The role of art in country decor is somewhat different than its role in many other styles of decoration. In most styles, art plays the part of accents, for instance. Country decor, however, is a style of simplicity. Art does not sit on the sidelines to the same degree as it does in most other styles. This is, of course, not to say that country decor lacks art. Quite to the contrary, in fact, there is a great abundance of country art. However, the art in country decor tends to be integrated into other elements, rather than standing on its own.

This gives the entire style a kind of coherence that adds a lot to the feeling it gives to people. For instance, when one sees a room decorated in a modern style, it is often a bit difficult to put your finger on exactly what style it is. Country decor, however, is recognizable at a glance. This is due in part to the fact that nearly everyone knows how to recognize the country art that is almost universally imbedded in the style. The common threads of the art are as simple as the style as a whole is. Much of the art takes inspiration from nature, even as it uses almost universally natural media.

For instance, the most popular forms of country art are wood crafts. Wood carvings are an art form that has been around since man picked up his first tools, and it has certainly stood up well to its age. Much of the wood carving used in country decor is as a part of a larger piece. For instance, a chair might have an intricate design carved out of the wood. Similarly, other wooden items are often embellished by the use of carvings. When wood carvings are used on their own, they are often actually simpler than when they are part of a larger unit. The artistic style usually used in the depiction of a given subject (most often an animal of some variety) is generally quite simple. Simplicity, however, gives it a sense of elegance and raw connection with nature.

Another medium often used in country art (specifically in the subset of rustic art) is metal work. This is most often done in aluminum or tin, and is almost always part of a functional unit. This sort of work is often done on lanterns and lighting fixtures. The complexity of the work varies greatly, from simple patterns to more complex things, such as wildlife scenes depicted in silhouette against the glow of the lighting fixtures.

Similarly functional is the most widely known style of country art, namely quilts. Quilts are, obviously, quite useful on a cold night to take off the chill, but a good country quilt is also the best thing to liven up a room. Even when not in use, the patterns and colors of a quilt can work wonders for a room's decor, particularly when other elements of country art and decor are arranged to coordinate with the elements of the quilt.

Copyright ? Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.