Shoptalk by Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

The Primitive decorating style is one that reminds us of the quiet, uncomplicated, simple living of yesteryear. More specifically, the Primitive style is modeled after early America during the late 18th century and beginning of the 19th century. There are many unique traits to this theme as we will discuss below, but above all decorating with a Primitive style has never been easier than with Sturbridge Yankee Workshop!

Often it’s the little things that really add a feeling of “home-spun” and “homemade” to your decor. Our Primitive Boxes Set, seen here to the left is a great way to start. A set of three papermache boxes have hand painted folk art designs. Ranging in size from small to large, you can store your sewing materials, a thin blanket or simply display as clever decor. Other primitive accents from SYW include our Primitive Star Mirror, our Punch Tin Lamp and our Heart Stitchery; just to name a few items that will highlight Primitive Style on your walls or side table.

One of the most distinctive features of Primitive decorating is seen in the furniture used. Early American colonists would make sure that their furniture did not just take up space, but that it had a functionality as well. Characteristic of Primitive style furniture: distressing techniques within the paint application, rubbed or “worn” edges, exposed metal hardware and fine craftsmanship. Pictured here to the right, is our proudly made in the USA, Huntboard. With three cabinet doors for storage, a flat stained top and an inset shelf with back paneling to use for display or additional storage, our Huntboard will be everything you need. Huntboards were traditionally used for serving breakfast or for a collation after a hunt. With your choice of Black or Moss, this furniture piece has the distinctive rubbed edges, to give the wood an antique look.

At Sturbridge Yankee Workshop we have numerous furniture pieces that offer the beautiful Primitive style, but some of our customer favorites include our: Breezeway Bench, Knotty Pine Shelf Bench and our Set of 2 Windsor Chairs. The Windsor Chairs offer another feature that is often seen in primitive styling, the numerous spindles forming the chair back. Primitive furniture typically was and still is crafted of Walnut, Pine or Maple wood.

The quilting revolution gained hold on the American public after sewing machines were mass produced throughout the 1840’s and 50’s. The machine allowed patterns and designs to be created at a faster pace, allowing those who quilted to show off their true talent. Seen here to the left, is our Crazy Patchwork Quilt. The color palate is simply lovely ranging from warm browns and creams, rustic red, green and a nice faux tan suede. The design is almost reminiscent of an old kite; it has a bit of whimsy though the pattern makes sense for your country décor. Quilts like this one are characteristic of primitive style because it appears homemade and literally “patched” together. Other primitive options for the living room include our Tree Pillow or Welcome Sheep Pillow and our set of Crochet Sheets will be the finishing touch to any primitive bedroom. The technique of mixing patterns such as plaids, stripes and solids within one room, will give any space a “homey” feel.

In the early American home, the living room or “main room” was the heart and lifeblood of those who lived there. To accent this high traffic space, a nice braided or hooked rug was common. Floors were typically stained dark to hide the dirt and to often match the dark paneled walls. Rugs made with hooking or braided methods gave a sense of coziness to an area frequently used for gathering around a fire. At Sturbridge, we are known for our exquisitely made in the USA braided rugs, so we of course have plenty to choose from. However, our New England Wool Braided Rug is exclusively made for us and offers primitive color choices of your basic Black, Blue, Red or Green. This versatile rug is crafted from a space-dyed heathered wool blend. If all you need is a small accent rug for an entryway or near the kitchen sink, consider our Folk Art Tulip Rug; featuring a hand hooked cotton and a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch design. For a cohesive look in a dining area, try our Folk Art Tulip Chair Pad, to match.

Another primitive style storage option is our Lancaster Cabinet, seen to the right. With exposed hardware and a smooth finish, the Lancaster Cabinet will provide you with organization and simplicity in your home. Customers can choose from Bronze Stars or a Pewter Wheat Bundle, punched tin design; also proudly made in the USA.