In a home on the beach in Malibu, California, designer Sue Balmforth has combined elements of classic American country--a farmhouse table, wood floors and wicker furniture--with European antiques for a casual sophisticated look. The resulting blend is an easy California country room that works well with a seaside life.
To create the casual California country look in your own home:
- Combine white denim slipcovered sofas and chairs with wicker pieces to add texture and variety to a seating area.
- Use inexpensive sisal rugs to cover floors. When one side of the rug becomes soiled or worn, it can be overturned and the other side can be used. When both sides are worn, throw out the rug and purchase another inexpensive one.
- Remember, light-colored furniture and accents, along with the sense of relaxed comfort, can tie the look of casual country together.
All About Ironstone
Take a look around nearly any country home and chances are you'll spot a collection or two. Everything from decoys to dolls, or whatever strikes the fancy of the country collector. In his Comfort, Texas home, designer Jim Lord has gathered together an impressive display of one of the most cherished country accents--ironstone.
Some tips about ironstone:
- Ironstone can be found in a variety of shapes--teacups, saucers, plates, pitchers and teapots.
- Ironstone can be displayed in any quantity--a small vignette of just a few pieces adds to a country home and even a single pitcher used as a vase can give country sophistication to any space.
- There are a few factors that increase the collectibility of ironstone including the size and the degree of relief on each piece. Generally, the more relief and the larger a piece, the more expensive.
- Ironstone should be cleaned by hand with soap and water. For tough tea or coffee stains, it should be professionally cleaned.
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