As previously mentioned, most of us gravitate to our own likes and dislikes when it comes to choosing a style for the place we call home. Interiors are portrayed in various styles – contemporary (discussed in October’s issue of The Local Answer), coastal, country, eclectic, industrial, Scandinavian and shabby chic to mention just a few. Join me over the following months to assist you choosing or identifying a design style for your home. This month we are talking about country style.

What is it?
Imagine country style and we tend to picture soft muted colours, roof beams, a welcoming Aga on a flagstone floor and an open fire crackling in the hearth. Of course, not all of us live in a country Manor, but we can still use elements of classic country style and incorporate them in any home, anywhere.

Typical ingredients include floral fabrics, checks and stripes, wooden furniture and natural materials, from tweed and ticking, to linen, slate, stone and sea grass matting. Country style can have a slight overlap of coastal and vintage, with the emphasis on comfort and practicality. A home decorated in a country style will provide a big warm cosy welcome to all who live in and visit it.

Colour
Traditional country schemes favour soft colour tones and cream is often used instead of white. Embrace all colours and accessories in muted tones that provide a soft and inviting feel. Sand, sage and berry tones create an easy to live with feel. Think faded florals, tweeds and checks against a backdrop of neutrals. Duck-egg blue is one of the ultimate country pastels.

Furnishing/fabrics
If your budget will allow, incorporating a wood burning stove will create a warm country/farmhouse feel to any property. A wrought iron bed, whether antique or reproduction, has country written all over it and cannot fail to contribute to that country look. Leather armchairs and cosy sofas fit perfectly into this style of home – buy second hand for instant character. Not forgetting the ever popular pine – furniture will never look out of place.

Keep textiles soft – gingham, tweed and a faded floral instantly conjure up a cottage feel, but keep gingham to a minimum. A couple of cushions, a laundry basket lid, or even giant-check pillowcases will ensure you don’t go too over the top. Don’t be afraid to mix florals with checks – choose two matching colours from each pattern. Traditional and homemade wool blankets placed on seating and beds will symbolise the comfort of the country style home.

Quick tip
A charity shop can be a good starting point to find accessories, blankets and even furniture to add to that lived in country style.