While metal and glass rule the urban jungle, there’s another style entirely out in the countryside. Country design is synonymous with quirky angles, exposed beams and woodwork, organic materials, historical stone, and thicker textures.
A common misconception about country bedrooms is they are old-fashioned; actually, they have an authentic rustic character with no fakery.
Country style origins
The country interior design originates from old England, where simple dwellings like cottages had exposed beams, stone floors, and only necessary furnishings. These dwellings still exist today, and their elements can be added to any space.
Country style has evolved from a standard style created by habitation to a class that promotes homeliness and warmth. Any house can adopt it, and country bedrooms are a fantastic way to make spaces more welcoming.
Pictured: The country interior design originates from old England, where simple dwellings like cottages had exposed beams, stone floors, and only necessary furnishings.
What are the main elements of country design?
The country interior design originates from old England, where simple dwellings like cottages had exposed beams, stone floors, and only necessary furnishings. These dwellings still exist today, and their elements can be added to any space.
Country style has evolved from a standard style created by habitation to a class that promotes homeliness and warmth. Any house can adopt it, and country bedrooms are a fantastic way to make spaces more welcoming.
Country colours
country colours. Pastel shades of primary colours always work well, with blues delivering a positive, fresh vibe that goes well with any furniture.
Walls and ceilings can be entirely composed of white and cream or muted colours like lilac or blue. Larger spaces do well with dark paints, although the country style is best when dark colours are used as the accent colour.
If your bedroom is small, freshen things up with crisper tones. The choice is yours - darker tones are cosier and make spaces feel smaller.
Wooden bed
Wooden beds are essential for country bedrooms to set the theme. Pairing a wooden bed with a matching wardrobe and chest of drawers creates design cohesion, giving you a rustic base to work from. Look for an oak or walnut frame.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Hoxton Bedstead, Beautiful wooden bed frames are available from Bedstar
Simple furniture
Furniture should be simple with curved lines and a chunky aesthetic. Rustic furniture lines are an excellent option, and most places sell them. Avoid lighter furniture when possible because this is more cottage chic than country.
Exposed floorboards
In old times, floors were made from stone or had exposed floorboards. You might have exposed floorboards already or floorboards ripe for doing up. You can sand and stain any floorboards to transform them into a centrepiece.
Pictured: Bedroom with stained floors, you can sand and stain any floorboards to transform them into a centrepiece.
Exposed building materials
Exposure to natural materials is crucial in the cottage style (think exposed wooden beams and exposed stone chimneys). If your bedroom doesn’t have these, printed wallpaper offers a convincing finish on walls, or you could clad them in wood.
Milk-paint finishes
Milk-paint finishes are painted surfaces with a subtle matte, brushed effect with a light texture. They create a vintage illusion, giving the furniture a slightly distressed appearance without looking shabby or worn.
Pictured: Bedroom with a milk-paint finish a subtle matte, brushed effect with a light texture.
Upholstered furniture
Sofas and chairs in your bedroom should be upholstered, ideally with simple patterns and textures. Floral prints, animals, and insects are all excellent choices for upholstery, or you can go for something plain with a subtle texture.
Adding thicker textures
Layer up your bed with cushions and pillows to make it comfier. Thicker weaves work well for throws and rugs, transforming your bed into a beautiful space to crash out on. You can also go for thicker bedding with weaved textures.
Pictured: Layered beds with cushions and pillows make it all the more cosier for a true country feel.
Centrepiece light fitting
The finishing touch for your country bedroom is a fancy ceiling light fitting. We love pendant lights, but a wooden island light fitting is also a great choice. Look for opportunities to add a wooden light fitting to keep up the rustic vibe.