Mammy's Choice Blog

Mammy’s Weekly Blog

Often, I am asked about ‘what is the difference between and within country décor and style’? So, this week I thought I would touch on the subject.

In the next blog, I will look at different eras of style, such as Jacobean, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, so be prepared for a history lesson LOL! I personally find it wonderfully fascinating and confess, I drawl over some of the beautiful pieces, ‘Oh just one powerball...’ as they say - well at least dreams are free!

Primitives: The dictionary defines primitive “as among the first of something, potentially simple and crude, or made by an unschooled artist”. Primitives are items of yester-year.  Unless you are privileged to own an original piece, replicated pieces are usually stained – either with coffee or tea to accentuate that old world antique look.  With dolls and linen, stitching maybe rough or imperfect and the edges possibly left raw. Additional extras, like buttons, patches can be, or are added and faces can either be hand-stitched or painted on.   The pieces look like something Great-Grandma would have owned and made or something crafted out of wood by Great Grandpa.
 (Bucket o Bunnys - Mammy's Choice)                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Extreme Primitives: Are the same as Primitives, however, appear damaged or in need of repair.  An eye or stitch maybe missing or be haywire. There could be a rip or a hole somewhere.  Extreme primitives are usually stained darker than Primitives, even painted black.  The faces are usually always stitched.  These pieces look like they belonged to Great-Grandmas, grandmother.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Whimsical: does not always have to be primitive.  They are stained lighter, can be colourful or left natural. Whimsical is funky or flowery, even vintage.  Faces are usually painted on and consist of odd shapes. Items can be fanciful, even mythical.  

(whimiscal found on Pinterest)    

                                                                                          

Grubby: as it says – grubby! Grubby does not have to be old world though commonly it is.  The appearance is to look dirty or well used, even misused. If it were a ragdoll I could imagine some spoilt bad-tempered child throwing poor Miss Molly into the mud or dragging her behind their bike. Then again, it maybe that special loved security piece that a child will not give up for cleaning and takes everywhere with them.  (grubby jar found on Pinterest)

      

Shabby Chic: consists of soft colours, whites, creams, florals, cottage style, feminine, romantic, with a hint of French.  Items are usually stressed or show signs of wear and tear, almost looking antique. Faux painting is often used to achieve this look.             (Shabby Chic Bedroom – photo Pinterest)

Industrial: Industrial style refers to an aesthetic trend in interior design.  Industrial desires to give the effect of being in an old factory or deserted warehouse.  The outcome is of being cold yet warm and comforting.  I find it an interesting style, a feel of yesteryear, almost that of the depression and the post-war years.  It  conjures a sense of making comfort with what was around and available. A statement of history, dignity, masculinity and a sense of victory.

Rustic:  usually insinuates country, rural.  Rustic does not necessarily mean aged but the condition of.  It is simple, unsophisticated, using natural materials or items being left unenhanced and untouched. 

(Rustic – amazon.com)

                                                                                          

Cottage:  soft florals, gingham, romantic, cosy, wooden, baskets, warm, they are just a few things that come to mind.  The cottage style should envelop you the moment you lay eyes on it.  It embraces imperfections and personality.  Cottage can be frilly, antique, vintage, old mixed with new.  Its casual air offers a sense of comfort, personal identity and security.  Cottage is complex to describe as it is a combination of personal taste all mixed together.     (photo by hansolomon.com)

                                        

I would say “Cottage” would best describe me.  I love my antique furniture, family heirlooms, collection of primitive decor, rustic bits and pieces, antique china, gingham, cane baskets and the odd French piece here and there.  Though truly, I cannot decide which style I really love the most.  Our bedrooms are more cottage, come Shabby Chic.  The lounge room and sitting areas are classical, having the most antiques, and the kitchen/wet areas primitive. Within each area I have selected pieces of each style to help tie it in and all together -  it works for me.

Retro:  usually 20-40 years old – in other words it is out-dated, not cool anymore, out of style and currently highly fashionable.  For many of us, it is something we grew up with.  For others, something sentimental.  In honesty, it was gross, but wish we had kept some pieces as they are worth a small fortune now. Retro was bold for its time.  (Retro – photo Diykidshouses.com)

To cap off - the difference between Antique and Vintage.  Antique is genuinely old and usually dates around a hundred years, however, Australia being a newer (western civilised) country we often declare antique as being 50+ years.  Vintage is between 30 – 50 years, something your grandparents or even parents would have had or used.

I hope this successfully answers any queries you have.  Please feel free to drop me a line if you have any more questions. 

Enjoy and all country blessing till next time.

Vicki x