HOW TO: MODERN COUNTRY INTERIOR STYLING
If you had to choose the cosiest kind of interior style, which one would you pick?
For us, it’s country styling. Much like farmhouse interior style, modern country interior styling is all about bringing the rustic vibes of the countryside, yet keeping a modern, sleek edge.
This is what makes it so versatile for any home, as you can easily bring it into your space with a few key pieces.
On the other hand, it’s no secret that this style is tricky to pull off (enter The Block 2022).
How can you make sure to avoid all those countryside clichés?
For all The Block fans out there, you’ve probably noticed just how popular country styling has become this year.
Many of the couples from The Block managed to do so well and we know you've been wanting to try out this style.
With this emerging trend making its mark on the interior design scene, we’re here to help you bring all the cosy, contemporary country vibes into your own home.
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COLOUR PALETTE
Think neutral when it comes to country styling. It’s all about emulating the calm vibes of frolicking through the countryside, surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, and embracing the serenity. Incorporate hues of brown including beige and other cool brown undertones, hues of white including cream and ivory, and even some greys for that added cool touch.
Don’t get us wrong, though – a country colour palette isn’t boring. The best way to bring it to life is with some accent shades, such as green, orange, blue, yellow, and a touch of pink. Black is also perfect to use as an accent, as it creates depth and interest among such mellow hues.
The major thing to remember here is to focus on the undertones of each accent colour. Steer clear of bright, loud undertones that distract from the tranquilness of a country interior. Instead, opt for subtle, muted tones. Here’s a quick guide on colours to use with muted undertones:
Green – sage, khaki, olive, pine.
Orange – terracotta, honey, pumpkin, rust.
Blue – steel, denim, navy.
Yellow – mustard, ochre, sand.
Pink – blush, salmon, pastel.
WALLPAPER
This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to transform and entire room into a countryside retreat. Once again, you still want to keep things subtle here, but that doesn't mean you can't choose a print or pattern.
Gingham, plaid or check print bring all the country vibes without going overboard. To avoid the stereotypical look, choose neutral, stripped-back shades that don’t overpower the entire room. Let accent colours pop in other areas, letting the wallpaper add a subtle, cosy touch to the room.
PATTERN MIXING
Speaking of plaid and check, pattern mixing is yet another perfect way to inject country energy into your space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns, such as stripes with plaid. This mismatched element enhances the organic, laidback vibe reminiscent of the countryside, where the beauty in nature’s “imperfections” is celebrated.
Make a room pop with a funky piece of furniture or a set of mismatched cushions, and tie it all together with a cosy throw or two.
The trick here is to maintain that subtle colour palette we spoke about earlier, which helps mellow out the overall look, keeping it modern and refined
SOFTENED TEXTURES
With its strong roots in earthy vibes, a modern country interior benefits from the inclusion of softened textures. This means that even hard materials such as stone should be softened out with a brushed or matte look, lending to the calmness of a countryside home.
Travertine is the perfect type of stone to achieve this look with its organic look and texture, and luckily, it’s easy to find the right tones that suit the rest of the desired colour palette. Travertine is often quite warm, which pairs well with other countryside elements in the home, and especially with soft linen and boucle textures in throws, cushions, or furniture.
Velvet is also a possibility, but keep it very subtle, as it can feel a little less organic. For example, incorporate a single velvet cushion or furniture piece for some added softness, but leave it at that. Boucle and linen are also two key furniture choices with their soft look and hand feel.
SIMPLE SHAPES
Once again, subtility is key when executing this interior style. Sleek lines and simple shapes work well in country interiors, avoiding overly elaborate designs that can detract from the organic, yet refined look of contemporary country styling.
When you stand back and look at the room, itshould feel easy to scan your eyes across,rather than distracted by a chaotic display of shapes and patterns that work well in other styles, such as eclectic or boho. Rattan furniture is also ideal here, bringing countryenergy with its organic material
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COMPLEMENTARY ARTWORK
Sure, a picture of a horse or cowboy is going to be the “easiest” way to make a space traditionally country, but it’s not going to give you that refined, modern look reminiscent of modern country interiors – it risks going too cliché. Instead, go the subtle route by leaning towards more abstract pieces that include the ideal colour palette we mentioned earlier (as well as those accent tones).
Even if the artwork resembles something in particular, such as a farm landscape or a still life of flowers, the complementary tones, abstract art style, and overall composition give your room a more sophisticated touch.
At the end of the day, it’s important to choose artwork that best reflects your personal style, but for this specific type of interior, avoid brash, bright colours that can mess with peaceful, soothing vibes.
If you do want to incorporate an art piece featuring farm animals, then we suggest choosing a greyscale or monotone artwork that maintains the delicate, muted vibes within the rest of country styling.
The countryside is like a breath of fresh air, a place of comfort, and a warm hug.
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