| > | | | | or folk art pieces. Victorian homes had touches that |
| Decorating terminology can be daunting. Everyone | | | | today would be termed rustic or countrified. Baskets, |
| has a preconceived definition of terms used to | | | | tin matchbox holders or comb receptacles, were as |
| describe home décor. Early American, Colonial, | | | | much a part of the Victorian home as flounces, |
| Victorian, contemporary, and the list goes on, each | | | | ruffles and lace. The trick is in selecting |
| one supposedly designating a very different style. | | | | rustic’ that fits the decorating theme. A |
| Probably one of the most misunderstood words in | | | | replica of a boot maker’s sign goes well with |
| home decorating is rustic. Visions of log cabins, | | | | Colonial or Country, while one that is flowery, light |
| rough-hewn wood beams, rural farmhouses or | | | | and sentimental fits into the more romantic Victorian. |
| lakeside cottages immediately jump to the fore when | | | | Using rustic pieces adds warmth and individuality to |
| something is called rustic. Those are rustic, but so are | | | | every conceivable decorative style. A touch of |
| many other styles and decorator choices. | | | | humor or a reminder of the important things in life |
| Rustic incorporates those touches that help create a | | | | can give heart to any room, any home. Rustic can be |
| feeling of simplicity. Rustic style is artless or | | | | used with contemporary, country, classic, and art |
| unpretentious, and it has a warmth and sincerity that | | | | deco. Chances are, rustic decorating will add charm |
| transcends being categorized or limited to any | | | | and uniqueness to any style. People are drawn to |
| particular time period. Folk art pieces are examples of | | | | certain styles, and there is something rustic to fit |
| that which fit into specific periods, but can also be | | | | them all. Have fun with it. Incorporate those rustic |
| classified as rustic, the Cigar Store Indian or a | | | | touches to put an individual signature on a home. |
| child’s wooden pull toy. Early American | | | | Know the style that creates the desired ambience, |
| décor benefits by the addition of rustic touches | | | | but don’t shy away from those things called |
| like iron skillets or pewter, the poor man’s | | | | rustic simply because the term doesn’t seem |
| silver. During Colonial times, homes very often | | | | to fit. Terminology isn’t important, the result, |
| contained objects or useful items, quilts, tin wall | | | | an inviting home, should be the end goal. |
| sconces or earthenware jugs, now considered rustic | | | | |