A RURAL HAVEN
*Images selected from Pinterest
The countryside is a treasure trove of delights waiting to be explored. Dotted with charming cottages, grand stately homes, stunning vistas, and delightful wildlife, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your abode that mirrors the beauty of its rural setting is within reach.
Our journal is here to provide you with valuable insights on mastering the art of bringing the countryside aesthetic into your home. Discover tips on harmoniously blending natural elements and textures, illuminating your space to perfection, and selecting just the right hues to evoke that idyllic country feel.
Embracing the Rural Setting in Your Home
Embracing the essence of a rural setting within your home can bring a sense of tranquility and harmony. With subtle nods to nature through earthy tones and natural textures, you can create a space that evokes a peaceful countryside ambiance. From incorporating rustic wooden elements to introducing indoor greenery, each addition plays a role in fostering a connection to the outdoors.
You can introduce greenery in a number of ways. Consider incorporating both faux and real plants, experimenting with wallpaper choices, selecting cushions, mixing in ornaments, and adding accessories to enhance the natural aesthetic of your space. When styling console tables, think about integrating a plant to liven up the display. Ferns make for an excellent option due to their fullness, captivating appearance, ability to cast intricate shadows, and there are also high-quality faux versions.
Wallpaper serves as another effective method to infuse nature into your interiors. While some may worry about overwhelming patterns, there are plenty of soft, neutral wallpapers with gentle hints of color and texture. Perhaps try a modest floral print or a subtly textured wallpaper to gently bring the outdoors in. If you're hesitant about using wallpaper extensively, consider applying it in a small section of the house, such as above paneling or in the downstairs bathroom. A wallpapered downstairs cloakroom can add a touch of elegance and freshness to the space. Keep reading for insights on how cushions, ornaments, and accessories can further enrich your interior design by playing with various tones and textures.
*Images selected from Pinterest
Tones & Textures
To fully embrace the warmth and natural beauty of wooden elements in your living space, consider extending their presence through well-thought-out furniture and furnishings. For instance, if you have a plush upholstered headboard as a focal point in your bedroom, complement it with wooden side tables to introduce a touch of organic charm and balance the overall look.
Similarly, if your bed frame boasts a rich wooden finish, create a harmonious juxtaposition by incorporating a textured ottoman or bench at the foot of the bed. This not only softens the visual impact but also adds depth and visual interest to the room.
Mixing different types, tones, and textures of wood can add a dynamic flair to your space. While some may feel compelled to match every wooden element in a room, the reality is that cohesion can be achieved through thoughtful pairing rather than strict uniformity.
When working with light oak furniture, consider incorporating pieces in greys or dark browns that complement the natural grain of the oak. This strategic blending of tones can create a cohesive look while adding visual richness to the space.
Conversely, if you have predominantly black wood elements in the room, balance the starkness by pairing them with lighter tones such as whites, walnuts, or soft browns. This contrast not only prevents the room from feeling too monochromatic but also highlights the unique characteristics of each wood type.
It's worth noting that pine, with its distinct orange hue, may not always pair well with darker woods. Opting for alternative wood tones can help maintain a harmonious balance and prevent clashing tones within your decor scheme. By embracing the versatility of wood and exploring various combinations, you can create a space that exudes warmth, character, and timeless appeal.
Adding cushions to your living space is a versatile and effective way to enhance its ambiance. If you're hesitant about embracing bold colors or patterns, cushions offer a low-risk opportunity to introduce these elements gradually. You can easily swap them out seasonally, allowing you to refresh your decor with minimal effort.
Begin by incorporating a mix of earthy tones such as greens, browns, blues, greys, and hints of oranges. These colors can create a natural and grounded feel in the room. Next, consider diversifying the textures of your cushions. A combination of materials like plain linen, boucle, patterned fabrics, wool, or woven textures can instantly elevate the visual interest and tactile experience of your seating area.
By varying the textures and colors of your cushions, you can transform a simple sofa into a dynamic focal point. Extend this approach to all seating areas in the room or experiment with different cushions on an armchair to make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. This strategic placement can guide the eye throughout the space, fostering a sense of cohesion and tranquility that makes the room more welcoming and harmonious.
Accessories and ornaments play a significant role in transforming a country house into a warm and inviting home. The natural beauty of the countryside offers abundant inspiration for integrating captivating elements indoors. Wooden knots and ornaments are excellent choices for adding visual interest while complementing the outdoor tones, creating a harmonious feel within the living space. They work wonderfully to adorn upholstered ottomans when paired with oversized books and candles.
In addition to wooden accents, incorporating items like hurricane jars, lanterns, vases, rustic pots, and leather trays further enhances the ambiance of the home. Despite being made of different materials, these accessories provide a cohesive look and evoke various elements of the surrounding environment. By carefully selecting and arranging these pieces, one can create a cozy and charming atmosphere that speaks to the beauty of the outdoors while maintaining a sense of comfort and tranquility indoors.
*Images selected from Pinterest
Lighting
One of the most crucial aspects of a home is the lighting. Not only does it set the ambiance, but it also establishes equilibrium and has the power to transform the entire aesthetic. Interior Designers are known to steer clear of harsh overhead lighting, yet it remains a significant element of design.
Lighting can elevate country homes of all sizes to new heights. Lanterns are ideal for entryways, hanging above kitchen islands, or illuminating mudrooms. Chandeliers add a touch of sophistication to staircases, libraries, and formal living spaces. The versatility of pendant lights is unmatched, offering a wide array of shapes and sizes to choose from. Natural light should not be overlooked either. Most country homes boast scenic views - whether of rolling hills, farmland, forests, or charming stone pathways. Embrace these views by incorporating large windows or using gentle lighting that complements rather than detracts from the outdoors. Experiment with an assortment of lamps, sconces, and floor lamps to create a harmonious blend of artificial and natural light sources.
Country Home Colour Palette Inspiration
When it comes to creating a country haven, colour plays a crucial role. Contrary to common belief, a country haven doesn't solely rely on shades of green and brown. Whether you prefer a vibrant array of colors or a more neutral palette, the magic lies in the harmonious blend of paint and furniture choices that truly transform a space into a sanctuary.
Balancing Act:
It's essential to strike a balance when choosing colours for your country home. Opting for loud, busy wallpapers might draw attention away from the picturesque views outside the window. On the other hand, selecting plain and neutral tones can allow the surrounding elements to take center stage, creating a serene atmosphere where every piece has a story to tell.
Favorite Colour Choices:
Soft Sage Green: Infuse a touch of nature indoors with calming sage green accents that evoke tranquility and freshness.
Earthy Terracotta: Warm terracotta hues bring a cozy and inviting vibe to your country home, reminiscent of sun-kissed landscapes.
Timeless Navy Blue: Add depth and sophistication to your space with classic navy blue tones, perfect for creating a sense of depth and elegance.
Warm Mustard Yellow: Radiate cheerfulness and optimism with mustard yellow accents, injecting a pop of brightness into your country haven.
Soft White: Meanwhile, soft white hues offer a grounding element, connecting your home to the earth and complimenting each colour, texture and tone perfectly. It provides the perfect backdrop, or divider depending on how you decide to use it.
Embrace the beauty of colour in your country home, whether through bold statements or subtle nods to nature. Let your home reflect your personality and style, creating a haven where you can unwind and embrace the simple joys of country living.
These are just a few ways to enhance a country home, there are so many more ways from Kitchen design and finish to flooring and curtains. Maytree can help point you in the right direction into making a rural haven.
For additional insights and guidance on Interior Design, remember to check out our Instagram page @maytreeinteriors. For further details or assistance with your project, feel free to reach out to bryony@maytreeinteriors.co.uk. Elevate your space with our exquisite luxury cushions designed to enhance your home decor, visit our Homeware page to discover more.
