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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Are Wreaths Too Country or Just Welcoming?




In the late 80’s and early 90’s country style decorating was a huge trend. As with most trends a lot of what people were calling country was not really country at all, but more of an over the top exaggeration of what true country design represents.  This over the top exaggeration has made homeowners shy away from anything with the name country applied to it.

I find that people that decorate in true country style had it before the trend, during and after.

One of the many appealing aspects of country design is the warm and inviting atmosphere it can create in a room.



One element that was, and is still used  to evoke a warm welcome on homeowners porches is still used by many today.  With the Fall season upon us many homeowners will be using these to decorate their homes.

I would like to talk about. “WREATHS!” I know that many people still associate them with the 80’s. I also know that there are those that are still making wreaths that look like a throw back from the 80’s.

My question to you, dear readers, is:


Do all wreaths remind you of, 1980’s country style or do they evoke a welcoming site to visitors that grace your front door?

I did a little bit of searching and I came up with a few wreaths to show you so you can make an educated decision. I really would like to know what you all think!…….














 





















































A nice alternative to a traditional wreath.




















You will notice that many of the wreaths I chose to show you have natural elements in them. I am not a big fan of faux flowers so I chose most of the above examples based on creativity and the fact that they used natural elements.
Now that you have see all of the above examples, how do you all feel about wreaths in your own home decor? Will you be hanging a Fall wreath to greet your guest?

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Finding a wreath that speaks to you for your own home.

Kathysue

23 comments:

Taylor Greenwalt said...

As charming as they are, they do remind me of the 70s and 80s. Maybe if they were more industrial they would look more up to date. Imagine Restoration hardware designing a wreath.

The enchanted home said...

I think they can be incredibly charming when well done......but I cannot help but relate this to a "country-sh' style however UNLESS we are talking Christmas time of course!
There are so many pretty ones, some of which you have shown above, but in the end I do think its a very country look. I do however really get excited about creating and designing beautiful Christmas wreaths!!
Good topic Kathy Sue!

Lee said...

Not an artificial flower girl here as well though I've seen some amazing replicas in a design store in my town. But still not persuaded . . . I like live plants.

On the front door, I don't do wreaths except at Christmas. But I've been thinking about incorporating a Fall one. So, good timing, Kathysue! I really like images 1, 4, and 11, esp on those doors and frames. Like the natural texture of burlap and the unexpected square in image 1; like the rustic handle and greenery on that peeling paint door; like the arched frame and circle wreath.

For my front door and outside entry, I might consider the arched frame and wreath to the right of the front door. Now to find that frame . . .

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

As you know, I am sort of a traditionalist, when it comes to decorating.

I was country when country wasn't cool. Sorry could not resist! Actually...I am authentic country, I suppose, because we actually live up in the country and even lived on a farm for many years. Anyhow, I believe a wreath says welcome to our home. Having said that, I did a container on the wall next to the door for Fall this year and I believe that I will do the same for Christmas.

Beautiful wreath examples, Kathysue.

Tote said...

Hi Kathysue, I love wreaths for each season. I think they are a welcoming aspect of your home. They are inviting and I think it lets people know that you take the time to acknowledge each season here.

Babs said...

Great wreath photos and I also prefer natural elements. The problem in my case, is that my front door is in full sun for the better part of the day and with little overhang to protect what ever I hang on the door. I don't know how many times, just like my Fall wreath post, I went with faux for practicality, when I would have much prefered something totally natural.
Thanks for giving great ideas for more natural wreaths.
Country or welcoming? I'd say "welcoming"
Hugs,
Babs

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Kathysue! I LOVE wreaths! I have one on both sides of each of my entry doors, not to mention over two of my mirrors! I just did a count and I have a total of ten in my home right now! lol I never even thought of associating them with country...maybe because I am French country and they just fit in so well with my decor. I have to tell you a story, though. When my friends came from France, they were puzzled about all of my wreaths. In France, it's called a "couronne" and is mostly associated with funerals! lol Imagine what they must have thought! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Bring Pretty Back said...

Kathysue -I do think they are country. The first photo is the least country of these wreaths I believe.
I do like one on a front door - they are welcoming... but, I am not in love with them overall.
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

I love these wreaths..they are beautiful. I am still a wreath lover because they are both country and friendly. My neice says it looks like a funeral is in the house when I have one on the front door, but I disagree. I put my autumn wreath up early just to give me hope that the 100 degree stretch and drought would one day go away!

Stacy CUrran said...

I think if they are real, they look terrific and welcoming in any season. These images seem to show that, at least to me...gorgeous!
Stacy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Oh, I love the one hanging from the rusty crusty iron ring. The basket of leaves by Diane is fake though. She got those at the Dollar store.

Linda Hartong said...

I loved them in the 80's . I had the square, the round, the basket. I made the succulent wreath in a class. My favorite wreath incorporated a "hunt horn" that a little wren loved to nest in. She was always so insulted when we used the front door.
They seem old to me now. Maybe in another 10 years I will try again. Now I prefer a handsome door with a knocker and potted arrangements that vary with the season.

Jeanene said...

I'm not a huge fan of wreaths, except at Christmas when I always have one on my door. I did like the one hanging on the faux window about the fireplace in your series of pictures though. Otherwise they're too "country" for me.

Linda in AZ * said...

*** When I see wreaths (except at Christmas), I think of bib overalls on guys n' gals (chewing on a piece of wheat), bails of hay, charming cows grazing and Ellie Mae and Jethro!!! (I AM joking of course!!!)...

Seriously girlfriend, IMHO there are "W*R*E*A*T*H*S" and then there are "wreaths"... (IE: There are some to-die-fors, and some "I'd-kill-myself-before-I'd-hang-that" wreaths)...

I really liked a few of the ones you showed/shared... alot!!! ~~~ Since our front door is almost all clear glass, the only WAY to hang one is to attach it to the very top of the door w/ tacks (yep, LOTS of them if it's a heavy mama!), and at the same time ensuring you can close the door OK...

*** Though the idea is to warmly welcome visitors, I think it can ALSO be achieved by making sure the entrance is just plain... ol'... pretty!!!!!! (I personally love & enjoy the look of a FAB POT, on each side of the door (which in our case are floor to celing glass)... I change these out seasonally AND/OR whenever the mood strikes me... I like, too, that all can be seen from INSIDE, too!)...

HAPPY TUESDAY, Sweet pal!

Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
(*** Oh yes, if YOU hung a wreath, I KNOW, UNDOUBTABLY, that it would look FAB... ANYthing you do always DOES!!!)...

Sally@DivineDistractions said...

Great examples of more sophisticated wreaths. I'd love to welcomed by any of these. I just finished one for my front door for Indian Summer. I posted it on FB! I'm going to pin some of these!

Becca Bertotti said...

Beautiful wreath pics, Kathysue! I love the square one. I'm a wreath fan (depending on the wreath ... lol) and am on a big mesh wreath kick lately!

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

I personally adore wreaths. To me they say welcome. They are inexpensive and can make a dynamic statement. I was one of those country girls in the 80's. In the 90's I added more sophisticated elements. Now I'm a mix of Country French and Cottage. It's all good! Your inspiration pics are fabulous. Love the boxwood with the burlap ribbon. I may have to try that one...

vignette design said...

I like wreaths, but don't currently have one hanging on my front door. It's a fine line between too country and elegance. Fall time is usually when I feel like a wreath. And of course Christmas!

Anonymous said...

It's funny you would have this post today. I was just at Michaels with my son and there were lots of them hanging on the wall where you check out. I just can't do them. Some of them were nice but I feel like been there done that;)

I would not judge someone who had one and my favorite is the first one and I don't mind the one on the window above the fireplace. Maybe someday.....

OHDeb

Anonymous said...

I think wreaths are more of an east coast thing than the west coast. Out here we tend to hang those seasonal "flags" instead. dont care for either one except at Christmas I enjoy hanging a real and fragrant wreath on the front gates.

InMyOwnStyle said...

Hi Kathysue

I think most wreaths fall into the Country style, especially in Autumn- as it is just more of a "Country" feeling season. I think they make the entrance seem more warm and inviting. Like a warm embrace. Anything hung on the door will do this - it doesn't have to be a wreath. I have a friend who hangs a pair of vintage white ice skates on her front door in the winter. They look amazing the way she hangs them and adds Christmas ribbon and greenery to them during the holidays.

Thanks for featuring my basket.

My best- Diane

Shelly@ConfettiStyle said...

While wreaths can be a bit old school, I still like them, especially when they are constructed of a single material like boxwood, leaves or all sunflowers. And, I love when a a wreath takes on a new shape like a square, oval or diamond. This makes a wreath look current to me. I say update your wreath look and continue to make a magnificent statement at your front door!

Georgica Pond said...

If you follow the Martha Stewart line of stylish, elegant, tasteful and beautiful then you can't go wrong. I love love love wreaths, especially for special occasions and think that in all shapes, sizes, colour, flowers and materials they are glorious.