Keeping the Country Spirit Alive and Well

The year was 1978.

A new magazine hit the racks called Country Living.

It's hard to believe that was more than 40 years ago. It certainly inspired me 

(along with John Denver's songs) to move from California to Colorado in 1979.

The nascent magazine eventually would lead me 

down a winding path to develop my own decorating style. 

Yes, we go way back and I still enjoy this magazine that was 

"committed to bringing warmth back into readers' homes."

Here's an early issue that I still have. Check out that price of $1.95!!

Granted I worked my way through many looks before finally settling
on a style - French Country.

But that was after I'd lived through Southwestern, Farmhouse, Country,
and what Ron called  my "Mary Tyler Moore" look.

Mauve and black, oh dear.
I do wish I'd kept that chaise lounge though.

I recently found a beautiful coffee table book published in 1988 called
"Country Living Country Decorating."
It's a compilation of the best of the magazine over the first ten years
and sure brought back a lot of memories with lots of gorgeous photos.

My favorite feature in that magazine was always "Country in the City."

So this post is a tribute to that time-honored magazine and especially that feature.

I learned to appreciate ironstone,

Mom's dishes that had been handed down,

and hand-stitched samplers.

One of the things I learned from "Country in the City"
is that you don't have to live in the country to feel like you do.
And so many country things complement French Country style. 

It's the feel of a room rather than a particular style.

Country living is all about homespun and heartfelt.

It's about hooked or braided rugs, folk art, baskets, and quilts,

primitive painted furniture and wooden bowls . . .

 and all those things that honor individual expression. 

A wood-burning fireplace warms a room but a gas flame works just as well.
And nothing says country like a roaring fireplace.

Thanks to Country Living magazine for reminding us of the value of home, heart and hearth
and for keeping the country spirit alive and well.

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Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Dwellings, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Follow the Yellow Brick Home, French Country Cottage

Easy Ways to Accessorize your Kitchen

When you have a tiny kitchen like I do, you have to be creative in giving it some personality.

Here's a shot of my compact kitchen.

There's a small stove on the wall opposite the mirror.
And that's it.

The easiest way to jazz up your little kitchen is with accessories.
Since French Country style leans toward soft and muted colors,
colorful accessories can liven up this room. 

I enjoy decorating my kitchen with farm animals but you could pick

your favorite accessory and repeat it throughout the kitchen for more impact.

Love ironstone?

Fill your open shelving with it.

Or maybe you collect silver or copper.

You can always find a spot to squeeze in a pretty silver tray or a copper tea kettle.

For me, farm animals add a simple touch of Provence to my kitchen.
You'll find lots of cows in this room.

Bring on the cows, roosters, pigs and sheep. 

Then add some pretty glass bottles to catch the light.

I love the pig on this lard tin
and pops of red energize this space.

Don't forget the roosters. This symbol of Provence is a must.

The top of the fridge is the perfect spot for a big basket or two to add texture.

 I love the juxtaposition of the wire hen against the woven basket.

Original artwork is an easy way to add color and a fun farmhouse feel.

Those 1960's paint-by-number paintings are inexpensive and charming.

I won this vibrant rooster painting by an art teacher in an auction.

If farm animals, copper or silver aren't your thing,
collectible kitchen items can add a warm feeling to your kitchen.

A large, round breadboard is on my wish list if I can find an affordable one.
Meanwhile I love this hand-carved board.

It may be small but my kitchen is one of my favorite rooms in my house.

And it's not because the wine is stored there!
LOL!

***

If you enjoyed your visit to my kitchen, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.
You can also subscribe to my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thanks so much!

***

Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Dwellings, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life, Our Hopeful Home,
A Delightsome Life, French Ethereal, Follow the Yellow Brick Home, French Country Cottage