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

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.

The best part of primitive decor is that there is so much to explore! If you’re stuck on what to do, jump back in time and discovery different legacies and heritages that inspire with you.

For example: Kari Cameron focuses on the Waukesha legacy and New England heritage. Decorating with 18-19th century New England furnishings is her speciality.

“By practicality, I mean comfort, I want people to use common sense in the comfort of an upholstered a piece of furniture that they be relaxing in and not something that simply looks authentic. No room in your home should simply look like a show piece or a museum.” Kari Cameron

Primitive furnishings tend to be older, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find pieces in great condition at an affordable price. We like to hunt through places like:

1. Thrift Shops
2. Antique Sales
3. Flea Markets
4. Estate Sales
5. Etsy

Take your time. Uncover the pieces that truly speak to you. After all, you’re going to have to tell their story when someone asks about it!