Modern country style living room ideas
30 Cozy Modern Country Living Room Decor Ideas
There’s nothing more welcoming than rustic decor style – it brings warmth and coziness to every space and it’s rather easy to incorporate such touches into any room. If you aren’t a fan of vintage decorations, if you don’t like shabby chic, you might want to try modern country or farmhouse decor, which are right on top now. How to design a modern country living room?
Color Schemes For A Modern Country Living Room
Modern rustic decor is all about neutrals, layering neutrals and rocking them all over changing textures to avoid boring looks. But you may add color to the space, too, and these may be pastels, bold shades – but not much, or something dark, mainly as accessories to add depth and drama. Natural shades like tan, greens, grey, beige can be used for making an accent wall or rocking some furniture in these colors. Touches of color or at least some prints can be incorporated with textiles – pillows, rugs, blankets and curtains – to make your space more eye-catchy without spending much.
a chic neutral farmhouse living room with a tan sectional, a shelf with shutters and wooden candlesticks, a low coffee table
a modern country living room designed in neutrals, with a fireplace clad with stone, cozy furniture and printed textiles
a modern country living room in neutrals, with a creamy sofa, woven chairs, a low coffee table, printed textiles and potted plants
a modern country living room in neutrals, with mirrors, a creamy sectional, a bay window, a wooden table and cool textiles
a modern country living room with a fireplace clad with faux stone, wooden beams, neutral furniture and a round coffee table
a modern country living room with a fireplace, chic neutral furniture, printed pillows, a wooden mantel and potted plants
a modern country living room with a fireplace, elegant neutral furniture, printed textiles and a low coffee table is amazing
Materials For A Modern Country Living Room
A wide material palette that you may use for styling a modern country space is a great idea to bring interest to the room and make it amazing.
Modern country style means that you’ll have to get some stained wood, light, rich or dark – that’s up to you. Wood can be incorporated in many ways, from wooden beams to stained furniture, from wood clad fireplaces to windowsill daybeds of wood. What else can you integrate? Stone, faux and natural, bricks around the fireplace, leather upholstery and various types of textiles as fabrics are an easy way to bring diversity of decor to the room.
a modern country living room with a hearth, a grey sofa and an ottoman, a leather sofa, firewood, built-in shelves and potted plants
a modern country living room with a hearth, graphite grey furniture, a coffee table and a pouf, some vintage storage units
a modern country living room with a hearth, neutral furniture, a highlit slanted ceiling, printed and neutral textiles
a modern country living room with light green walls, a fireplace, neutral furniture and printed textiles, a vintage clock and leaves
a modern country living room with wooden beams on the ceiling, neutral furniture, printed pillows and a round table is welcoming
a cozy living room with a large stone fireplace
a modern farmhouse living room with a grey sectional, an open shelf, some wall decor and neutral and printed pillows
Furniture For A Modern Country Living Room
The furniture you are using can be both modern and rustic – chic neutral seating furniture can be paired with rattan and woven chairs that look like outdoor furniture.
Don’t forget about classic rustic pendant lamps of metal or wood, cage or sphere shaped ones, they will add some charm. Get inspired by the ideas below and make sure to Pin some!
a modern farmhouse living room with a stone clad fireplace, neutral and dark furniture, a console and a bench plus a gilded lamp
a modern farmhouse living room with a stone clad fireplace, wooden beams, leather furniture, a metal chandelier and potted plants
a modern farmhouse living space with a fireplace, neutral furniture, wooden coffee tables, wooden beams on the ceiling and a potted tree
a modern French country living room with a large fireplace, a leather ottoman as a table, woven chairs and a jute rugs looks unique
a modern Provence style living room with a fireplace clad with stone, chic neutral furniture, stools and coffee tables
a modern rustic living room fully clad with wood, with a large neutral sectional, a coffee table and a pendant lamp
a modern rustic living room with a fireplace clad with faux stone, neutral furniture, a metal chandelier, a wooden coffee table
a neutral farmhouse living room with grey furniture, a wood and concrete coffee table, a large clock and printed textiles
a neutral modern country living room with a fireplace clad with brick, a low coffee table, neutral furniture and layered rugs
a neutral modern farmhouse living room with a fireplace clad with brick, neutral furniture and built-in daybeds, an upholstered ottoman and a fan
a refined modern country living room with a large fireplace, wooden beams, comfy furniture, a low wooden table and leather stools
a welcoming modern country living room with a brick clad fireplace, neutral furniture, layered rugs, printed textiles and wooden beams on the ceiling
an elegant modern farmhouse living room with a built-in fireplace, built-in wooden shelves, chic neutral furniture, a tassel chandelier
an organic modern country living room with a grey sectional, a coffee table, a basket, some plants and cool pillows
Country living room ideas: 45 rustic looks for your lounge
(Image credit: Future)
Your country living room ideas should are the heart of the home, the best place to kick back and relax, surrounded by creature comforts.
One of the hallmarks of country living room ideas is that they are easy to tailor to your style – fill your space with heirloom furniture, clashing patterns and bold colours, or keep it pared back with muted shades, natural finishes and plain fabrics, and you will have an inviting, relaxed rustic space that's unique to you.
How you plan to use your space, and whether it's your only sitting room or you have further areas for relaxing and entertaining, will help to define your living room ideas. There are more details to consider when creating this look, too – these country living room ideas and tips will help you get it just right.
Country living room ideas
When browsing country decorating ideas, ask yourself: do you want a cozy snug or an expansive area where all the family can relax together? Is your style country house formal, or do you prefer a more laid-back aesthetic? Are you a fan of color, print and pattern, or do you gravitate towards more muted tones and simple shapes?
Once you have an idea of your room's style, size and how it will be used, you can begin the fun job of honing your country living room ideas to create a characterful, relaxing space you'll love to spend time in.
1. Choose joyful color for your country living room
(Image credit: Linwood)
When you’re creating a moodboard for your country living room ideas, don’t feel that you have to balance a bold print with pared-back color. Sometimes, being bright and bold is the best option – especially with country curtain ideas for living rooms.
‘Here, it’s the joyous color – from the punchy cushions and lamp to the grounding pale pink of the upholstery – that helps highlight the beauty of the floral,’ says Ella Richards, Head of Design at Linwood . These drapes are in the company’s Albertine Classic Rose fabric.
2. Mix finishes in a country living room
(Image credit: Violante & Rochford)
‘Modern country design is where tradition meets modern-day living through distressed finishes, mixed metals, handcrafted furniture, and a simple color scheme anchored in earth tones,’ advises Amber Dunford, Style Director at Overstock .
‘To balance the country elements, opt for prints that don’t feel overly precious and have a bit of modernity to them, such as a check or a ticking stripe.
Textiles such as leather and suede paired with industrial materials like iron and brass will add just the right amount of sternness to the lightheartedness of a country aesthetic.
‘Liveable comfort and family-centric themes are staples of this style, so a clean-lined sofa with overstuffed loose cushions should help you strike that balance between modern and country.’
3. Celebrate color and pattern
(Image credit: Penny Morrison)
‘The contemporary country look is all about achieving a balance of comfort, tradition and elegance,’ says fabric designer Penny Morrison . ‘The spaces should feel inviting and inspiring.
‘It's important to pay attention to the traditional features of a property rather than attempting to hide or change them. Enhance them by decorating a fireplace, say, or painting joinery in a high-gloss lacquer finish.
‘When mixing patterns in a room, do so within a similar color scheme. This will bring depth and harmony to the space, keeping things vibrant and interesting without making it feel too fussy or orchestrated.
‘I would say it is best to do the upholstery in plain colors or muted small prints, and save the larger, bolder patterns for accessories such as cushions or ottomans, or if you have a larger space, one or two chairs.’
4. Expose brick or stone walls
(Image credit: Alexander Waterworth/Soho Farm Cottage)
If your property is blessed with beautiful stonework or old brick walls, think about revealing that natural rustic beauty in your country living room ideas – even if it’s just in one focal point, such as the chimney.
‘Think back to the country farmhouses of the past; a lot of these spaces will have had brick or stone walls,’ explains Ryan Jones from Land of Rugs .
‘Whether it is one feature wall or all the walls in the home, exposed brick can add drama to your space. It is also worth noting that exposed brick or stone works perfectly with carpet or hardwood flooring.’
5. Make country living room ideas personal
(Image credit: Richard Gadsby/Future)
‘Keep decor personal and meaningful.
Country life is about welcoming people into your home, sharing stories and experiences,’ advises Marian 'Mimi' Meacham, Principal of Houston-based Marian Louise Designs . ‘Decor items that are personal to you are instant conversation starters.’
Books, collections, photographs and artworks will all bring a personal touch to your country living room ideas. ‘Display treasures and collectibles you have amassed throughout your life and travels for that warm, inviting feel,’ says Mimi.
6. Put wood on the ceiling
(Image credit: CutlerSchulze)
When you’re pulling together your country living room ideas, it’s likely your focus will be on flooring and walls. But don’t forget the ceiling above your head – it’s a vital element of any decorating scheme.
‘Some of my favorite elements involve wood on the ceiling,’ agrees Ran-D, interior designer and co-founder of RelaxingDecor .
‘For example, hardwood ceilings look amazing when paired with light walls and floors.
Or wood beams on the ceilings look great as well. I also love wood trim around the home, such as around doorways or windows.’
7. Color-check your curtains
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future)
Choosing country curtain ideas is an open and shut case – you really do need to consider how they frame a window when they are pulled back, and what the expanse of fabric will look like when they are closed.
‘Window treatments in natural tones such as flax, cream and beige will always work well in a country living room,’ confirms Devin Shaffer, Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design.
‘I like to choose organic fabrics including cotton and linen. This will help to integrate the interior with the surrounding landscape.’
8. Choose a topical wallpaper
(Image credit: Mulberry Home)
If you want to bring a classic British look to your country living room ideas, consider opting for country wallpaper ideas associated with the English country house style, albeit updated for modern tastes.
Rural motifs such as animals, birds and flowers, mixed in with stripes and checks, are a great place to start.
'Mulberry Home offers timeless, romantic fabrics and wallpapers with a sense of whimsy, drawing inspiration from a quintessentially British aesthetic,’ says Ann Grafton, the brand’s Creative and Managing Director.
'Game Birds is one of Mulberry Home's most cherished and iconic designs and has recently been reimagined with new colorways as a fabulous wallpaper.
‘To create a fabulous interior for your country living room, consider layering a bold wallpaper like Game Birds wallpaper with a plaid design and a plain to create a delicious, colorful and stylish living space".
9. Seek out calming sage
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
This gentle color should definitely be an option when you’re planning your country living room ideas as it brings a natural serenity to a scheme.
‘I love to use simple neutral colors to decorate. Sage is a softer, more subtle shade of green that has a peaceful impact in almost any room,’ says Janet Wischnia, President of American Blossom Linens .
Living room paint ideas or soft furnishings in green creates a relaxed feel. ‘A sage blanket or throw can brighten up a chair in your living space but still leaves you with a feeling of calmness, and we all need that now,’ Wischnia says.
10. Create comfortable gathering spots
(Image credit: Decorilla)
‘Country style is a trend that we've been eyeing for the past few years and we've loved to watch it develop and go from the "modern farmhouse" aesthetic to a more refined, yet rustic, country-inspired appeal,’ says Devin Shaffer, Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design .
‘Comfort is the key component of the style, so gathering spots such as country living rooms are where the design flourishes. A blend of weathered wood and antiquated finishes layered against neutral finishes in tones of white, beige and gray is the foundation of a modern country scheme.’
11. Expose rustic wood in a country living room
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
If you’re fortunate to have existing architectural features and rustic surfaces, look to incorporate them into your country living room ideas.
‘Try bringing natural elements into your home by exposing wooden beams and any worn and distressed wooden furniture,’ suggests Richard Petrie, home expert at Thomas Sanderson .
‘Introducing natural materials such as wood into your rooms can add clean leans, a calming ambiance and will help achieve the outdoor aesthetic associated with the modern country style.’
No beams? Add a rustic wooden mantel above the fireplace, lay reclaimed wooden floors, or search for antique furniture that shows the knocks and patina of age.
12. Look to nature for color ideas
(Image credit: Linwood)
If you’re struggling to pair colors for your decorating scheme, a walk outside could provide all the inspiration you need.
‘Follow nature’s lead by combining green and yellow,’ suggests Ella Richards, Head of Design, Linwood. ‘They sit next to each other on a rainbow after all, so are the perfect pairing for this relaxed, modern country living room.’
The living room color schemes you consider should make the most of your room’s aspect and the available natural light, as well as the mood you want to create.
13. Go for ‘Grandma gingham’
(Image credit: Emma Lee/Future)
Chintz and even gingham are coming back – think modern grandma, as the checks are blown up in scale,’ says Mark Cutler, Co-Founder of Los Angeles-based interior design firm, CutlerSchulze .
‘As nostalgia grows, modern country is looking cleaner, more pulled together and more decorative.'
14. Pick out characterful accessories
(Image credit: David Brittain/Future)
It's the extra details that will pull your country living room scheme together – wonderfully cozy throws and blankets, vintage vessels and jars in which to display gathered branches and blossoms, and quirky talking points such as the oversized clock in this image.
'Dressing your room is your moment to be creative and truly stamp it with your personality,' says Andrea Childs, Editor of Country Homes & Interiors magazine.
'What's exciting is that you can swap pieces in and out as the seasons change or you discover new treasures to decorate your home, so you always have a fresh new look when you want it.
'
15. Create a relaxed cabin feel
(Image credit: David Brittain/Future)
Bring a happy, relaxed element to your country living room ideas by bringing in a ‘cabin escape’ element to your scheme.
‘Focus on shades that are brighter, fresher, and airier to evoke a friendly, inviting feeling in relaxing entertaining areas,’ suggests Mimi Meacham, Principal of Marian Louise Designs.
‘Mix old with new furniture for a lived-in feel. And play with pattern – a buffalo check rug or gingham throw pillows can bring some of that elevated yet approachable country look to the room.'
16. Put a twist on print
(Image credit: CutlerSchulze)
Print and pattern is synonymous with country living room style but its form changes with the times. Sometimes bold florals lead the way, then small prints make a comeback. Graphic shapes such as stripes, checks and block prints also find their place in a country living room scheme.
'Pattern started making a comeback a year or two ago, mostly in geometrics.
Now it’s the turn of organics,’ says LA interior designer Mark Cutler. ‘Think of modern takes on traditional florals and even paisley.’
Mix different scales of pattern with plain fabrics for a chic take on country style.
17. Opt for oak in a country living room
(Image credit: Amara)
When you are dialling in your country living room ideas, the materials you choose are key. Choosing warm, unstained oak over glossy cherry or black ash, say, will immediately place your scheme in the rustic space.
‘Whether you are looking for furniture for a side table, the frame of your sofa, bookcases or drawers, oak is the way to go when you are designing in a country style,’ says Ryan Jones from Land of Rugs.
‘One of the benefits of oak, especially if it is reclaimed, is that it adds depth and character to your design. Contemporary furniture design can feel a little one dimensional. Oak adds that layer of intrigue to your design that will keep you, and your guests, interested.
’
18. Bring nature into a country living room
(Image credit: Dan Duchars/Future)
Nothing says rural style like a bouquet of garden-fresh flowers, and making a floral display an essential part of your country living room ideas will bring natural beauty to your scheme.
Seasonality is key, so even if you’re buying your blooms from the flower store, make sure they are local and haven’t been force grown.
‘Regardless of whether you live in a large home or a city apartment, bringing a touch of nature into your home will add to an authentic modern country feel,’ agrees Richard Petrie, home expert at Thomas Sanderson . ‘You can also incorporate indoor plants and bright blooms to bring character to your space.’
19. Add wow with woven wallpapers
(Image credit: Dan Duchars/Future)
The beauty of natural materials is a focus of rustic style and incorporating them into your country living room ideas will bring a real sense of warmth and authenticity.
‘We are seeing more wallpapers in country living rooms,’ confirms Mark Cutler of design firm CutlerSchulze . ‘But it’s in a fresher way, with wallpaper often printed on to grass cloth to add another layer of texture and detail.’
20. Discover your inner artist
(Image credit: Molly Mahon)
Textile designer Molly Mahon is hugely inspired by the Bloomsbury Group of artists and writers who lived and worked in Britain in the early twentieth century. Her Sussex home, close to the Charleston farmhouse associated with the group, is decorated with the Bloomsbury trademark love of pattern and decoration, with surfaces painted throughout the house.
The decoration of her rustic living room is a showcase for her passions – especially the artfully painted fire surround.
'The painting was inherited from my husband's grandmother,' says Molly. 'And the framed artwork to the left is actually a piece of original Barron & Larcher cloth that I bought online. I have always collected beautiful textiles and think they look so fabulous framed.
'
21. Seek out antique shapes for furniture
(Image credit: Dan Duchars/Future)
You don't need to source authentic antiques for your country living room, but adding traditional design elements in your furniture choices will add depth and history to your rustic space.
‘We see more traditional silhouettes gaining popularity,’ comments interior designer Mark Cutler of LA-based design firm, CutlerShulze.
‘Finding a fauteuil – an upholstered chair with a wooden frame and arms – used to be challenging, now they are even popping up on Wayfair. European country style is back and we are here for it!’
22. Light the way with crystal and bronze
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
Planning your living room lighting ideas goes hand-in-hand with coordinating the rest of your decor scheme. Not only will the fixtures themselves complement your style and color palette, but the lighting you choose will establish the ambience of your space.
‘We’re seeing the trend for brass receding and the return of bronze, bringing a beautiful layered finish with richness and depth to country living rooms,’ says LA interior designer Mark Cutler, of CutlerSchulze.
‘I also predict the return of crystal. As a precursor, we’re seeing lots of cut glass hanging pieces in a range of colors.’
23. Choose ‘casualwear’ for your furniture
(Image credit: Zinc Textile x Martin Hulbert Design)
While we love a smartly upholstered sofa, slipcovers can bring a more relaxed look to a country living room.
‘Loose covers in deliberately creased linen never need smartening up,’ agrees Justin Marr, Design Director of Zinc Textile . ‘White sofas are always a winner and are a great base for warmer accents of cognac, ochre and tobacco.
‘The aesthetic for our collaboration with Martin Hulbert Design is relaxed, informal and with a handmade appearance, as shown in this space. A mix of non-matching but happily coexisting cushions, and unlined washed linen curtains are effortlessly relaxed.
24. Use muted colors on country living room walls
(Image credit: The Cotswold Company)
Off-white shades or dusky pastels are the quickest way to create a calming, fresh feel in a room.
And when a space feels calm, it feels welcoming.
From a practical standpoint, a light color scheme will make a small country living room feel bigger, as well as giving you a versatile backdrop to explore a wider range of furniture and accessories options.
25. Add country character to a plain living room
(Image credit: Marion Lichtig)
'When it came to designing this sitting room I added the beams on the ceiling and the rough beam over the fire place to create a rustic feel to this country house,' says interior designer Marion Lichtig . 'This is reflected too in the rough hewn coffee table.'
Lichtig then added a few finer items, such as beautiful antique furniture, an elegant scallop back sofa and decorative lighting. 'I like to mix objects to give a room balance, layers and plenty of interest,' she shares.
26. Create a conversation area
(Image credit: Jojo Bradley Interior Design)
To give your country living room an atmosphere of warmth and welcome, arrange seating to make conversation – not the TV – the focus.
'In this room, the armchairs and sofas face each other across an upholstered ottoman, on which a tray of drinks or afternoon tea could be placed,' says interior designer Jojo Bradley . 'The comfortable furniture is softened further with cushions that invite you to relax and settle in for a while.'
This type of furniture arrangement works really well for small or larger groups, too. The pair of armchairs with their own side table provide an area for two people to sit and talk together, while the sofas provide additional seating when crowds gather.
27. Add depth with lighting
(Image credit: Laura Ashley)
A standout light can seem the obvious solution to bring the wow factor to your living room. But bright and shiny isn't always best, especially when it comes to country-style schemes.
'A common mistake is to focus on a show-stopping piece and forgo lighting the rest of the room, leaving it lacklustre and without atmosphere,' explains Mary Buchanan, Creative Director at Laura Ashley .
'Contrast light and shade to create a dramatic finish.'
Buchanan suggests lighting a room from the ground up. 'Wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps are perfect for layering,' she says. 'You can also use these to spotlight favourite objects in the room and light up cozy corners for reading and lounging.'
28. Use expert tricks to make small rooms look larger
(Image credit: Future)
Country homes, with their beautiful oak beams and thick stone walls, are brimming with history and character. But the rustic architecture runs the risk of making rooms appear small and dark.
When you're planning out country living room ideas, copy some of the tricks used by interior designers to bring a sense of light and airiness to a space. Think Perspex or glass 'invisible' tables; large furniture pieces, such as sofas, raised on elegant feet; and coffee tables made from elegant metal, rather than heavy wood.
29. Make a large country living room look cozy
(Image credit: Jojo Bradley Interiors)
Drawing in the furniture away from the walls of the room will make a large space seem more intimate – a tip interior designers use when creating living room schemes for barn conversions, lofts and other airy country spaces.
To avoid a railroad effect, with galleys on either side of sofas, for example, use additional pieces to fill the void.
Here, interior designer Jojo Bradley has placed a console table against the wall. It provides a handy perch for table lamps, while occupying the gap behind sofa.
30. Paint beams white
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future)
Older country homes featuring traditional dark oak beams and smoke-stained fireplaces can be too oppressive for contemporary tastes.
Keep the charm while updating the look by painting walls, woodwork and even bricks or stone in a bright white.
This will transform a country living room in an instant and given an uplifting spirit to your country home.
31. Make sitting by the fire an experience
(Image credit: The White Company)
Whether it's an original inglenook fireplace or a contemporary wood burner, gathering around the warmth of real flames is a quintessential country experience.
Your home may have an existing hearth and chimney that requires you to plan ideas for your living room around it. Or you may have the luxury of installing a new fire or stove in the place that suits you best. Either way, it's important to think about how you can integrate the fireside experience into your decor.
Factor in seating placed close enough to feel the warmth but not too near to be damaged by heat or sparks. Add a table or two, plus a footrest so you can warm your toes.
Finally, make your fuel, kindling and fireside tools a part of the room scheme by organising them in attractive baskets and log holders.
(Image credit: Ercol)
When your country property is a repurposed rural building such as a barn, it can be difficult to know how to furnish the space. One answer is to take your cue from the architecture – often large, lofty and with an industrial edge – rather than the age of the building.
For your country living room inspiration, look to iconic mid century design, with its clean lines and unfussy styling.
33. Make the most of the view
(Image credit: Future)
Living room furniture tends to point towards the TV but there's a far bigger screen to enjoy – the view in your window.
Position your seating to make the most of the view, without lining it up so that it looks as if you are at the cinema. A sofa facing the glazing, with comfy armchairs at an angle at either end, will mean you enjoy the landscape in front of you and still be able to chat easily to family and friends.
(Image credit: Oliver Perrott/Future)
When you're coming up with country living room inspiration and ideas, don't play it too safe.
'A fabulous accessory, such as a statement mirror or outsized pendant light, will add a dynamic, look-at-me quality to a room that makes it an exciting place to spend time in,' says Sara Bird, Decor Editor at H&G's sister title Country Homes & Interiors , who styled this living room for the magazine.
Keep it country by choosing a design with a rustic touch, like the natural materials that decorate this mirror frame.
35. Include some florals
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Pattern – especially big, blowsy florals – is synonymous with country living room decor. And an eye-catching pattern in bold colors is a great way to add a focal point.
Using pattern in large swathes in blinds, wallpaper or curtains will make the biggest statement and draw the eye to a specific part of the room.
If you’ve decided that curtains are the best way to get your pattern fix, go for a full-length design to increase the cozy factor.
36. Pick pale wood for furniture
(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)
Light-colored woods, such as beech, whitewashed pine and ash, have a more informal feel than dark woods and better fit the ethos of a rustic country look. The choice of complementary colours for paint, soft furnishings and accessories is also much wider when you choose pale-wood furniture.
Here, soft furnishings from Susie Watson Designs add punches of pink, mauve and mulberry, which sit nicely against the relaxed look of bleached-effect furniture.
37. Heat the space with a woodburner
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Nothing embodies a cozy, rustic feel quite like a stove or woodburner. Whether it’s a modern, freestanding design or one that’s nestled in a brick fireplace surrounded by craggy logs, both will offer warmth – literally and figuratively – and provide your country living room with a stylish focal point.
38. Include texture with rattan, wicker and reed
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Natural materials are a big part of nailing the country look, so incorporate them into your decor.
A rattan chair or bench is a good place to start if space permits but if not, rattan and reed baskets or a jute rug will all create a rustic look that has all the more charm because of their non-uniform finishes.
39. Choose laid-back seating for country living rooms
(Image credit: Neptune)
Country-style seating has rounded armrests and cushions, and either chunky, turned-wood legs (with or without castors) or a pleated skirt that skims the floor.
However, you can achieve a smarter country feel by putting the emphasis on the fabric pattern and going for more streamlined silhouettes for the furniture.
If you have a spare corner, fill it with a statement armchair and place a side table topped with a lamp next to it to create a cozy reading nook.
40. Show off brickwork or wooden beams
(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)
If you have wooden beams or exposed brickwork in your living room, highlight them to give the country living room look bags of authenticity.
'I don’t think you can really get the right look without using old things – rugs, paintings, antiques,' explains Vivien Greenock, interior designer and former senior director at Colefax and Fowler .
'It’s those things that give a room a permanent look, and a depth of feeling.'
Fabrics and trimmings, Vanessa Arbuthnott .
41. Go for distressed finishes
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
Whitewashed original floorboards, a timeworn finish on furniture, unglazed pottery, unfinished wood ornaments, mercurized mirrors and cable-knit cushions and throws are all very effective country living room ideas for creating a rustic, lived-in feel – but that needn't mean the room can't look smart.
Neat silhouettes on furniture and pared-back decor will help a smaller country living room feel larger and brighter.
'Antiques are not for everyone,' acknowledges interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch at Sims Hilditch , who uses antiques extensively in her schemes.
'Instead, replicas can be made that have never been used before but can mimic the styles of pre-loved pieces. We work with a fantastic cabinetmaker who specializes in creating antique-style furniture that is brand-new and yet has such an old heart.'
42. Light up corners with lamps
(Image credit: Kit Kemp/Andrew Martin Interior Designer Review Vol.24)
Lighting is the most effective way to create mood, as illustrated here in the beautiful living room of interior designer Kit Kemp's house.
Supplementing a main ceiling light with plenty of table and floor lamps will lend a cozy feel at the flick of a switch. Add to the ambience with smoked- or amber-glass bulbs, rather than clear ones with bright white filaments.
43. Bring the outdoors in with flowers and houseplants
(Image credit: I-LIV)
A country living room should be simple, relaxed and natural, and nothing evokes this better than house plants and fresh flowers. Choose several different kinds of house plant and put them in unexpected places, such as on the top of a cabinet or in bookcases, for a quirky feel.
Add to the scheme with fabrics in equally botanical prints, such as this Forever Spring collection from ILIV .
We answer three key questions so you can get your country living room decor spot-on.
44. Group furniture around a coffee table
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
Country living rooms are traditionally places that feel relaxed – so it's highly likely they will be used for informal entertainment. In this case, it is more than worth grouping seating around a coffee table. This will encourage sociability and make the room look inviting.
45. Create symmetry in a small country living room
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
If your country living room is small, using symmetry in interior design, especially built around a mirror, can make your space feel larger, neater and more curated.
How can I decorate my living room in a country style?
Do you want a traditional country look or a more pared-back, modern feel? If your living room has lots of period features, such as beams, fireplaces or ornate plasterwork, a traditional look will enhance these features.
You can then afford to be bolder with color and pattern, and more is definitely better, so pack plenty of furniture, soft furnishings and accessories into the space.
Matt Deighton, managing director and Chesterfield sofa specialist at Sofas by Saxon, says: 'Consider choosing sofas and armchairs in different finishes, rather than coordinating fabrics, to maintain an eclectic feel.'
Modern country living rooms are less cluttered, favour a muted color palette and use pattern, including stripes and checks, more sparingly. The best way to add a cozy, lived-in feel here is with plenty of unfinished wood, chunky knits, sisal, wicker and other natural materials.
To give your scheme a French country feel, painted furniture with ornate detailing is a must, while pale grays, muted blues and dusky pinks are the go-to colours.
For a shabby-chic slant on country style, flaking paint on furniture, mercury glass and floral prints are key. Keep walls white or off-white and add colour with soft furnishings and accessories in sugary pastel shades.
How do I make my country living room feel cozy?
To make a country living room feel cozy, if you have the space, a woodburner or fireplace is a great focal point. One less obvious way is to include a bookcase – either freestanding or built into an alcove – as the old-world, familiar feel that’s created when you’re surrounded by books oozes comfort.
Switching bright white lightbulbs for soft white or even colored glass ones offers a much more intimate feel. Go one step further by including plenty of soothing candlelight too.
Lastly, tactile materials such as velvet, chunky wool and faux sheepskin are the coziest of choices for cushions, throws and rugs, and will help soften the hardness from any wood furniture or beams.
How should I arrange my country living room?
A country living room should look relaxed – perhaps even a little haphazard.
Place armchairs and tables at 45-degree angles to walls in the corners of your room, layer sofas and chairs with cushions and throws, pile logs in baskets and arrange plants so that the leaves cascade down the sides of cabinets and tables.
It’s also important not to leave too many bare spots in your living room – a floor lamp or trug filled with folded blankets is better than wasted space.
Andrea has been immersed in the world of homes, interiors and lifestyle since her first job in journalism, on Ideal Home. She went from women's magazine Options to Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor. She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home. She was then offered the job as Editor on Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for sister title homesandgardens.com.
Country-style living room - 75 photos of design options
Country-style living room interior as a style inherent in a homely atmosphere.
Such an interior brings calmness, and allows you to just sit and chat with your family in a quiet environment.
Country means a village. From childhood, everyone remembers trips to their grandmother, how calm and comfortable it was there.
The atmosphere is associated with a small bright house, with walls made of stone and an ever-creaking door made of planed boards.
Quite often, designers use this style in the interior. Therefore, there is no need to think that the apartment will look archaic. A striking example is the Moscow Country Club hotel.
There are VIP numbers and even a "presidential number". The hotel has 5 stars, so you should not assume that country is only a modest rural house, the style also represents all the chic of a country house intended for upper-class people.
Country positions itself as a style that has absorbed all the best from different parts of the world. So English country will be aristocratic, and French is filled with romance.
Contents:
Key elements of country style
The color scheme should have natural tones. These are: beige, light yellow, orange and shades of wood. The Provence country style living room should be complemented by colors: lavender, blue, gray. The use of acidic and unnatural colors in the style are excluded.
Decor elements are selected opposite to the choice of furniture and finishes. For example, if the furniture and walls are light, then choose accessories in dark colors, and vice versa.
As in the English style, the interior can be emphasized with a fireplace. Which will symbolize home comfort. It will also be nice to sit by the fireplace on cold winter evenings, listening to the crackling of firewood.
In the case when it is not possible to build a real fireplace, you can purchase an electric one or even limit yourself to creating a false fireplace, with decor elements inherent in the hearth.
In order to preserve the atmosphere of antiquity, it is necessary to limit the use of a large number of household appliances.
Since a 50-inch plasma will immediately spoil the overall look, and the feeling of antiquity will disappear.
If you have not refrained from buying plasma, then it is advised to disguise it in every possible way, curtains will be a great idea in this regard. And the best option would be retractable panels. Below you can see a photo of a country-style living room.
As you can see, a lot of textiles are used in the style. Designer pillows and tablecloths are an integral part of the country. At the same time, there are patterns and ornaments on the decor elements.
A plaid or polka dot cushion is ideal for curtains with solid colors. At the same time, the material used to create the entire interior is preferable: cotton, linen, chintz.
Curtains should be selected such that they are decorated with flounces or frills. At the same time, they were picked up with tapes.
The eaves must also be properly selected, and the use of plastic and metal structures should be excluded.
Knitwear and rugs made at home will help add a touch of antiquity.
Small living room in country style should be complemented with various figurines, antiques and paintings. To harmonize with the interior, caskets, chests, and antique-decorated forged items are used.
If it is decided to make the living room kitchen in a country style, then dry flowers should be present on the table, which will emphasize the color. Country-style living room interior photos are presented below.
Finishing materials
When choosing a country style flooring should be chosen from natural materials. You can choose wood or parquet board. If you have your own homestead, then the floor can be laid out of natural stone.
In any case, artificial materials like linoleum will not work. However, you can pick up a laminate with a pattern resembling the texture of wood, cover it with a handmade carpet, so it will not attract special attention.
A wood finish or white painted stucco will look chic on the ceiling. Beams will be a great solution, and are applicable not only on the ceiling, but also on the walls, but you should stick to the composition.
For walls it is possible to use a more budget option - wallpaper. They can have a simple, not intricate pattern. The main thing in the country is not to use vinyl and shiny types of wallpaper. It is also possible to use textiles on the walls. Stone wall decoration looks good in village houses.
Which furniture to choose?
The furniture should be large and a bit rough. If there is wood in the furniture, then it should leave its natural texture.
The arrangement of furniture is not critical, and it is quite possible to put sofas and wardrobes at your discretion. If there are small decorative elements, then they are arranged randomly, this will give the house a residential look.
Furniture upholstery should have some features of the general concept in its design. For example, the pattern and color of the curtains are somewhat similar to the sofa. This will give a certain entourage and comfort of a rural house.
Country style living room photo
40 photos, design guide
Style features
When designing the interior of a living room in country style, you should adhere to the following rules:
- All materials are selected natural or skillfully imitating them.
- Decor elements should emphasize their natural origin (raw wood, stone, aged boards, wicker baskets).
- The interior in a rustic style does not tolerate pretentiousness, emphatically luxurious furniture and gloss.
- It is not recommended to install high-tech appliances in plain sight in a country living room.
Color range
The design of the country-style living room is maintained in natural, natural shades. The color of the tree, both dark and light, is the main one. Often, white, cream and sand colors are used to decorate the walls, and brown for the ceiling, floor and internal filling. If the wood color is chosen as the main one, then the walls and floor are lined with dark boards, giving the atmosphere a certain brutality.
The natural color of the clay - terracotta - brings special warmth to the country living room, it is appropriate in the decoration of floors, fireplaces or stoves.
Pictured is a country-style living room in a private house in a dark color palette.
Rustic style in the living room eliminates flashy colors and bright contrasts, but welcomes the smooth flow of shades from one to another.
In such an interior, nothing irritates the eye, because the country is designed for relaxation and tranquility.
Materials and finishes
The design of the living room in country style is characterized by naturalness in everything. The ceiling of the living room is finished with wood: clapboard or board. This option is not suitable for those who have a dark top that causes an oppressive feeling, so the surface can be left white and combined with contrasting beams. Another good solution is to cover the beams with special wax, giving them a natural shade and leaving the structure of the tree. With the use of light toners, the ceiling will appear higher.
Paint, plaster or paper wallpaper is used for country style walls. Wood panels look great, as well as open timber. Also, the walls are sheathed with clapboard, then covered with stain or paint. If the walls are wooden, it is recommended to use a minimum of textures on the ceiling, otherwise the room will be overloaded, and it will look like a closed box in appearance.
With decorative stone or brick, you can make a spectacular accent wall that will add an even more natural look to the living room.
Pictured is a living room with a dark beamed ceiling that matches the wood floor.
Natural planed boards are optimal as flooring, but high-quality imitations are also appropriate: parquet or laminate. Linoleum in this country is excluded.
Another way to cover the floor is to use terracotta tiles that imitate clay products. Unfortunately, the climate of our country does not allow laying porcelain stoneware without a floor heating system, if the country house is intended for year-round use. This material keeps heat for a long time, so in winter it will have a positive effect on the overall atmosphere of comfort.
To design a country-style living room in a city apartment, you need a spacious room, as well as large windows and high ceilings. A small room with an abundance of wooden textures will look even tighter, and white plastic frames in window openings can negate all efforts to create a country interior.
A small living room in a rustic country style is decorated in light colors, and the essentials are used as filling so that the room does not look overloaded. The real fireplace is being replaced by a stylized electric one.
Furniture
To recreate the country style, it is important to choose elements that are in harmony with the decoration of the living room. Furniture for the hall is chosen simple, even rough. The main material for the manufacture of tables, chests of drawers and chairs is usually natural wood or its imitation. Antiques, vintage or artificially aged pieces of furniture upholstered in coarse textiles or leather are often used.
Sofa in country style is comfortable and functional: it can be straight or corner, with leather or textile upholstery. Its main task is to give the room coziness, to gather family and guests in a common circle for sincere conversations. Its shape is never pretentious; the design contains a minimum of decorations and ornaments.
Pictured is a country living room with comfortable upholstered furniture in retro style.
Wicker chairs, antique chests, open shelving and cabinets look appropriate in a country-style living room. If the living room is combined with the dining room, its main decoration is a massive dining table and solid wooden chairs.
It is difficult to trace the symmetry in the arrangement of furniture: a chaotic arrangement gives the room a sense of habitation and simplicity.
Lighting
Lighting in a country-style hall is a thoughtful scenario that allows you to comfortably relax and communicate with family and friends. The central lighting is created using a chandelier. Often this is a voluminous product with wooden details or shades imitating candlesticks. Rough metal, chains can also be used.
Wall sconces, floor lamps in the seating area, table lamps provide additional country-style lighting. In a particularly large room, recessed ceiling lights can be seen.
The light is always warm, emphasizing the rustic feel of the living room.
Pictured is a country house in country style, where the living room is lit by a large wrought iron chandelier.
Textiles and decor
Window openings in the country living room should not be overloaded with complex draperies. Monochromatic curtains made of cotton and linen, as well as simple curtains with a slightly pronounced floral ornament, are suitable for the interior. In a rustic style, open round cornices with curtains on rings, as well as lace tulle, look great.
Country furnishings abound with textiles made from natural fabrics: cushions on the sofa, bedspreads and woolen blankets, self-woven carpets and runners. The floors can be decorated with real animal skins.
The photo shows a country-style kitchen-living room with thick curtains, warm blankets and pillows that are in harmony with the color palette of the carpet.
Handmade items are valued as decorative elements.
Souvenirs and books on open shelves, paintings and plates on the walls are appropriate. Frames with your favorite photos, antique clocks and boxes that tell the story of a family look great. Tables in the combined living room can be decorated with fresh flowers in vases, and kitchen shelves can be decorated with ceramic dishes.
Living room design ideas
Living room interior in country style has several directions that designers follow when decorating a room.
The American ranch-influenced living room is devoid of sophistication: the furniture is rough, wood textures and leather predominate, and home-made carpets and patchwork quilts dominate the decor.
Chalet - a house in an alpine village located in the mountains. Here, the country living room is replete with warm woody shades, upholstered furniture, and fur skins. A fireplace is especially appreciated, designed to give a cold house a maximum of comfort.
English country in the living room - an orderly but cozy interior with a rocking chair and a blanket, ceramic or porcelain dishes, silverware.
An open bookcase is required. Brown, white and red shades are used as the main palette.
Pictured is an American ranch style living room with massive furniture, dark ceilings and a fireplace.
French country or Provence is characterized by lightness, simplicity and naturalness. Today, this style is on the rise in popularity, because the bright Provencal interior of the living room allows you to create a south coast atmosphere without spending much. To do this, you need old-fashioned elegant furniture, fabrics with floral patterns, live plants and other little things dear to your heart.
Laconic but functional furniture made of natural materials, warm colors and comfort combined with rationalism and orderliness are the hallmarks of a German country living room.
The style of the Russian hut, or Russian country, differs from the European vision. It is characterized by log walls, carved solid wood furniture and an abundance of textiles.
