If you would like to invite country living into your home, which style should you choose and where should you begin?
French country, English country, shabby chic, rustic, farmhouse, vintage, Provençal, Shaker or Gustavian... Country decorating cannot be described as a single style. Its broad scope may be defined by distressed wooden furniture in one setting and floral patterns in another. At heart, however, country décor is about comfort and a simple way of life.
While its main elements are recognisable, each country style has its own distinctive details. If you would like to bring country-style living home, where should you begin? In our view, the bathroom is an excellent starting point: smaller than other areas of the home, it allows you to explore the style freely. Which of the following ideas best suits your version of country?
A few simple yet distinctive, well-loved pieces of furniture create a warm, comfortable atmosphere. A weathered chair that brings a little countryside feeling to every day can be a wonderful place to hang towels. Wildflowers in a porcelain or enamel jug, old woven baskets for laundry, vintage sweet jars for cosmetics... Use neutral tones from wall to floor as the backdrop for these pieces.
Using shades of white throughout the bathroom, from ceiling to floor, creates a classical country look. Combining textures and materials such as white-painted wooden wall panelling and marble flooring helps build a layered, luxurious appearance. White wrought-iron furniture, glass-fronted built-in cupboards, rugs and textiles with delicate floral details, and, of course, flowers in a vase bring the room into balance.
A large crystal mirror has all the charm needed to bring French country style into your bathroom, whether its frame is gold, silver or raw wood. Add a clawfoot bath, a neoclassical chair, a sparkling crystal chandelier and a side table with mirrored details. Embroidered towels, Provençal-scented soaps and, as in every country style, a vase of fresh wildflowers can accompany them.
If a rustic look appeals to you, you have found your country style. Natural raw wood, a relaxed space and American Western objects rather than a feminine aesthetic define the look. Wood is often accompanied by copper or wrought iron. Farm and rodeo life appear in decorative objects, alongside symbols of North American wildlife. Native American culture and art also feature, particularly in textiles. The dominant palette includes earthy brown, black and beige, together with natural colours such as forest green.
Elegant marble floors, an upholstered sofa and curtains matching its striking patterned fabric... Yes, we are describing a country bathroom. To reflect this refined, sophisticated style, complete these details with a lion-foot bath. For those wishing to bring Rococo grandeur into the bathroom, we also suggest dark wall colours and polished fittings.
A modern farmhouse bathroom can certainly be colourful, but choose more neutral tones if you want to keep it welcoming and simple. Warm wood textures prevent shades of white and grey from feeling flat or dull. Cast-iron elements also help warm the atmosphere. Repurposing old furniture, such as turning a chest of drawers into a vanity unit, captures the spirit of the style.
A classical country bathroom is hard to imagine without a bath. If you are committed to this style, a clawfoot or freestanding bath is essential, even in an en-suite. Another classical touch is the prominence of wood on the walls. Wooden panels can be natural, patinated or painted in pastel colours. Half-height panelling can also be paired harmoniously with tiles or floral wallpaper.
Curtains, wallpaper and rugs can be wonderful ways to bring colour, pattern and texture into the bathroom. A fabric scattered with small flowers instantly gives country bathroom style a cottage feel. You can carry the look into the bedroom to create a visual connection between the two spaces. Textiles add not only drama, personality and visual effects but also warmth and comfort.
A clawfoot bath
Fresh cut flowers
Wooden furniture
White, pastel shades and earth tones
Porcelain or glass objects
