Country — is the so-called rustic style. The direction of country style can be judged from its name. One of the meanings of the English word country — countryside, but another meaning should also be mentioned — a nation. In country style, rustic simplicity and the character of different countries come together in harmony.
An interior in country style — is the image of a rural house in the stylistic language of the country in which it stands. A house or apartment in country style can be done as an American ranch, a Swiss chalet, a Russian izba, or an English cottage.
Easy artistic clutter and furniture of natural wood — that is the main principle of interpreting country style.
The main traits of country as an interior style — these are simplicity, the absence of fussy decoration, and, as a result, high functionality. Country style is marked by cosiness, comfort and a measure of romance. Besides, country lifts the mood and sets you up for pleasant leisure, especially among family, friends and acquaintances. Today country style — is a refined, elegant and at the same time contemporary interior style, in which overt luxury is absent, replaced by softness, smoothness, romance and closeness to nature.
For an interior in country style you need not live in a country house at all. This gentle interior-design style is perfect for creating, in any home, a peaceful yet at once comfortable, hospitable atmosphere. It can be reached both through purely classical country and through a contemporary take on the style — everything depends on your approach to colour and your personal taste in decorating an interior in country style.
And if you truly prefer the rustic, do not shy away from rich colours, nor from bright printed fabrics such as chintz, nor from especially light or dark wood; if you want a fresher, more contemporary feeling — lighter paint shades together with more restrained patterns and textures of country style will help you; they will convey the essence of the style.
Comfort — is the golden rule for furniture. Give up heavy drapes; simple cotton curtains that gather in horizontal folds on a light frame, rather like Roman blinds, look far more stylish. Cosy clutter adds a finishing note of real importance, and photographs and prints — are the most elementary way to “imprint” your character on the house.
Country style can be surprisingly contemporary if you give up extra frills. A charming simplicity is given to an apartment or living room by a mix of blue textile shades which, strictly speaking, correspond least of all to country style. Yet the basic ingredients of this interior style are obvious — a Roman blind with large flowers and a wooden floor, a sturdy pine table and shelves with household things.
COUNTRY Style — key features
Old furniture of clumsy design rather than elegant, polished antiques or pieces of a particular period. Do not worry if the look of wooden furniture is not perfect; on the contrary, a certain worn quality and scuffing — is exactly what authentic country style needs.
Heavy kitchen cabinets and huge extending tables on ornate, chunky legs are equally out of place.
Colourful fabrics are of fundamental importance, but their floral motifs should “play in the same team” with the eclectic colours of upholstery and curtains, so as not to look too neat and new. A country-style interior is matched by simple curtains without grand folds and draperies.
Natural texture — from wooden wall cladding to hand-knitted throws and cushions — for the atmosphere of a kind, old, homely house. Crockery, personal things and photographs displayed in every room — on walls, shelves, bookcases or dressing tables.
Country style is ideal for you if you love simple interiors, prefer homes with character and history, adore combining old and new to your own taste, intend to create a style of your own rather than a fashionable one, do not worry if guests drop in and the house is far from perfectly tidy, live as a large family and/or keep many animals.
COUNTRY Style — colour
There are two main palette options inherent to country style, and everything depends on whether you want to create an interior of a new, contemporary look or prefer a more conservative design. You will need to choose one palette and under no circumstances make a mishmash of both at once; do not worry, each of them will give you enough freedom for a whole house. So, light oak or wood “faded” with limewash — with the new palette, and pine or stained oak — with the archaic one.
The only colour to avoid in any country variant — is snow-white; it looks too unyielding and cold. Prefer “not quite white” colours — chalk, string, ivory and cream — for the softness you need.
Country style calls for the “layering” of a great many colours — from walls to rugs, curtains and upholstery, yet still be judicious and do not overload every room. Only harmony will create a simple, easy atmosphere, not a mindless motley that hurts the eye. Limit yourself to three — four colours per room to create a country-style interior, and use them in different saturations.
Always carry a colour sample with you, as a swatch for your paint, wallpaper and rugs, and match everything as closely as possible to one of the main colours in the pattern — that way you will achieve an optimal colour combination of walls, furniture and floors. Walls look best if all four are painted with the same paint or papered with the same wallpaper.
Traditional COUNTRY
The palette of classical country style, with richer and deeper shades — bluebell, sage green, rich brownish reds — has a more archaic character and produces a more rustic feeling. The soft tonality you need comes from the fact that no single colour dominates. Painted brick walls and floors or tiles look wonderful next to an abundant floral-and-plant pattern in the textiles. Such colours are good for cosy living rooms and dining rooms, especially in the company of large dark wooden furniture.
Contemporary COUNTRY
It is based on lighter, fresher paints and suits less cluttered room interiors. These are pretty pastel shades, as in a garden bed in front of the house — primrose yellow, cornflower blue, tender green apple and pink rose. These colours look best in rooms with light, simply plastered walls; they are good for naïve fabrics — a two-tone check or stripe.
COUNTRY Style — walls
No wall in a real country house is ever perfectly smooth or absolutely vertical, so imitating texture for country style on your walls — is the easiest way to create a sense of a slightly raw unfinishedness. And it is not required at all that it remain so for centuries.
If your walls are far from perfect, that is even better! Although ways to add texture to walls — a sea of them, from thick textured paints to wooden cladding and blown vinyl wallpaper. The main thing — is to choose materials that later, when you tire of the country interior, can be removed without trouble. To start, bet on walls painted in a single colour — this is the background that will take on the “pattern” — curtains, upholstered furniture and the rest. But patterned wallpaper, say with blooming roses, — is also an excellent option for a country-style interior, and it will not overwhelm if you paper only one main wall with roses. A sense of homespun cloth will be created by motifs printed with a roller or a stencil, and there is no need at all to place the pattern on the wall in perfect symmetry. Tongue-and-groove boarding and wooden wall panels with a pronounced texture — are fine messengers of the “living” world, and they are much easier to install than you might imagine.
Wallpaper with plant motifs, especially in pastel tones, will create a charming feminine atmosphere and looks wonderful in bedrooms. The smallest prints, such as sprigs and little bunches, are good for any wall, while larger motifs, say blooming roses, look more advantageous in “small doses” — for example, above the head of the bed on the main wall.
The effect of rough plaster is easily achieved with special paints. It is advisable first to paper the walls, which not only levels them but later will also allow the plaster to be removed easily.
COUNTRY Style — floors
When choosing floors in country style, think not of beauty but of practicality, for those who truly live in a country house know perfectly well that shaggy carpets are utterly helpless against outdoor dirt.
A hard covering — is the most suitable floor choice for country style, and you will have to choose from a huge variety of materials. The uneven natural texture of tile coverings in ceramic, slate or sandstone creates a sense of the primordial and of closeness to nature. Natural tile is incredibly durable, so it is simply ideal for rooms that connect directly with the outdoors — a hall, kitchen or pantry, for example. Only bear in mind that natural tile will be relentlessly cold towards your feet, and in the kitchen it will show not the slightest pity — crockery will break, guaranteed. Of course, you may lay a vinyl imitation if you want a warmer and softer floor.
The wealth of shades of slate and other tile of natural materials — from asphalt to copper tones with a beautiful patina — and a somewhat uneven texture give the floor a very pleasant look. With age the tile will become even more beautiful, and it fears no dirt, but your feet may find it too cold and hard.
Wooden coverings — basic floorboards or solid oak, and even laminate imitating natural wood — are examples of that closeness to nature so fundamental to country style, as are mats of natural coarse sisal fibres and coconut coir.
Laminate with a wood-grain effect will give your floor the look of true, “wooden” country; it is inexpensive and fairly wear-resistant, but when scratches appear over time, you will not be able to sand the laminate to varnish it anew. Laminate is also unsuitable for rooms that are always damp, for example a family bathroom, because it quickly swells and deforms from water.
COUNTRY Style — textiles
Mixing and harmony — that is the secret that will help you choose the right country — curtains and upholstery. This means combining fabrics of different textures and patterns of different scales.
Forget matching borders on curtains and bed linen, and enjoy the process of finding fabric combinations. Stripe, check and plant motifs — are the foundational elements of country style in the interior. The guarantee of their happy coexistence in interior design lies in limiting yourself to a colour palette of three or four shades for everything. A small check and tiny flowers are ideal for a more feminine décor, while large squares or imposing plant motifs are good if you prefer a more energetic, more contemporary mood in country. With a large print, however, you must be careful not to overload the interior. But do not be afraid to add a few striped pieces or a good measure of extra shades. Stiff cotton and casual linen agree with country more than chenille and damask. And do not forget that durability and fastness of any fabric matter a great deal to a hard-working country family, so buy only upholstery and curtains that can be machine-washed, not those that will demand extra dry-cleaning costs.
A charming floral print on gathered curtains corresponds perfectly to country style. On the reverse you can set a lining of contrasting fabric — smooth or in a small check of a bluish shade, which will create an interesting effect when the window is drawn. By the way, such double curtains can be hung on one side or the other depending on mood.
United, stripe and polka dots will together give a country atmosphere to all who prefer to do without little flowers and petals. But if you love them, feel free to toss a couple of colourful cushions on the bed, for variety of pattern — is an inherent trait of country style.
COUNTRY Style — kitchen
To create a kitchen in country style — means to choose, hang and arrange everything so that in the end a complete feeling arises — yes, time has worked here. A mix of old and new — that is the character and the flavour of the house’s history. And here you need not strive for perfection and elegance.
Your choice of furnishings and interior depends entirely on whether the traditional spirit of country is closer to you, or — more contemporary currents. Antique furniture in pine or in oak that is not too dark — is what classical country needs, while unpretentious doors, say of the Shaker type — a simple panel with wooden handles — bring a sense of freshness. Moreover such doors come in maple, beech and even already painted. Objects on view, in open access — are quite fundamental to the somewhat unsystematic, accidental character of country style. In rattan baskets vegetables and linen will sit cosily; on open shelves — mixed collections of faience and porcelain; and a ceiling rack with hanging pots — is another charming accent of an unceremonious country-style interior. Also think through your future household appliances carefully. The look of stainless steel can ruin the theme; an enamelled Aga and a fireclay sink are, in principle, ideal, but if your budget does not allow that, then, to stay closer to country style, get a cooker and sink in cream.
Choose kitchen furniture with the simplest doors. Complement a work-table island with a butler’s sink and an antique swan-neck tap, which will set the tone for the whole interior. The main ingredients of a country-style kitchen — a free-standing “butcher’s block”, an open dresser with crockery, a wicker or metal vegetable rack, a rail for utensils on the wall or under the ceiling, mixed crockery in open access, dresser fronts — simple panels, painted or of light wood.
COUNTRY Style — living room
Forget the television in the centre — in a country living room the main place is taken by the fireplace; the whole family and good friends sit closer to the fire. Instead of a coffee table — a soft bench, which as it were invites guests to rest their feet on it more comfortably and relax.
A real burning fireplace or a wood-burning stove — is the ideal solution for country style; however, high-quality gas or electric cast-iron stoves will easily create a similar effect for you. A fake fireplace with a pine surround and an artificial flame — is also a good thing and fully matches the atmosphere of country style. Instead of a traditionally symmetrical three-piece upholstered suite it is fundamentally important to choose an easy company of mismatched seating. Try combining a checked armchair with a plain sofa and checked-and-striped cushions with floral curtains — and you will instantly feel the delight. The secret is simple — do not stray from a colour palette of three — four shades.
The ingredients of a country-style living room — a fireplace or wood stove, a low, soft sofa with a throw casually tossed over it and chairs in different upholstery, side tables and lamps beside the sofa, a multitude of objects on display — family photos, prints of plants or animals, an antique clock, magazines and books at hand, a soft pouffe, preferably on curved legs, or a wicker chest.
COUNTRY Style — bedroom
Breakfast in bed among plump pillows — that is what a country bedroom is for. A peaceful, serene, “lazy” setting is ideal for sweet morning sleep.
Too much clutter — is no problem at all in a country bedroom. A low pine bed — is a true friend of country style in the bedroom, but if you prefer the elegance of iron beds — wrought, and preferably black, well, the alternative is delightful and permissible. And a cosy, even battered armchair in the corner makes the bedroom a place where you can read in peace at any time. Built-in wardrobes are fundamentally not expected here, so pick an accidental set of free-standing furniture. Start with a low chest of drawers, set a traditional pivoting mirror on it — a thing worthy twice over, then add an authoritative wardrobe, preferably with three doors on one level, for the greatest fidelity to the style. And finally, all that remains for you to add — is a pine or fabric-covered linen chest at the foot of the bed and, on the floor — a pretty cotton rug.
The main elements of a country-style bedroom — a wooden or iron bed, a free-standing wardrobe, a union of antique pine and painted furniture, rugs with a natural texture, a wicker or pine linen box at the foot of the bed, a folding screen, woollen throws.
COUNTRY Style — bathroom
Unpretentious accessories, furnishings that have seen life or been deliberately aged, a somewhat rough finish — that is what gives a country bathroom its charm. Your goal — is to create a cosy room, ideally comfortable for adults and practical for bathing children.
Pieces in the fashion of a particular era — are a wonderful starting point, in particular 1930s retro with chrome mixers and taps. And although you think a round-backed bath on feet is too glamorous, in fact it suits country style perfectly — if, of course, you have enough space. Tongue-and-groove boarding on the walls and panels around the bath correspond to country, as does small, hand-painted tile. Then add café-style curtains, shutters or blinds to soften somewhat the straight strict lines and corners of the window. Free-standing cabinets add ease to the atmosphere. The choice of wicker baskets, bleached or painted wood surfaces should match the colour scheme of the bathroom. And do not forget that it is the details that give the interior its character. Cloth bags for laundry on the door, a free-standing towel stand, bought wicker baskets for spare toilet paper, a wall toiletry organiser with pockets for small things — all together will create a sense of artless yet so wonderful homely comfort in country style.
Important in creating a country-style bathroom interior are free-standing cabinets with woven rattan drawers or fabric-covered doors, wicker baskets for toiletries, various bottles of salts and shampoos on view, a woven bath mat, a free-standing towel stand preferably of pine and stained, towels with hand embroidery.
COUNTRY Interior — the present
The forms of interior spaces of contemporary country housing as it were merge with nature. The rooms of a house built of traditional brick or wood are arranged in seeming disorder and pass one into another, like clearings in a forest. The walls are light, sometimes merely decorative partitions. Corridors are not long, with penetrating light — they wind through the house like paths, linking different rooms. Country styling is defined by comfort and practicality. The ratio of rooms, their zoning, the sizes and ceiling heights are dictated first of all by considerations of functionality. Kitchen, dining room and living room are united in one space. And an open hearth-stove with a chimney, or a fireplace, is essential. This heart of the house is surrounded by other rooms, living and service. And what traditional village houses do not have — is studies.
Having survived a change of epochs and social cataclysms, the growth of giant megacities with their rapid, information-overloaded life, country is alive and has many admirers. And the secret is simple — country style stands as it were outside time, because it is in no hurry to part with old things, valuing in them functionality and beauty. Designers have duly appreciated and developed the aesthetic of rural interiors, creating contemporary country style. A little romantic, very cosy and comfortable, it sets you up for pleasant time with family, a calm and measured life. Today interiors in country style have taken leave of coarse and naïve rustic simplicity, and have become more refined, elegant and contemporary, while retaining their main virtues — the absence of pretension, softness, lyricism and closeness to nature.
