Modern Country Interior Design and Me

I’ve always been lucky enough to live in the beautiful English countryside and as far back as I can remember have loved spending time outdoors - no matter what the weather.

Getting older, I now have a far greater appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds my home on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales and the positive impact that spending time immersed in it has on health and well-bring.

The spongy green soft moss that covers a cold and rough dry stone wall; the rushing sound of the nearby beck as it rattles down through the village from the nearby hills; the deeply scented woodland walks with carpets of wild garlic; the noticeable contrasting colour of foxgloves standing to attention from behind weathered walls and the late evening sunlight creating a visible golden scene of warmth in contrast to the cold wind blowing down through the valley. These are just some of my favourite aspects of nature that awaken my senses.

It comes, therefore, as no surprise to me that I have an innate attraction towards modern country interior design style, which honours nature by using it as its ultimate inspiration.

My favourite description of modern country is:

“it’s a ‘the kettle’s always on’ style”

To me, this means that it’s warm, welcoming, comforting and timeless.

At its core, modern country interior design works to nurture you, your family and your friends to breathe more calmly, be comfortable and feel relaxed.

Now please push to the back of your mind any image you may have had of modern country that involved a wet Labrador drying in front of the real fire, a hand knitted tea cosy adorning a well stained teapot and tatty blankets thrown over mis-matched chairs. Whilst some of that imagery is true - modern country interior design has much more sophistication and delivers elegance, that is cosy, all year round.

Let’s look at the various features that make an interior “modern country”.

Colour scheme

This is always light and simple - made up of natural hues and muted tones. Creams, beiges or off whites create a sense of space with a warm welcome. The neutral backdrop is ready to show off patterned or textured furniture, fittings and accessories - all of which add depth and interest to the room. Larger furniture items such as sofas and bed covers tend to provide colour blocking by being a single colour that is equally muted and natural in tone - such as dusky rose, sage green, taupe, pale blue or lilac.

The overall feeling is of an uplifting, calming space that is both airy and cosy.

Surfaces

This is where the influence of nature really comes in through the use of natural materials including wood, stone and brick. This is present in the form of flooring, exposed walls, fireplaces and mantels, panelling, shelving, furniture and beams.

Lucky you if your property’s construction makes the most of these forms already!

Furniture should be natural and light with simple lines. Classic and timeless in shape it is a mix of mis-matched new and old using inherited, reclaimed or repurposed materials where possible. Any future dents, scratches or scrapes to these items simply add to the story, warm personality and character of the modern country style.

Mis-matched chairs, handles and knobs add further to the personality and can bring an element of fun. Kitchen cabinets are typically shaker in style with preferably natural wood or stone worktops, though there are some great laminates out there delivering the same effect for a more limited budget.

Textiles and texture

The most commonly used textiles are wool, patterned or plain linen and sheepskin, with wicker, glass, leather and industrial metals such as bronze or copper adding further interest.

Patterns are permissible but used sparingly, perhaps on curtains, blinds, or comfy cushions. Typically the style lends itself to pastel coloured two-tone prints, checks, stripes or tartans, however if you wanted a more playful appearance you could use striking and fresh colour contrasts, including floral. Fun can be created by placing large and smaller floral prints together.

Using blankets, throws, chunky knits, curtains, rugs, cushions and woven baskets adds layers and depth to the room; creating an informal space that is inviting, cosy, warm, comforting and, therefore, easy to relax in.

Authenticity

One of the key features of modern country interior design is that everything that can be seen is there for practical purpose - nothing is there for the sake of it, no props to make it look like a country home!

That’s not to say some items can’t be displayed but there is nothing delicate or precious on show. This is especially true in the kitchen - which for modern country, is the heart of the home.

The kitchen is a place of practicality - open display cabinets meaning items are easily accessible, hanging pans, visible utensil pots, a butchers block ready for action at any time.

Everything seen should have a purpose - this usually lends to large, practical furniture including an armoire in a bedroom to store clothes and bedding, or a pantry cupboard to store everyday items easily.

Accessories

The main ethos behind accessories in a modern country home is to bring the outside in.

This can be delivered by using pops of greenery, wild or English garden flowers throughout the home to add character and personality.

Artwork is usually of flora and fauna including botanical prints and images of the English countryside, including rabbits, foxes and badgers.

More physical accessories include foraged branches, distressed timber, petrified wood, collected pebbles, pottery and ceramics - many of which can bring to mind an outdoor memory of when they were picked. In the present time though they will all add to a feeling of serenity and calm, mother nature’s gift.

There you have it. These are the things that make a room modern country - the most important of all, bringing the outside in.

Just before I go, I want to shout about two fabulous local stores that I can’t stay out of because they are so modern country.

The first is “the store” in Haworth (the store haworth | Facebook) - purveyors of beautiful everyday stuff and where the lovely Lesley puts together the most stunning of wild flower hand tied bouquets. The second is Seddon and Davison (Seddon and Davison - Interiors, Home Accessories and Gifts) located in Settle and Ilkley who not only sell beautiful items but also use their own incredible wildlife photography to create homewares.

Just writing this latest blog about our beautiful natural surroundings has made me feel good and I have literally just taken a nice relaxing deep breath.

I hope that it has provided you with some useful information on how to create a modern country home. If you need any help or simply don’t have the time to create your beautiful comfortable, relaxing home, please do get in touch - I would be delighted to help you.

In the meantime I’m off to walk Barnaby - the question is where? The woods? The hills? The moors? The becks? So much wonderful choice. How lucky we are.

Annie x