Last updated: May 22, 2023
After the chaos of the past few years, getting back into nature to rejuvenate and refresh has been a welcomed relief for many. And once you get a taste of country living, it is no surprise that you will want to replicate it in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you live in a sprawling three-bedroom home in the suburbs or a quaint one-bedroom apartment in the city, incorporating country-core design elements is simple and easy. From rustic furniture finishes to traditional country rugs and cushions, you will live in your dream space in no time.
Nature-Inspired Color Palette
Traditional country homes feature a lot of dark woods and brown shades and tones. However, the modern country core has moved away from this harsh palette and embraces light and airy neutral tones of golden brown, beige, cream, and white to make a home feel bigger and brighter.
You can use whitewashed wood, subtle shades of grey, cream, and beige through the flooring and off-white walls to create the perfect neutral background to showcase your rustic furniture and traditional finishes.
If you can’t resist a bit of color, use soft pastels that can be included in fabric finishes, curtains, and floor rugs. Mint green, dusty rose pink, and mustard yellow are all fantastic choices. Additionally, you can use metallics for chic modern tones in everything from the kitchen sink to light finishes and the free-standing bathtub.
Bring the Outside Indoors
Whether you live out in the country or in the heart of a major city, introducing plants into your home instantly adds a touch of authentic modern country. The vibrant pops of green will bring character and interest into the home and help to break up the otherwise neutral tones. Furthermore, house plants have been known to significantly improve both your mental and physical health.
Pot pants, a mini kitchen herb garden, or an indoor tree will all be suitable to achieve this mood. Choose options that fit your preference and are generally low maintenance. If you feel like you won’t be able to keep plants alive, look to nature-inspired prints and patterns you can include around your home through art pieces, wallpaper, and decor accessories.
Experiment with Finishes
Incorporating authentic craft finishes into your house is an easy yet effective way of bringing country core to life. It can be through solid wood furniture or washed wood finishes, which will bring in the country feel without overwhelming the rest of your decor.
Pieces made from reclaimed wood are a fantastic option here. Not only is each piece unique in character and design, but the material itself is also durable and sturdy, giving you the peace of mind it will stand the test of time.
Rustic Materials & Accessories
The key to perfecting modern design is to choose a lot of natural materials, which helps to bring in the natural and outdoor feel the entire style is based on. Exposed wood beams, wood paneling, and wooden floors are very effective in projecting this and should be highlighted whenever possible. Barn-style doors will provide a dramatic first impression and are another great choice.
Wooden furniture that looks worn and weathered is ideal for carrying on this rustic aesthetic, as the beauty of this design choice lies in the details of these wonderful pieces. Try to include a mix of old and new furniture shapes to maintain the traditional beauty without looking dated and repetitive.
Play Around with Texture
Interesting, organic, and sometimes rough textures play a vital part in maintaining your country home dream. Scratches, dents, and scrapes bring life to furniture, and it is a widely celebrated feature in this design style, as the informality of it all is what makes it so warm and welcoming to guests and families alike.
Adding layers of different textures and materials will create depth when sticking to a neutral and somewhat repetitive color scheme, introducing interest and a sense of coziness and warmth. If you need help with how to bring color to your home, this is an excellent place to start.
Embrace Traditional Features
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. And country houses are filled with items, tools, and appliances that all serve a real purpose. It is common to see a kitchen decked out with agas, hanging copper pots, and marble countertops.
But if completely revamping your kitchen is outside your budget, you can still achieve the country look without breaking the bank. Install open shelves, hang a pot rack in your kitchen, or add low-hanging pendant lights over the dining table or main eating area. If space allows, a butcher’s block will give your home a rustic flair.
Use Patterns
Despite country core being heavily influenced by neutral color palettes and nature-inspired tones, modern country homes incorporate exciting patterns to bring a new and refreshed feel to interior design.
If you like floral patterns, explore different ways to utilize them, either by turning them into monochromatic wallpaper for a statement wall or blowing up the print for a contemporary art piece. Alternatively, you can go the route of geometric patterns, a popular choice to give your home a boho twist. Wallpaper and flooring are both excellent ways of introducing this styling choice.
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