Many decorating decisions are based on color. For me, decorating is all about texture. And it just so happens that my love of rough, rustic textures commonly colors my home with neutrals and natural schemes.
I like it rough.
What is it about texture? Rough surfaces worn smooth with time … aged barn wood … abrasive stone and brick. Smoother surfaces show bumps and bruises from daily life. Textured surfaces hide it all. Forget smooth and sleek. I like things a little ragged around the edges.
Do you prefer cotton or burlap? Laminate or hardwood? Beaded board or smooth, painted surfaces? Brick or stone? Texture makes a house a home. And the rougher the better, I say!
I like it natural.
Wood, earth tones highlighted by deep color and natural elements make me happy. I pepper my home with liberal dashes of eggs and nests, shells, sticks and stones (that don’t break bones), and found items my children inevitably bring into the house. Natural items have the best texture.
Nests gathered by little hands (the eggs aren’t real) …
Wood elements from primitive contraptions …
Groupings of like items …
Driftwood garlands instead of fabric over a window …
Texture adds layers to your decor. It adds warmth and coziness. It adds interest. And what could be more interesting than old wood floors topped off with a cowhide rug?
Hides have become a prominent part of my decorating scheme. I don’t know why I like them so much … maybe because beef cattle are an important part of our lives. Maybe because they have a marvelous texture and color. Maybe because I Should Have Been A Cowboy like Toby Keith.
Or maybe because hides are a contrasting partner to the primitive antiques and rough textures I love.
What’s your style?
Do you find it hard to stick to one particular style? I do. I like to mix it up, change my mind and rearrange. There are always two constants, though: rustic antiques and lots of texture. I’m always rough and ready for more.
Now go grab your sandpaper and rough up your life!
