The style Country, as a design trend, arose in the UK and then gradually won popularity in the USA and Europe. Its distinctiveness lies in being formed under the influence of local culture, climate and national traditions. A country living room can be compared with a tale about the simplicity of rural lifestyle. Although the cornerstones of the style were laid in the previous century, a country interior can well boasts a modern appearance, which is attained by emphasizing the laconism, naturalness and functionality, along with the lack of pretentiousness.
Country For Dummies.
The main idea is to avoid ultramodern materials that aren’t combinable with notions such as naturalness, sustainability and pastoral way of life. Stay away from plastic, linoleum and other flooring of the kind and minimize the presence of chrome plated or shiny glass surfaces. Have a look at the list of possible finishing materials:
- Walls: floral, striped or chequered wallpaper (actual paper, vinyl or textile); decorative stucco; decorative stonework; wood-grain panels;
- Flooring: hardwood or wood blocks;
- Ceiling: paint it white or decorate with wood panels. Timber beams will become the eye-catching detail.
The color scheme should be close to the nature. In addition to traditional white and beige shades, here belong terracotta, green, yellow, blue and any other color that reminds of a pastoral landscape.
What’s A Country Living Room?
A living room designed in the country style represents a reasonable combination of plain, unsophisticated coziness and ultimate practicability. Elaborating the interior, observe the following rules:
- Use three or four uncomplicated tones as the color scheme basis. Give natural shades to the surfaces and accentuate the accessories with bright, saturated colors;
- Select sole-colored wallpaper or one with muted floral patterns. The latter should be aligned with the upholstery of soft furniture and other decorative textile elements;
- Visibly expensive materials or complicated ornaments are unacceptable. Choose simple, unpretentious decorations and natural finishing materials;
- Have the accent walls plastered or try faux brickwork or stonework. The wall can also include exposed wooden beams and textile decorations.
Hiding Away The Contemporary Stuff.
Modern hi-tech entertainment appliances barely find a place in a country parlor. They shouldn’t at least be allocated the focal spot. If comfort is unthinkable for you without the TV and other entertainment media, opt for built-in appliances or other variants of discreet placement.
The alternative candidate for the central role is the fireplace, as proved by photos of 2020 country interiors in the US. Accentuating the hearth will infill your living room with family warmth and coziness. Whether faux or real, the fireplace must be surrounded with necessary accessories, such as a basket with logs or a range of fireplace tools.
The Disorderly Order Of Furniture.
The initial purpose of Country, which is creating a sustainable interior that consists of natural materials only, remains relevant in 2020. The furniture is typically distinguished with simplicity; custom-crafted pieces are encouraged. Wooden furniture, such as cabinets or cases of drawers, should be massive, neither polished nor lacquered, with handles made of aged metal.
Choosing seating furniture, pay attention to low, comfortable, perhaps even slightly rough-looking sofas and arm-chairs. Cover-lids and throws work great as decorative elements. Nothing suits the country style better than wicker furniture. You can place the pieces quite chaotically and decorate them with soft pillows.
When arranging the furniture and decorations, avoid symmetry. Just a tiny bit of sloppy manner will be the best reflection of the country style. Poufs scattered all over the room and comfortably disposed arm-chairs add up the home atmosphere of ingenuousness. The seemingly random furniture arrangement is a key feature of Country and actually requires much efforts to implemented.
Decorating The Country Parlor.
Decorative textile elements should be made of nothing but natural fabrics. Simplicity is the key idea, so no large patterns or abundant draping are welcome. Patchwork covers and rugs can bring more homely coziness, while lamps with textile shades and diffused light will underscore the interior style in the evenings.
Minor details are an important constituent of a country parlor. Old family photos, antiquarian clocks, porcelain plates, figurines, small chests and boxes of all sorts – all these set the mood of the living room. Prepare a place on the walls for paintings depicting animals or still life, pick up plain wooden frames for them. Flowers – both live and dried – will make a great decoration of a country interior, too.
The Bottom Line.
Creating a country interior requires a wise, thoughtful approach. The seeming unpretentiousness and rusticity of the style can sometimes be attained only with the help of a professional designer.