Country Furniture - the Living Areas

There is nothing more country than a roaring hearth on a chilly autumn or winter's night.  Starting a wood fire is an art in itself but once acquired, it will take you just moments to get one going and watch as everyone congregates around it.  The fireplace is a focal piece in a country living room, so the general rule for decor

is to arrange your living room furniture a comfortable distance from it to emphasize cosiness and encourage conversation.  A firescreen is a must for safety - don't skimp on that,  embers will fly and spit a fair way out from the fire.  Other must haves include your usual fireplace tool sets and some place to stack your wood indoors - wood storage racks are great.  Hearth rugs are those special fire retardant rugs that protect your floors from ash marks (particularly important if you have wooden floors).  They are usually a semi-circle in shape and are decorative in their own right.

The Chateau Labelle is French country furniture at its best.  Featuring classically French rolled arms and plush cushions, it's an asset to any living room if you are after some 'oohlala' charm.

Furniture with loose cushions like this Old Hickory Furniture is great for those messy spills that inevitably occur when you have children in the house.  Most cushion covers can be washed and if they start looking a bit tatty, then make new ones and voila, new look!

After a floral look?  Don't overdo it.  Big floral prints look great when used well but if you have too many floral accents in the room ie in the curtains, on the rugs etc then it can get a tad overpowering.  I prefer dainty prints that don't shout 'Look at me' but add hints of prettiness throughout the room.

Wicker baskets are useful and tasteful additions to the country living room.  Store away all those little knick knacks and keep the room uncluttered.  This one stores away those all important umbrellas, your slippers for a neat presentable finish.

Is there anything more irresistable than a rocking chair?  This lovely Shaker rocking chair has my thumbs up for lovely craftsmanship coupled with unique country style.  Just sit back, relax and let the world run without you for an hour or two.