.: janeiro 2011

Rustic and Refined

Small Living Room

by House Beautiful

French provincial/French country

Rustic versions of formal French furnishings of the 1600s and 1700s, such as the Louis XIV and Louis XV styles. Early French-country pieces were considered peasant furniture. Furniture pieces are left in their natural state and exude a handcrafted flair. Chairs feature caning for the backs and seats instead of heavy upholstery. Typical colors used in French country are deep and rich: Mediterranean blue, sunny yellow, terra-cotta red and green. Natural materials such as stone and terra cotta are used abundantly, in addition to wire and wrought iron.

Scandinavian

Encompasses three different Nordic styles — country, Gustavian and Scandinavian modern. Each holds true to a light and fresh color palette and an abundance of wood pieces meant to counteract the region's dark, cold winters. Distinguishing characteristics of the country style include bare or painted wide-plank, wood floors, furniture made of birch or pine and fabrics that feature minimal patterns in white-washed hues. The Gustavian look is a combination of the country pieces with a brighter color palette and elegant accessories, like crystal chandeliers and furnishings with graceful curves. Scandinavian modern evolved with the modern movement in the 1930s. It features the same blond wood furniture. but with an emphasis on line, shape and form. The look is punctuated with bursts of color in small doses, like area rugs or artwork.