21 December 2009

The Appeal of English Cottage Style Furniture (English country cottages)

English country cottages
If you are lucky enough to live in a country cottage you will recognise the utter appeal of English cottage style furniture. There is no doubt that tasteful furniture that is in keeping with its surroundings, contributes to the convivial heart of a home and this is no more so than with the appropriate use of cottage style furniture.

Historically cottage furniture was designed to be practical, comfortable and above all affordable. Although these days many genuine antique pieces can fetch enormous sums of money, originally much of the furniture designed and created for cottages was modern in its day and was simply hewn from natural materials that were easily to hand. These materials would have included mighty oaks, beech, ash, tall pines, wild cherry, pliable willow and the great elm trees - sadly no longer with us. All were cut and felled from fields, woods, river banks and open moorland and then left to season before being turned into chairs, tables, stools, settles, four-poster beds, dressers and cupboards by skilled local craftsmen.

The dark stained and polished traditional cottage style furniture you see today, in antique shops, cottages and even old manor houses, would originally have started life as light or pale coloured wood that only darkened over the centuries. Any furniture that survived through to the modern day became more valued and much sought after items in their own right.

Many of these pieces would have originally have been part of co-ordinating sets of furniture comprising a double bed, a wash stand, a dresser, a small table, chairs, and sometimes a wardrobe. A hundred years ago or more an English cottage would have been a very small and unsophisticated dwelling occupied by local villagers and farm workers.

These were generally speaking quite poor people, who wanted nothing more than simple and affordable comfort at the end of the day. Their furniture needed to be functional and robust, which is why genuine cottage furniture is rarely elaborate, except for bucolic carvings and painted decoration.

Flowers, fruit, hedgerow plants, farming symbols, birds and animals were the most common carved features; these were done by local cabinet makers, who in the main didn't have any formal training. The painted embellishments were either slightly primitive, with a Folk Art feel to them or, if the artist was talented, featured highly detailed and beautifully executed scenes.

Furniture made from pine was the cheapest and probably the easiest to work but because it lacked the patina of the beautiful hard woods many pine pieces of furniture were painted and then decorated to enhance the rather plain appearance; although there are a few examples where the natural wood was varnished but left unpainted with the exception of some painted floral accents.

True English cottage furniture is homely and unfussy and should feel inviting when you walk into a room. It does in fact have a charming naïve quality that is a large part of its appeal; indeed to people from all over the world. Many a well-worn country kitchen chair, lovingly fashioned from a piece of elm or beech, has gone on to become a collector's item, far from its native land.

Quite a lot of cottage furniture in the past could be picked up cheaply from auctions and junk shops or even be passed down from relatives. These days though original pieces of cottage furniture are less attainable, more costly and highly desirable, especially since the shabby chic style became so popular; which is why there is now a growing demand for good quality reproduction pieces.

When putting together a cottage style room it is important to be sure of which direction you want to follow so be certain to focus your ideas before you start. For instance do you want to create a classic old cottage look using mostly old oak furniture alongside lots of pretty fabrics or do you lean more towards the shabby chic look using distressed and painted furniture, with corresponding accessories? Once you've decided on the general theme tie your look together so that it appears effortless and uncontrived.

You can probably now see just how important it is to use the right type of cottage furniture to ensure getting the exact look you want for your home. You will not achieve a calm rural ambience in any room that looks a mish-mash of ill-chosen furniture and oddments. Keep a rigid sense of direction and try to plan as near as possible the exact layout and room position of your major signature pieces. Once these are in place the rest of your furniture and special treasures will fit naturally round them.

It is sometimes worth spending a reasonable sum of money on one stunning item if you feel it will transform a hitherto plain area into somewhere captivating and welcoming. There is no doubt that something like a beautiful polished antique chest sporting a vase of cottage garden flowers can turn a room into a masterpiece of design.

As with all décor pick your colour schemes carefully to complement your English cottage furniture, making sure there are plenty of nature's tones on the walls, floors and upholstery. Shades of pink, rose, brown, yellow, rust and green are perfect for that English cottage look but keep it subtle to maintain the antique, aged and cosy feel that is appropriate for this style. Be sure to stay well away from sleek, highly polished and modern furniture; even one inappropriate piece can destroy the whole balance of a room.

Nothing has to match, and if it doesn't, so much the better. The overall effect you want to achieve is a look of charm and distinct comfort. Anything that you have found or bought that is a bit worse for wear can be painted or covered with new fabric to help it fit into your overall scheme. In the past it was not unusual for pieces to be adapted from one use to another, for example an old cottage door have might be remodeled into a kitchen table; don't be afraid to do the same if you have the talent.

Finally if you are furnishing a small space it is often best to choose one large focal piece of furniture and then add smaller well-chosen items to fit in around it. When a restricted space is filled with to many smaller pieces, it tends to make the room appear fussy, cluttered and even unkempt. Also avoid the temptation of pushing everything directly up against the walls, it is usually best to arrange furniture in an "L" shape, without blocking the natural flow of the room.

Good storage methods are a must when it comes to living in modest spaces so try to make your larger pieces of furniture such as blanket chests, dressers and settles double-up as extra storage space, this way they become dual purpose pieces and help keep your home both tidy and well-organised.

by Karole Howard


Fresh article from author - English country cottages

19 December 2009

English Country House Plans Recall the Magic of Childhood (English country cottages)

English country cottages
English country house plans evolved from the tenants' cottages on large manors in Western England during the Middle Ages. Originally these simple structures were fashioned of wattle and daub or stone, and topped with high thatched roofs to facilitate rain runoff. For many people, the archetypical English cottage home is the storybook image of a small dwelling nestled in trees at the end of a country road, with smoke curling up from the chimney, and rose bushes climbing up the walls onto the thatched roof; with little old men and ladies gazing out of small, leaded windows flanked by shutters and a flower box. There is something in this image which is undeniably appealing, and which makes cottage-style living the dream of many modern city-dwellers. On the other hand, this picture also implies cramped living quarters, dark interiors, and perhaps few modern amenities. In order to define the continuing appeal of cottage living, the words that spring to mind are "comfort", "simplicity", "charm", "intimacy" and "romance" rather than the overwrought, pretentious grandiosity of, say luxury estate house plans mansions. The point is that cottage-style living is a state of mind as much as it as a physical presence.
To understand the appeal of English cottage living, think back to the happiest scenes of your childhood: the snug burrow hidden beneath the thick lilac bush; the tree fort cradled high up in the maple limbs; the closet in the attic with its secret passage way beneath the stairs; the bunk-bed at the summer cabin piled high with thick blankets. What do these memories have in common? How did you feel when you were hiding and playing in them with your siblings and playmates? For most people, cottage-style living evokes these forts, closets, hollows - cozy, secret happy places of childhood. When we were children we created spaces which made us feel secure and safe. Although we are now adults, we still have the need for magical, mysterious places which hug us snugly within their boundaries and provide a soothing resting place - retreat from the hustle-bustle world outside.
English cottage homes capture a warm, cozy feeling. The fairytale style of authentic English country cottage house plans became very popular in the United States between the 1890's and 1940's. In the modern style these cottages often have hip roofs with steep gables; with stone, stucco, or shingle siding. The asymmetrical design often has floor plans of one-and-a-half stories, together with quaint interior design features such as artistic niches and nooks. Since they tend to be small in size, English cottage homes are usually favored by young or retired couples rather than couples with growing families. Besides their romantic appeal, cottages are easy to maintain and easy to live in. The house itself encourages an informal, relaxed style of living close to nature. The unpretentious cottage lifestyle means that more attention can be paid to fine details and craftsmanship than ostentatious luxuries. English cottage living expresses who you are and how you prefer to live life - close to nature and the earth - with little regard for impressing others.
If you are seeking a simple, natural lifestyle, consider English country house plans rather than affected, earth-unfriendly luxury estate house plans mansions. There are inexpensive but elegant authentic English country cottage house plans available to suit any budget and lifestyle. Visit House Plans and More today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane
Good article from author - english country cottages

18 December 2009

English Country Cottages


English country cottages
An English cottage is one of the best places to spend an eventful vacation, along with your wife and kids. Set up in picturesque backdrops, these wonderful structures offer you a well needed escapade from the maddening crowds and mechanical life that most people are used to. So, in case you wish to experience a truly English vacation, then there are few things that can match the aura and charm of an English cottage.
The following are some examples of these wonderful accommodations that you might like to know about:
1. Church Farm, St Briavels, Forest Of Dean
This magnificent structure is located in the calm and serene environs of St Briavels. Set atop a limestone plateau and offering an exotic view of the River Wye in the Forest of Dean this structure offers you a number of facilities for your comfortable stay. The structure stands along the main farmhouse and outlines a side of the courtyard of this beautiful structure. You will find walks all over and visitors have easy access throughout the land. You are available with all the modern facilities as well.
2. Pelham Cottage, Lower Lydbrook, Wye Valley
A subtle atmosphere and beautiful ambience are the major characteristics of this magnificent place. A beautiful lane linking the property to the road below makes it one of the most beautiful accommodation options in the area. It gives a wonderful view of the River Wye, which flows down the valley below. The hilly backdrop simply catches your breath. The property is located outside the village of Lower Lydbrook which also gives you easy access to pubs and restaurants, which are within walking distance. You are also not far away from Tintern Abbey, Symonds Yat, Chepstow and Monmouth Castles.
3. Tribbetts, Wembury Point, South Devon
Marvelously located at a short distance from South West Coastal Path on the outskirts of this sleepy hamlet called Wembury Point, the property offers you exotic coastal views from the house and the garden. Although located in a rural backdrop, the property is conveniently located for easy access to a number of tourist attractions. Not only that, the property also offers a number of modern facilities that would cater to your needs. The scenic backdrop would soothe your senses and you might not even feel like leaving this place.
The above cottages are some of the best accommodation options that you can consider, when you arrive for a magnificent vacation experience.
Looking for Holiday Cottages ? Find out more about Holiday Cottages England
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Clark