A COUNTRY MAMMY

Often, I am asked about ‘what is the difference between and within country décor and style’? So, I thought I would touch on the subject.

In the next blog, I will look at different eras of style, such as Jacobean, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, so be prepared for a history lesson LOL! I personally find it wonderfully fascinating and confess, I drawl over some of the beautiful pieces, ‘Oh just one powerball...’ as they say - well at least dreams are free!

Primitives: The dictionary defines primitive “as among the first of something, potentially simple and crude, or made by an unschooled artist”. Primitives are items of yester-year.  Unless you are privileged to own an original piece, replicated pieces are usually stained – either with coffee or tea to accentuate that old world antique look.  With dolls and linen, stitching maybe rough or imperfect and the edges possibly left raw. Additional extras, like buttons, patches can be, or are added and faces can either be hand-stitched or painted on.   The pieces look like something Great-Grandma would have owned and made or something crafted out of wood by Great Grandpa.

Grungy: Are the same as Primitives, however, appear damaged or in need of repair.  An eye or stitch maybe missing or be haywire. There could be a rip or a hole somewhere.  Extreme primitives are usually stained darker than Primitives, even painted black.  The faces are usually always stitched.  These pieces look like they belonged to Great-Grandmas, grandmother.

Whimsical: does not always have to be primitive.  They are stained lighter, can be colourful or left natural. Whimsical is funky or flowery, even vintage.  Faces are usually painted on and consist of odd shapes. Items can be fanciful, even mythical. 

 Grubby: as it says – grubby! Grubby does not have to be old world though commonly it is.  The appearance is to look dirty or well used, even misused. If it were a ragdoll I could imagine some spoilt bad-tempered child throwing poor Miss Molly into the mud or dragging her behind their bike. Then again, it maybe that special loved security piece that a child will not give up for cleaning and takes everywhere with them.  

Shabby Chic: consists of soft colours, whites, creams, florals, cottage style, feminine, romantic, with a hint of French.  Items are usually stressed or show signs of wear and tear, almost looking antique. Faux painting is often used to achieve this look.             

 

 Rustic:  usually insinuates country, rural.  Rustic does not necessarily mean aged but the condition of.  It is simple, unsophisticated, using natural materials or items being left unenhanced and untouched. 

 Cottage:  soft florals, gingham, romantic, cosy, wooden, baskets, warm, they are just a few things that come to mind.  The cottage style should envelop you the moment you lay eyes on it.  It embraces imperfections and personality.  Cottage can be frilly, antique, vintage, old mixed with new.  Its casual air offers a sense of comfort, personal identity and security.  Cottage is complex to describe as it is a combination of personal taste all mixed together.