Country Style: An Antidote For Hard Times?

Filed under: Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends

Why more of us are gravitating toward country's simple, down-home look.

I recently got an email that Bemz, the company that creates custom slipcovers for IKEA furniture, has developed a new line of shabby chic slipcovers called "Loose Fit - Country Style". Recent issues of Architectural Digest and Dwell have focused on country style living. And in case you haven't heard, Rachel Ashwell is back. What's causing this re-emergence of the down-home country style? It may have something to do with the struggling economy.

Country style is all about comfort, color and "lots of patterned fabrics, rustic furnishings, even a campy aesthetic," says Heather Wells from Wells & Fox Architectural Interiors. It's reminiscent of simpler times and a leisurely lifestyle that's easier to keep up with and maintain, and this may be why the style is currently gaining popularity. It is the very opposite of the uncertain economic times we're experiencing outside of the home. "When society is feeling challenged economically and politically, they look to their homes to take the edge off. They look to a style to comfort them," says Wells.

Designer Summer Thornton says there are many different interpretations of what country style actually is. In her mind, it's less farmhouse style and more chic, a palatable "blending of vintage pieces and items with patina to create an aesthetic that is notably laid back." She sees rooms mixed with glamorous pieces and old antiques like Milk Paint furnishings, all of which communicate a particular kind of lifestyle. "Usually the people that are interested in something with a country look are more laid back. But again, what type of country are they looking for -- usually its something simple, casual and often times with lots of linen and cotton."

Heather and her team have been working on several projects that incorporate this simpler aesthetic. She notes that even in their more formal projects, she is using handmade fabrics and rugs and items that feel more homespun and comfortable. "It does seem to be a trend that when times are tough, people want simple and comfortable," she says. "Back to basics."

In the past, when we've experienced easier, more comfortable economic times, style and design focused more on the complex, artistic, luxurious and fanciful. For example, when times were good in the automotive industry, we saw the emergence and almost overnight sensation of the SUV, and with the economic downturn, cars just seem to get smaller and smaller to compensate for gas prices, environmental concerns and lifestyle changes.

Summer isn't sure that the popularity of country style is directly related to the economy, but she does think more people are looking to make their homes more comfortable. "Vintage pieces remind us of times past, simpler times and fond memories with family," she says. "As a society we apply so much pressure to ourselves that many people are just seeking a place of peace, comfort, and serenity...and country style certainly provides that."

I agree. After a long day at work, there's nothing better than sinking into a deep, soft, broken-in sofa. It's like an old pair of jeans; there's an element of nostalgia and history that fits you like a glove.


Because of this shift in economics, along with the demand for vintage decor, there's no denying that there's been a rise in flea markets, handmade crafts and thrift stores. Summer has noticed this, too: "There's this new show called American Pickers -- for some reason more and more people are interested in the hunt for old things." She chooses to purchase as much vintage for her clients as new items, regardless of style, because it offers a uniqueness that can't be bought in a retail store. I think the same could be said for heirlooms.

Whether or not this shift toward a nostalgic lifestyle is a result of the economy or not, we're in it for the long haul. Now, where did I stash that floral duvet?

Recent ShelterPop stories about country style:
- How To Be At Home With Country
- Inside Country Living's House of the Year

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments