When people think of country style decorating, they often think of old fashioned quilts, rag rugs, butter churns, wash boards, pie safes, vintage American flags, gingham, and an old fashioned wood burning stove in the living room.
Consider decorating in a modern country style instead of the old fashioned country style that your grandmother had in her house.
Here are a few interior designer tips & tricks for how to decorate in a modern country style.
photo courtesy of thekitchendesigner flickr.com/photos/kitchendesigner/2182030926/Pastel Colors with Black and White
Many country homes are decorated in soft pastel colors such as butter yellow, cream, gray blue.
For a modern touch, add white with a touch of black.
For a country feel, decorate with those colors but with more modern furniture and accessories.
Quality Pieces
People living in the country appreciated quality hand made goods that will last a long time.
Decorate your modern country home with sturdy and hefty furniture that looks like it will last for years.
Furniture's comfort should be more important that its style.
For a modern look, make sure the furniture is sized a little larger unlike furniture in old fashioned country homes.
You might want to source vintage or antique pieces for quality with a bit of authentic distressing (not newer pieces that have been artificially distressed in a factory).
Nothing Ornate
Do not add ornate pieces to your modern country home. Instead, select simple furniture and accessories with clean lines.
Select solid white dishes instead of patterned or colorful dishes, a solid colored sofa instead of one with a pattern, a simple light fixture instead of an ornate chandelier, and simple draperies in a solid or basic geometric pattern instead of blinds.
Avoid busy printed fabrics or anything bold that demands attention.
photo courtesy of thekitchendesigner flickr.com/photos/kitchendesigner/2182030996/Natural Elements
Use natural materials instead of man made materials for a modern country decorating style.
Select hardwood or stone floors over carpet, granite or butcher block countertops instead of laminate or solid surfacing, and wood furniture and accessories (stained or painted) instead of metal.
Architectural Details
Add common architectural details to your modern country home, including bead board, reclaimed barn wood, and exposed wood beams.
Avoid Clutter
Old fashioned country homes tend to feel cluttered and messy.
For a more modern country look, leave open space and control the clutter.
Select fewer larger accessories instead of a collection of smaller accessories.
Vintage Pieces
Adding a few vintage pieces to your modern country home will add character and charm.
You can use vintage furniture, vintage signs as artwork, or vintage wood crates.
If the vintage pieces feel too old fashioned, consider painting them a fresh unique color.
Hide Electronics
Visible electronics should be avoided in a modern country decorated home.
Keep your television in an armoire and your telephone out of sight.
Break a Few Rules
For a truly modern touch, break a few of the rules listed above and add your own twist to modern country style.
