry detergent and dish detergent in antique glass bottles. No plastic please!!

Jack and Susan Arnold

Soft colored wallpaper patterns on bathroom walls is a great start to capturing a French atmosphere.


Create something unique like adding a table and mirror to your tub time. How wonderful! Finding accessories for a French bath is the key to creating the look you desire. Regular visits to secondhand shops, vintage/antique malls, and flea market and collectible fairs are a must!


18th century French chateau style bathroom.


Wrought iron baskets hold washcloths, extra rolls of toilet paper, or makeup items in this French Provencal bath. Beams ceiling are a great asset for this look if you can incorporate them. Also look for those fabulous ways to set off your tubs with wood trim and delicate lace.

www.bugot.com

Another French Provencal bath with a lovely tub treatment.

A red and white toile curtain surrounds the tub in this Château du Champ de Bataille bath.


You too can create a curtained tub effect with a coronet ( or something equally creative) and pretty fabric.
Consider moving a small, unused dresser into your bathroom for extra storage. I would probably change the knobs and drawer pulls to something subtly French in style.




The nostalgic mood of a French Country bathroom will transport you back in time to when life was simple, predictable and stress free - a perfect place for escape, to unwind and rejuvenate a tired body and mind.

What better way to end a long tiring day that to soak in a French inspired bathroom.....


...... in something like this!!!


Parisian 19th c. zinc bath, with golden base & feet from Southeby's.



If you are serious about learning how to age your home with authentic faux paint techniques contact the experts at http://farragoz.com/.





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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
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