Mix beautiful natural materials with classic outlines for a soulful yet fresh
look, says stylist Sally Denning
A country-style home no longer means flowery curtains, chipped crockery and cottagey pine furniture. The modern country trend evokes the timelessness of a rural retreat, but ditches the tweeness in favour of the clean lines and statement pieces of bold contemporary design. Stylist Sally Denning pinpoints how the look has evolved, “Modern country is a sleeker, more considered look, with a more refined rustic vibe, rather than the distressed furniture and faded florals that are synonymous with shabby chic.”
A NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE
In taking the warm appeal of the farmhouse kitchen and adding Scandi-inspired designs, the judicious use of sustainable materials is key. “Modern country includes lots of wood, natural textures, stone, linens and crafted artisan elements – all chosen with sustainability in mind.”
Neutral colours – whites, creams, browns and beiges – tend to make the best base colours. “Try to stick to a simple palette of around three colours,” says Sally, “then the items will be cohesive and work together regardless of where they are from.” Aim for a framework of quality long-lasting pieces such as vintage-inspired cupboards and farmhouse tables. Then team these with statement lighting and modernising flourishes to create a forever home that lightly balances
old and new.
TACTILE TEXTURE
Modern country is a look where textures tend to take precedence over pattern – with plenty of sumptuous fabrics such as wool and linen on display alongside stripped- back wood and brick. Sally says, “To me, texture is key. Especially if your room or house doesn’t have many
features or character. Layer up – on sofas, on floors, everywhere. It will add warmth and interest where it’s needed. If you don’t want lots of colour in your house, then texture adds depth to the scheme.”
PURPOSE AND POISE
This is a warm but practical way of living, with form and function carrying equal weight. While every piece should be able to hold its own, it should also have a role to play in a home that is very much for living in. For instance a glass-fronted cabinet or sideboard can be used to store and display frequently used items rather than dusty relics. Sally says, “Reuse, revive and renew, try and think of ways to repurpose items rather than throwing away.”
