Primitive Decor Style Guide
What primitive decor is all about
You don’t need to live in a barn to embrace primitive charm. The culture and history of primitive decor has become a source of inspiration for DIY’ers, country-chic enthusiasts, and design brands who want to add a simple, welcoming feel to their space.
Primitive decorating is an entirely personal. There is no cookie-cutter way to do it! Here, we’ll go over primitive decor best practices from themes to colors and design inspiration, so you can get that livable, warm, and comfortable feel anywhere your home.
"Knowing that I'm keeping the heritage of this classic decorating style alive and helping my clients feel a big "hug" every time they walk into their country home. That's the feeling I want to create whether decorating a room or creating a pattern reminiscent of an earlier time for a pillow, table runner, rug, penny rug or an applique piece.” - Kari Cameron
What makes primitive unique
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- Simplicity
Primitive decorating is reminiscent of an earlier time when reducing, recycling, and repurposing were a part of everyday life.
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- Authenticity
Authenticity is achieved by including items that are exactly what they appear to be, and serve functions beyond the purely aesthetic.
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- Comfort
Design to give guests (and yourself!) a big hug every time you step in the room. Always decide on comfort over authenticity, we don’t want our home to feel like a museum!
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- Practical
Choose purpose over aesthetic. By decorating with only the essentials in your home, you capture the warm and welcoming spirit of early American decor. For example, present a floral arrangement in an aged metal jug instead of a vase for a touch of practical aesthetic.
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- Natural
Weathered and worn is the cornerstone of primitive styling. Muted earth-toned colors and patina surfaces give your that down-home, cozy feel you look for on Pinterest.
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- Craft
Whether a reproduced Windsor wing-back or comfy throw pillow for the couch, primitive pieces are often handmade. Think craft over mass-produced goods.
Primitive color palettes
Color plays an important role in conveying primitive style. Typically, these colors are dark, muted, warm, and earthy colors that highlight familiarity and weathered beauty.
Popular tones on the primitive spectrum are: black, barn red, navy blue, cream, putty, tan, umber, walnut, mustard, sage, and burgundy.
