The Complete Guide to Relaxed Country Interior Decorating

The relaxed country colour palette features a base of muted, earthy neutrals in warm tones of chalky whites, taupe, beige, browns, and greys in matte finishes.

This neutral canvas is complemented by rustic timbers, natural stone and decorative cast iron details which add visual depth and character.

Contrast these darker hues with warm metals of copper, brass, antique silver & blackened iron.

Soft shades of muted reds, sky blues, ochre, sand and earthy greens are interwoven throughout the home to energise the space.

Painted or original stripped timber floorboards are the primary flooring choices.

Alternatively, opt for natural stone, vintage checkerboard ceramic tiles or uneven classic flagstone flooring in kitchens and bathroom spaces.

These can be softened with runners and floor mats made from simple woven or ticking striped sisal and jute rugs, animal hides, or vintage style flat-weave area rugs in Persian, Aubusson, and Turkish designs.

These come in hues of soft peach, cream, muted red, pale blue, crimson, sand, and ecru.

This style prioritises natural light and minimal window coverings.

When in use, window treatments include French-style painted timber shutters and simply hung curtains and roman blinds of cottons, flax sheer linens, or light-weight woven materials.

Fabric blinds are seen in plain soft neutrals, or patterns of ticking, toile, florals, or checks, which work to soften the rustic architectural elements.

Furniture is generally informal, unfussy and selected for comfort and relaxation.

This style mixes a variety of furniture eras and styles, including heirloom antiques, vintage finds and repurposed and timeworn pieces alongside contemporary, minimal and sustainable designs.

Newer builds may benefit from pieces crafted from dark-stained woods, rattan, or iron, which will add a rustic edge to your otherwise contemporary surroundings.

Soft furnishings of hopsack, cotton and flax linen lumbar, standard and throw cushions and blankets in plains, striped ticking, hand-block prints, plaid, checks and florals are positioned throughout the home.

Kitchen tea towels, napkins, cross-back pinafore aprons, table runners and placemats are made from light-weight linens in pastel blue, white, natural stripes, granite, celadon green, and khakis.

Hardware in warm brass, blackened iron or antique silver and storage boxes and baskets of worn leather, wicker and grey-wash rattan add to the layers of texture.

As always, adding something loved, something with lustre, and something living will energise and balance any room in the home.

Kitchenware decor includes vintage enamelware, chalky white ceramics, decorative baskets, large wooden chopping boards and zinc, glass or ceramic jugs and vessels to house seasonal blooms.

Ground the space with wall mounted rattan baskets or jute shopping bags, which can be filled with dried lavender, flowers, onion, garlic, or herbs.

Throughout the country home there is an abundance of fresh flora and foliage, with the aim of bringing the outside indoors.

Unstructured wild flowers, hydrangeas, Autumnal leaves, lichen covered branches, boxwood topiaries and fresh herbs are picked fresh from the garden.

These are displayed in old vessels, rattan baskets or hung to dry.

Lastly, berry and eucalyptus sprigs, flowering kale, freshly cut garden roses, lilac, and tulips can be tied and bound together with raffia for a fresh, unstructured floral display.