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Country living room ideas – 24 ways to add rustic farmhouse charm

September 8, 2021 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Country living room ideas – 24 ways to add rustic farmhouse charm

Own a rural home or dream of escaping to the country? Well, you may or may not know that the living room is the heart of a country home so it’s really important to get some winning country living room ideas to keep it so.

It’s easy to tailor country decor to your style. You could fill your space with heirlooms, add plenty of rustic finishes in your living room, or keep things pared back with lots of natural fabrics.

Suzy McMahon, Buying Director of Sofology says, ‘Country inspired decors are epitomised by their welcoming atmosphere and lived-in charm; however there’s no need to compromise quality or style to achieve this.’

‘A versatile look, true country style can be created just as well with floral fabrics as with soft buttery leathers. Look for relaxed shapes that invite you to sink into them at the end of the day. Although seat height should always be based on personal preference, lower backs with wooden feet are naturally in keeping with a rustic scheme.’

Our round up of country living rooms show how versatile this rustic style can be – working equally well in both cosy cottages and rambling farmhouses and in small rooms and large spaces.

While fashions come and go, these foundation styles simply evolve from year to year. Invest in them and your home will never look out of date And you don’t really need to live in the country at all to recreate the look.

Country living room ideas

1. Revamp cottage features

a cottage living room with acid yellow velvet sofas, natural tree trunk coffee table and restored fireplace

Image credit: Polly Eltes

If you’re lucky enough to own a little cottage in the countryside, why not restore its original features while adding a modern touch?

This small living room idea has kept the original fireplace beam and kept the small nook to the side to showcase a contemporary vase. They’ve modernised it with decorative terracotta floor tiles and a pair of matching acid green sofas.

2. Inject colour with wallpaper

a burnt orange sofa with green wall panels and Amalfi Fresco wallpaper by Graham and Brown

Image credit: Graham and Brown

If you’re looking to update your rustic living room idea with a nod to Cottagecore, why not opt for a striking, colourful wallpaper?

Paula Taylor, Graham & Brown’s Trend Specialist and Head Stylist says, ‘A turbulent environment of political and social unrest has led to a yearning for designs which reflect values of authenticity and relatability.’

‘For a joyful 70s inflection, add retro accents of burnt orange and ochre to a delicate countryside-inspired palette. Use a wood effect wallpaper in a kitchen space to emulate a cosy country cottage.’

3. Expose original features

grey living room with stone wall

Image credit: Richard Gadsby

Make a real statement by stripping back the plaster in your living room to reveal original joists, bricks and beams. Clean and restore brickwork with a brick cleaner like this Hydra brick satin remover from Amazon, £29.95, or get it professionally cleaned.

4. Create a rustic feel with paint

plastered living room wall

Image credit: Polly Eltes

If the thought of stripping the plaster bag gives you the fear, you could create a textured feel by distressing your existing plaster with a chalk wash paint, like Rust-Oleum’s warm taupe chalkwash paint from B&Q, £36. Team with a plush cord sofa, a cosy wood burner and feature mirror.

5. Modernise traditional wall panels

Pale grey living room with bright yellow painted wall and fireplace

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars

Want to inject a little colour into your country living room? Update wall panelling under a picture rail, by adding a bright splash of sunny yellow to bring the look bang up to date. Nod to the colour in home accessories and artwork to tie the look together.

Suzy McMahon, Buying Director of Sofology explains, ‘Typically considered to have a neutral palette with natural colours and materials, such as tan, oaks and sage, a country scheme can easily be warmed with the addition of rich shades, such as tonal berry, or sunny yellows. These sophisticated shades are particularly suited to a rustic home, complementing exposed beams and wooden flooring.’

6. Choose a comfy sofa for lounging

Living room with large pink corner sofa and colourful scatter cushions

Image credit: Loaf

One neutral living room idea is to add a big, comfy sofa in a complementary hue to your scheme. This gorgeous Slowcoach corner sofa from Loaf in vintage pink velvet, £4125, makes the perfect place to lounge, reading the Sunday papers or having a well-deserved afternoon snooze.

Patricia Gibbons, from sofa.com’s design team says, ‘Country living rooms are defined largely by the style of the sofas within it. Sofas being the key piece of furniture in the living room, the choice of shape, its colour and its detailing can often dictate the feel of the space.’

‘With larger spaces available in country homes, corner sofas work especially well to section big, open spaces and can also be helpful to work around quirkier architectural features to provide structure in a crooked room.’

7. Include antique furniture

corner of a country living room with wall panelling and a leather armchair

Image credit: Future Publishing PLC/ Polly Eltes

A comfy, worn-in leather armchair by a cosy fire is what springs to mind when we think of country living rooms. Mix old and new together effectively by marrying contemporary printed rugs or artwork with antique furniture.

Suzy McMahon, Sofology, Buying Director adds, ‘A versatile look, true country style can be created just as well with floral fabrics as with soft buttery leathers. Look for relaxed shapes that invite you to sink into them at the end of the day. Although seat height should always be based on personal preference, lower backs with wooden feet are naturally in keeping with a rustic scheme.’

8. Add opulent touches

country living room ideal home house tour

Image credit: Jemma Watts

Create a grand country retreat look in your country living room idea by adding sumptuous velvets, plenty of polished wood and antique lighting.

Patricia Gibbons, from sofa.com‘s design team says, ‘Choosing traditional shaped sofas, perhaps a Chesterfield style or a heavily tufted design with curved arms, in rich fabrics can emulate the style of a grand country home. These tend to work particularly well in rooms with antique pieces, elaborate lighting and opulent carpets.’ 

‘For rugs and cushions, pick tones that pair well with your larger pieces but aren’t too matchy-matchy. Keep it organic with a mix of pattern and texture to ensure the space looks lived-in and homely, a key feature of country style.’

9. Make a statement with a wood burner

a cream wood burner with flue on wall in a large country style living room - Colin Poole

Image credit: Colin Poole

Need a winning wood burner idea? Make a wood burning stove a focal point in your living room, styling your living space around it. This country home accentuates its square footage with a living space that’s bright and spacious in the day and cosy and inviting come evening when they light up the fire.

10. Play with pattern

grey living room with blue sofa and armchair

Image credits: Dan Duchars

Country decor is synonymous with natural colours and materials. But you can add a more contemporary feel by incorporating a mix of patterns and textures to create a more eclectic look.

‘To create a truly, authentic countryside feel in your home, stick to a warm palette of earthy, neutral tones. Start by throwing a warm colour on the walls and add floral patterns via cushions and lampshades.’

‘Opt for soft, traditional-shaped sofas like our Tiger Lilly sofa and add gorgeous, cosy throws over the arm. Country homes often have wall lights as well as side lamps and chandeliers helping to keep things cosy and snug,’ says Jacquie Dunton, Founder of Sweetpea & Willow.

11. Look to nature for inspiration

Country-living-room-with-foliage-prints-and-rustic-wooden-furniture

Image credit: Dan Duchars

When in doubt, look to nature for inspiration when it comes to decorating your rural abode. A mix of floral motifs and prints will instantly transport you to a meadow, even if you’re living in the hustle and bustle of a city.

Paula Taylor, Graham & Brown‘s Trend Specialist and Head Stylist explains, ‘Craftsmanship and heritage prints are celebrated in the Cottagecore trend and familiar natural motifs are favoured as we spend more time appreciating landscapes closer to home.’

‘The aesthetic draws inspiration from natural materials and handmade elements to evoke a sense of calming simplicity, offering an escape from hectic modern life.’ To achieve this in the home, opt for muted neutral shades and faded pastel hues such as mint and terracotta for a soft nostalgic feel.’

12. Incorporate a Mora clock

Neutral country living room with Mora clock

Image credit: Brent Darby

Collecting unique antique pieces to add to your living room will instantly add country vibes to your interiors. This snug has a Swedish Mora clock, a French style chaise and a vintage suitcase as a coffee table, giving the room a story to tell.

Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Fitzrovia-based interior design studio Albion Nord says, ‘Every home and design should have some sort of story attached to it. If the design doesn’t tell a story about the homeowner, the house or the surrounding area, it can then lack depth and connection.’

13. Throw in some shabby chic elements

Modern country living room with exposed brick wall

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Don’t be afraid to inject a little bit of individualism into your country scheme. This living room idea features an exposed brick feature wall idea and plenty of shabby chic elements, such as whitewashed furniture and distressed wood. Just add tealights.

14. Warm up with deep blue

Grey country living room with built-in log store

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Contrary to popular belief, blue can warm up a scheme, rather than cool it down – it just depends on the tone you choose. This deep, sumptuous blue creates an inviting, soothing atmosphere in this open plan living room idea. Decorate with plenty of wood, including the logs for the fire.

‘If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, invest in a good log holder and pile on your logs – a sure sign you’re in a country home,’ says Jacquie Dunton, Founder of Sweetpea & Willow.

15. Decorate with a distressed features

Country living room with leafy green print wallpaper

Image credit: Michael Sinclair

Create a grown up version of shabby chic decor, by mixing a variety of vintage style textures and finishes.

This cosy fireplace idea features an original marble fireplace with sooty marks as evidence of plenty of times spent sipping cocoa next to its roaring fire. Paired with an original cottage door as artwork, vintage inspired wallpaper and lots of oldy-worldy accessories makes this space feel welcoming.

16. Incorporate modern pieces

ochre yellow velvet sofa in a country living room - James French

Image credit: James French

Country style needn’t be all about the traditional. Inject some modernity into your country abode by adding a mix of patterns and including a gallery wall idea to give it some life. Complete the maximalist look with mid century furniture and lighting.

17. Choose accessories that reflect a natural aesthetic

rattan sofa in a country style living room - Colin Poole

Image credit: Colin Poole

Look to natural textures like rattan and reclaimed wood to add country chic to your living room. This coffee table gives this old door a new lease of life and is a great conversation starter.

“As we are being faced everyday with the collapse of our ecological climate, there seems to be increasing interest in all things natural. This has translated into interiors trends such as pared-back wood,” says Martin Waller, Founder of global design brand Andrew Martin.

18. Build in a library

A country style cottage living room with exposed brick, bookcase and leather chair - Polly Eltes

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Make your country living room idea a place to really unwind and chill out by adding a wall of bookcases to create a mini library.

Use sections of the bookcases to showcase treasured items for a more eclectic look. Complete the relaxed reading nook by including a soft leather chair to sink into and read until your heart’s content.

19. Mix old and new

A low ceiling cottage living room with blue velvet sofa and wood burner - Colin Poole

Image credit: Colin Poole

Don’t be afraid to buy new furniture for a cottage style living space. This plush mid century modern style velvet chair and teal blue sofa look right at home beside the rustic restored beam mantel and old whitewashed beams.

20. Build storage in a small living room

in built sofa and shelving in a country style house - Colin Poole

Image credit: Colin Poole

How about this for a savvy living room storage idea for your country space? This comfy sofa style seating area has built in storage around it with shelving above for even more clever usage of the space. The sage green and blush pink living room colour scheme will make even the smallest of spaces look calm and bright.

21. Opt for vintage style lighting

natural cotton linen sofa with charcoal walls and jars for lights - Polly Eltes

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Don’t forget about your lighting when decorating a country style living space. Vintage inspired pendants as a living room lighting idea will look right at home with distressed wood, natural tones and one-of-a-kind finds. These jam jar style lights add a crafty style statement to this room’s set-up.

22. Lay slate floor tiles

burnt sienna slate floor tiles in a living room - Original Style

Image credit: Original Style

Don’t overlook your flooring when designing a rustic living space. Stone flooring ideas are the perfect choice when paired with plenty of country style furniture, wood panelling and most crucially a cosy fireplace.

Emma Hughes, Original Style‘s Studio Manager says, ‘Natural stone floor tiles are a great investment for kitchens and living areas, especially for those looking to create a country, farmhouse feel.’

‘Whether its classic limestone or a rich, dark, slate, natural stone tiles create a timeless canvas that will age beautifully, rewarding you for years to come. Incorporate sumptuous soft furnishings, rustic wood pieces and layers of neutral tones to achieve your perfect, country inspired space.’

23. Tart up your scheme with tartan

tartan wallpaper in a living room with stag head - graham and brown

Image credit: Graham & Brown

Keep it classic with a nod to the Scottish Highlands with tartan in calming neutral shades. This Graham and Brown wallpaper idea is the perfect choice, when paired alongside a comfy Chesterfield sofa, lots of natural textures and stag head home accessories.

Paula Taylor, Graham & Brown‘s Trend Specialist and Head Stylist says, ‘This aesthetic draws inspiration from natural materials and handmade elements to evoke a sense of calming simplicity, offering an escape from hectic modern life. To achieve this in the home, opt for muted neutral shades and faded pastel hues such as mint and terracotta for a soft nostalgic feel.’

24. Keep things neutral

a neutral living room scheme in a country home - carpetright

Image credit: Carpetright

Country style is all about neutral, natural features. It’s hard not to be won over by the easy-to-live-with vibe of this relaxed neutral living room idea. Give it a Scandi spin by adding lots of throws and textures, make it industrial by adding metal details or go vintage with crochet cushions and unique ornaments.

Lisa Conway, Residential Marketing Manager at Brintons says, ‘A neutral colour palette is best suited to rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as a living room, where relaxing tones are key to creating a happy space. Neutrals are versatile with the ability to provide a platform and set the scene.’

How can I make my living room look country?

There are lots of ways to make a living room look country. Easy ways include decorating with plenty of wood in the form of restored beams, stripped back tables and distressed shabby chic furniture and accessories.

You could restore original features like beams, cottage mantels, exposed brick and wall panelling. Mixing old and new furniture will instantly give you the relaxed, lived-in country style, while incorporating a wood burning stove or an open fire will add a warm, cosy feel to the space.

Kerry Laird, Interior Designer at Fishpools says, ‘Whilst the Cottagecore trend has been and gone, we are still longing for that countryside feeling within our homes. Maybe it’s the longing need for a holiday by the coast or nostalgia for simpler times, but cottage chic is an endearing and easy way to make your home feel like reminiscent of a country escape.’

‘Try incorporating colours such as soft greys, pinks, and lilacs to pair with pretty decorative accessories such as floral scatter cushions or quirky wallpaper. This trend is perfect for allowing your character to come through and creating a space where you feel comfortable and content.’

‘Look to contrast cute ornaments with the traditional features of your home, whilst nature inspired prints paired with gold accessories will create the perfect balance to transform your home into a countryside retreat.’

What is modern country decor?

Modern country decor is a stylish alternative to traditional country style decor. As a hugely popular interior trend right now, incorporating a mix of industrial, cottagecore, vintage, rustic and its relaxed and natural look is easy to identify.

Noemie Deed, founder of Cosy Coco says, ‘Achieving a modern farmhouse aesthetic centres around the beautiful juxtaposition of the rustic and raw paired with sleek and contemporary design which creates a real sweet spot for cosy and relaxed yet refined interiors.’

‘For example, integrating charming, rustic textures like shaggy rugs, exposed brick, unrefined woods will instantly give a modern space a beautiful organic foundation which will help pave the way for creating the farmhouse style. These finishes really transform modern spaces, giving them a somewhat elevated homestead feel with all the cosy country vibes, and we are all about creating cosiness.’

What colours make a house feel warm?

Creating a warm, cosy and comfortable living room starts by the colour scheme you choose for your walls. There are plenty of shades that instantly add a snug feeling.

Rich reds will look striking in high ceilinged country abodes. Make a statement by painting your walls with a rich, deep red or if you’re not ready to go all out red on the walls, try painting an accent wall.

Sunny, mustard yellows will add a peaceful glow to your space, while earthy tones like a moody green will create a soothing style to a room’s design.

Soft shades of blue bring an airy vibe to any room. On first inspection blue can appear cool but in a deeper shade, it can provide a subtle, calming atmosphere. While neutral shades like tan, terracotta, taupe and creamy white can all create a classic rustic style.

These sophisticated shades will work really well in rustic settings particularly when paired with wood flooring, exposed beams and a mix of natural materials.

The post Country living room ideas – 24 ways to add rustic farmhouse charm appeared first on Ideal Home.

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News and Tips

Lick’s new collection with award-winning artist Yinka Ilori embraces the biggest trend of the season

September 8, 2021 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Lick are known for its considered collection of paints and wallpapers, so when it got together with London-based artist Yinka Ilori MBE, we knew we were in for something special.

The Lick x Yinka Ilori Maximalist Brights collection is all about bringing joy and optimism into the home. The collection taps into the maximalist home decor trend which has seen a resurgence over the summer and looks set to be big news this Autumn.

Yinka is known for his kaleidoscope upcycling projects and huge event space designs, injecting playful prints inspired by nature and architecture into each project. This collection is no different, with two striking wallpaper designs and five signature paint colours.

All the pieces were created during the first stages of lockdown when Yinka, like many of us, dreamt of escaping outdoors and appreciating the smaller things in life.

So, if you’re looking to get stuck into feature wall ideas you may like to consider one of these stunning new designs from the Maximalist Brights Collection available from Lick.

Lick x Yinka Ilori Maximalist Brights collection

Image credit: Lick Home

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News and Tips

September heatwave survival guide – our top 5 tips for keeping cool

September 8, 2021 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

The UK has been waiting patiently for a heatwave – one last hurrah before the leaves turn brown and the days shorten. While we might have preferred a July over a September heatwave, all we know is the UK is experiencing some very warm and sunny weather right now.

Great news for those lucky enough to have booked some time off, but not so great for those working from home. If you’re dreaming of air-con and ready to jump in a bath of ice, check out our September heatwave survival guide.

windowsill with Roman blind and Robert radio

Image credit: Future PLC

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News and Tips

Shopping Edit – 11 best wall mirrors and floor mirrors for your home

September 8, 2021 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Any room can be improved with the addition of a humble floor or wall mirror. Much more than simply a tool for checking your hair and taking an outfit photo, mirrors can play a key part in decorating a home. Not only because they help to bounce light around to create a sense of space and depth, but they also provide the perfect way to fill an otherwise plain wall or empty corner.

Searching for more ways to decorate a small space? Head to our small living room ideas page for our top decorating tips

Mirrors can be used to their best advantage to enhance every room. Whether that be inside a small living room, in the corner of a narrow, window-less hallway or a in the middle of a bright bathroom – perhaps it’s a full-size bedroom mirror that you are after? This home decor accessory has the ability to turn a space from drab to fab. The best part? You needn’t spend an arm and a leg on a wall mirror or floor mirror. Check out our top picks below for proof.

What type of mirror to choose? That’s up to you! And the size of your space (and budget). There are wall mirrors to take up zero of your precious floor space, though these obviously require you to drill holes in your wall. Floor mirrors are usually lengthy in height so that you can see your entire outfit up close and from afar, and these can either be wall-mounted, leaned against a wall or sometimes they come with a stand to make them renter-friendly. There are mirrors with shelves for your bathroom or hallway – for holding your hand soap or keeping your keys safe. Don’t forget about mirrors with storage so that you can add light and style to your space, whilst still being super practical. Of course, there are over mantle mirrors to balance atop your fireplace – plus many more types.

Whether it’s a new bathroom mirror or a fancy hallway mirror to give the illusion that this space is bigger than it really is, or even a bedroom mirror to do your makeup up, Ideal Home is here to help. What are you waiting for? Whichever room you’re looking to dress with a mirror, we’ve got it covered in our round-up of the best mirrors available to buy now online. Take a look for inspiration…


11 of the best mirrors

1. MADE Tulsi Bamboo Round Wall Mirror

Our favourite wall mirror

MADE Tulsi Bamboo Round Wall Mirror mounted atop sideboard with book, plant and vase underneath

Image credit: MADE

This bamboo beauty is rounded for a softer look, while we say to place it anywhere from a hallway – above a shelf or some shoe storage – to a living room atop a mantle, or even in your bedroom mounted above your chest of drawers. It could even work well within a gallery wall or you could place it inside a bathroom. The reason the Tulsi Bamboo Round Wall Mirror is our first pick? It’s super versatile – and eco-conscious thanks to its bamboo construction. Choose to wall mount this mirror or lean it against a wall and leave it to make a statement. Unique and understated, this wall mirror may be retro but it’ll definitely work inside any home, whether yours is contemporary, modern, scandi or minimalist.

Dimensions: D80cm

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