Pastoral artwork works with Amish interior decorating
The Amish are best known for their simple lifestyle, and keeping it simple is the best rule to follow for Amish interior decorating. Anything that would work in a rustic cabin would probably work in an Amish-inspired home. Lots of wood, from floors to walls, furniture to picture frames, help complete the Amish look, as do a few other strategies. Does this Spark an idea?
Art
Bring a glimpse of Amish life into your home through art. Realistic paintings that depict farmlands, barns, fields, livestock, rustic landscapes and open prairies work well for an Amish interior. For those who prefer objets d'art with a more creative bent, you can go for actual pieces of farm equipment, wagon wheels, farm tools or other mechanical gadgets that would be used to work the land. The objects can be arranged in a striking wall arrangement that may resemble a gallery or museum, or you can prop them in corners and in wooden planters if they are too heavy to hang.
Furniture
Solid, heavy and wooden is the way to go for Amish furniture. Since much of their furniture is made by hand, you can mimic the style by opting for handcrafted pieces that are bulky and durable. Oak, maple or cherry hardwoods are good choices that hold up well and complete the Amish look. Mission style furniture is very Amish, as are rustic and boxy looks. Any border and ornamentation should also be wood. Dining room seat cushions in simple leather will work well. For couch and easy chair cushions, choose leather or a thick, durable fabric in a solid neutral color or subtle pattern.
Quilts
No Amish interior decorating would be complete without at least one quilt, and preferably more. The cozy, colorful quilts can be used as furniture throws, bedspreads, area rugs in corners and places without a lot of traffic, tablecloths and even as wall hangings. You can pick out an Amish quilt from other types with a discerning eye. Amish quilts use both bright and subdued hues, but only with solid colored fabrics rather than the hodgepodge of prints you find on other quilts. Amish quilt designs focus on geometric shapes, with lots of diamonds, squares or elaborate medallions. They also favor other intricate designs, such as a quilted cables and feathered scrolls.
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