How to Get The Look: Modern Country

Country decorating has come a long way. It has always been a popular home decorating style but it has really changed in recent years. In the past this has included such elements of the style as handmade items, collections, and rustic charm. While country style will always epitomize home and warmth, its time to bring country design into the modern era. We call this decorating style “Modern Country. Modern country is still charming, and rustic but with some clean lines and cool colour palettes it has a 'cooler' vibe. If you love that laid back rustic style with a modern edge - better know as Modern Country here's how to get it.

Clean it up

Traditional country decorating has been often accused of being “cluttered”. Modern country decorating is anything but! So it’s time to seriously edit and pack away all those little things that don’t contribute to the overall design scheme. Don’t go overboard though, country is about home and family, so you don’t want to eliminate everything that’s personal. Create a box of decorative items to store, and rotate favorite accents with the seasons.

Choose a simple and clean color scheme

Update your country decorating look with a more modern color scheme. Pick one color, then try combining it with white or neutrals for a stylish look that isn’t dated, and doesn’t cause confusion for the eye. Add textures to give the room great interest and contrast. Keep patterns to a minimum, and try to incorporate some of the new geometrics or a modern floral that uses white and one color in its design. Think tone-on-tone for a soothing look in the space. We like a great light neutral on the walls and then for accessories layers of soft greys, taupes even dried herb tones look great with this style.

Choose your inspiration

Choosing your inspiration for the modern country decorating look is kind of like choosing a theme. But instead of the cutesy country themes of the past like farm animals, you are choosing an inspiration that creates a feeling. Gone are the roosters and instead think of a theme inspired by the mountains in Colorado, or the high country of Santa Fe. You can actually picture the “feeling” of the room just by those descriptive words, and that’s what will give you guidance and keep you on track. Look through photos for inspiration, that will help you stay on track but again, don't go over board! You don't want a theme room like "this the dairy farm room" take what you love about the feel of the country and incorporate that in the space.

Light the way

One of the fastest ways to update an outdated decorating shame is to add a modern lighting fixture. This works great with the “Modern Country” as they compliment each other well. Think West Elm, Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn. 

Texture

So important in this look! When it comes to country decor it's really about comfort and ease, so texture can really help with that.  Think canvas, wool, distressed denim, flannel, distressed leather and mixing it all up on a sofa.  Be sure to add other textures too like reclaimed wood, stone and brick for another layer of texture. Elements of nature are another great way to add texture to your space.

Accessorize

The “more is more” traditional country decorating look of the past is just that…it’s in the past. Choose a few great pieces to display at a time. Mix and match with other styles, offering interest and contrast, and bringing more attention to your beloved possessions. If you have a collection, or want to showcase Grandmas quilt, then showcase it. But display it gallery style and give each piece importance. Don’t just use something for the sake of having something fill a space. Treat the things you love like art. 

Another great way to make a country piece look more current is framing your art.  So a country landscape with a clean white over sized matte and black frame is easy and looks clean and modern. 

Look for country piece like large milk jugs, butter churners, pickle jars, mason jars etc...they add great character and some texture to the space and of course, they have that country feel

Look for inexpensive antiques that can be used to create a unique wall collection such as postcards or antique flatware. Add items from nature, but be selective. Leave some space around your treasures for the eye to rest. If a wall or a room is cluttered no one can focus on your beautiful pieces - art or artifacts. So keep it simple that's really important in modern country decor.

Relax

Above all, relax and enjoy the creative process. There are no rules in decorating that can’t be broken. Modern Country Decorating is a fantastic way to take a beloved home decorating style of the past, and give it a current twist.

Knock on wood - wood accents for the home

I love the look and feel of wood.  It adds warmth and character to any space.  Wood doesn't have to look country or rustic, you can certainly use wood in a more modern space.  Here are some of my favourite wood pieces....

This 1950s Tractor Stool from Restoration Hardware adds some warmth but sculptural feel to a kitchen.  It would look great in a light or dark kitchen adding texture, visual interest and some personality



This cube/stool is so versatile and it's reclaimed!  It could easily be used as an end table or even in multiples as a coffee table.  It has a rustic feel because of the strong grain and texture but the simplicity it has a modern twist. And it is made in Canada



This table is a marriage of modern and rustic.  The simple lines, the grain and the metal legs make this table shine in any space.  Pair it with a more modern chair in a metal, upholstered or a plastic material.



I love this chair and it also comes in black.  It's a perfect captain's chair in a dining room when paired with a modern glass or metal table but it also looks great in a smaller bedroom or a workspace.  The material has a rustic feel but the lines make it contemporary and cool.






If you love the look of hardwood and want it everywhere including wet spaces, check out these tiles that look and feel like wood.  I was concerned that they might come across as cheap but they look amazing installed and really add that warmth to the room that you expect from hardwood. And like hardwood there are different 'stains', sizes and levels of grain.  I love this tile as it gives a bathroom a true Nature Spa look and feel...



I love wood accents that are also practical not just beautiful!  look for great kitchen accessories in wood and not just wooden spoons.  Look for stunning fruit bowls, salad bowls, trays and more....





If these wood pieces are too rustic for your taste and you want some nature in your home but you want a sleeker look - why not display it as art on your walls?
I love these Birch Prints from West Elm.