Country decor is one of those styles that everyone can agree on: who doesn't love the idea of relaxing in a rustic, simple yet elegant setting, like the homes of yesteryear? It doesn't matter where you live: country-inspired atmospheres are relaxing in any setting and put everyone at ease!
Did you know that, after spending a year at home, many Italians feel the need to escape the city and rediscover a simple, nature-focused lifestyle, like our grandparents'?
Perhaps you already live in the countryside, or are thinking about moving (in which case, country style will be the most immediate solution for decorating a country home); or perhaps you're happy where you are but want a change of scenery, a bit of furniture to make it more welcoming. In each of these cases, discovering how to create country decor may be the right solution for you.
Before thinking about how to furnish your home in country style, however, we need to do some thinking, because there's a lot of confusion online. What is country decor? How does it differ from shabby chic and Provençal? And above all: is there just one type of country decor, or can we adapt it to different styles?
Let's find out together in the next section!
How to decorate your home in country style? The essential characteristics and variations
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Country-style decor can mean many things. Let's clarify! Close your eyes and imagine a country house from a few decades ago. What do you see? Solid dark wood furniture? Stone walls? Checkered fabric? Floral ceramic plates on a rough, ecru-colored tablecloth? Bingo! These are all perfect examples of country decor.
To avoid confusion, keep these simple tips in mind: shabby chic environments are dominated by white and distressed colors, while Provençal is more closely linked to French style and dusty pastel colors. Imagine country decor as a little more rustic, warm, and enveloping.
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The best materials for flooring are terracotta and stone, or parquet, as long as the wooden planks are large and rough-looking. Curtains should be made of natural linen, or they can feature checkered or floral patterns. The predominant colors are generally brown, beige, and ivory.
These are the guidelines, but that doesn't mean all country-style homes are the same! We can adapt this style of decor to different contexts.
English country decor: a Balmoral-style atmosphere
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Now that we've mastered the basics, let's take country-style decor and transport it to the British countryside. This will create English country decor!
Imagine yourself at Balmoral Castle, the Queen's (not so) humble country residence. Let's leave aside the more eccentric elements (like hunting trophies!) and focus on those aspects we can easily replicate at home.
The furnishings will be roughly the same as in classic country style: antique bread kneading cabinets, polished walnut tables, and solid wooden fixtures. The difference lies in the details, such as the colors: while neutrals would normally prevail in country style, here green in all its shades makes an appearance, from sage green for kitchen cabinets to richer shades of forest green, particularly suited to sofas and upholstery.
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Or the materials: compared to the natural fabrics we've already discussed, English country decor favors wallpaper with tartan or animal-inspired patterns (dachshunds, hunting scenes, etc.). If the idea of an entire wall with these patterns seems overwhelming, perhaps opt for a few cushions! Wood paneling is also a great idea for walls.
In general, English country style is perfect for country home decor. If you live in the city and don't want to overdo it, the next section is for you!
Modern country decor: an intriguing play of contrasts
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Maybe you don't want to decorate an entire house in country style, but just draw inspiration from this mood to give your apartment a more rustic touch. So, modern country decor is for you!
The key is in one word: contrasts. Take a typical country-style furnishing element and combine it with something modern and minimalist. An example? A large solid wood table, perhaps with a slightly worn look, will look beautiful paired with clear plexiglass chairs.
If your home has a basic, contemporary style, for the perfect modern country decor, scatter rustic elements here and there, such as a dark wood dresser, a wrought-iron basin, a plaid rug, or decorative boxes made of rough wood. A stone-clad wall will add an extra touch of style.
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On the other hand, if your home already has distinctly country elements (like a brick fireplace or exposed beam ceiling), lighten it up as much as possible with sheer curtains, modern chandeliers, designer mirrors, and super-simple clocks.
In short: for a perfect modern country style home, think outside the box and have fun mixing styles. This way, you'll modernize the rustic atmosphere of country homes, adapting it to any context.
Country decor at home: room-by-room tips!
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And what if you need to furnish an entire rustic home? Or design the style of your new home from scratch? Don't worry: let's discover together, room by room, how to furnish your home in country style impeccably.
There's only one rule to follow for flawless country homes: maintain a warm, simple, and timeless atmosphere. But, as we've seen, there's no single way to achieve this style. We'll simply provide you with some guidelines for country-style decor, then it's up to you to add your own personal touch!
The country living room: the kingdom of conviviality
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What's more welcoming than a country-style living room? A crackling fire, soft armchairs to relax in, an old bookcase to pick out your favorite novel from... A marvel!
To recreate a perfect country-style decor, let's start with the living room: the most popular colors for sofas and armchairs typically range from ivory to brown, through a full palette of beiges. The upholstery should be a fabric with a rough texture, but leather (especially dark brown) is also very suitable. And the more worn it is, the more beautiful it will become.
Blankets and cushions should be plentiful: favor tartan or country-inspired patterns, and don't choose them all the same! Mixing and matching will give your country-style living room a warm and informal feel.
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A fireplace is always a good idea, but what if your home doesn't have a chimney? No problem: you can use a decorative fake fireplace! Finally, a dark wood bookcase and a beautiful vintage-style sideboard will complete the country atmosphere of your living room.
The rustic, welcoming charm of country-style kitchens
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In this part of the house, country decor means only one thing: built-in kitchens! Romantic, nostalgic, and with a welcoming atmosphere, a built-in kitchen (whether real or faux) has a decidedly old-fashioned feel.
Choose rustic finishes for walls and tiles, and know that for cabinets, the entire range from ivory to wood brown is ideal. With the exception of green, an original and striking alternative, ideal for country decor. Checkered curtains and oven covers will add the final touch of class. And don't forget that real treasures often hide in flea markets and in our attics: copper pots and pans. Hanging on the wall, or even from the ceiling if you have a kitchen island, they will make your country-style kitchen even more precious.
If you have an open space that also includes the dining room, a large wooden table with the solid, chunky look typical of country-style furnishings will be a must-have. And now the real fun begins: choosing plates, glasses, and tablecloths "stolen" from your grandmothers for the table setting! Just like the lunches of the past: simple, boisterous, and full of warmth. Sitting down at the table will be a celebration every day.
Discover all the inspiration for creating fairytale country-chic kitchens in our guide!
The country-style bedroom: cozy intimacy
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And for the most intimate room in the house, the ultimate refuge? Here too, there's no single rule. But there are some constants. Every self-respecting country-style bedroom generally has a wrought-iron bed and a large wooden wardrobe. Curtains will have a lighter feel than those chosen for the living area and can complement the warm, neutral tones of blankets and sheets. A bedside rug, especially if you opt for stone or terracotta flooring, will be essential to add warmth to the room.
Finally, how about an antique trunk or a rustic-style bench to place at the foot of the bed? A sure-fire addition to your country-style bedroom!
Want to create a bedroom like this? Discover our inspiration for decorating the perfect country-style bedroom!
Now that you know how to recreate country decor in your home, choose the style that best suits you and have fun recreating it in every room. And even if you live in a city-center apartment, breathing in the simple, welcoming atmosphere of old-fashioned homes will help you live more happily!
