Welcome to my guide on countryside house interior design inspiration! If you’re looking for beautiful examples and ideas to design the interiors of your countryside dream home, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will take you through 10 key aspects to focus on when designing the interiors of a countryside house. For each aspect, I have included real-life examples and inspiration from beautiful English countryside houses.
Whether you’re renovating an old countryside property or building a new home, implementing these interior design ideas will help you achieve the warm, inviting, and nature-inspired style that countryside houses are renowned for.
Rustic and Natural Materials
One of the hallmarks of countryside houses is the use of natural, rustic materials that give the home a cozy and earthy feel. When designing your interiors, opt for materials like wood, stone, brick, and natural fibers.
Examples
- Exposed wooden ceiling beams
- Distressed or roughly finished wood furniture
- Stone or exposed brick walls
- Natural fiber rugs and soft furnishings
Key Takeaways
- Use reclaimed wood for flooring, paneling, and furniture
- Incorporate stone and brick architectural elements
- Choose natural fiber rugs and textiles
- Create a distressed, well-worn look through patinas
- Allow materials to age naturally over time
Warm, Earthy Color Scheme
The countryside color palette revolves around warm, earthy hues that evoke nature. Rich shades of brown, green, red, and yellow work beautifully. Accent walls in deeper woodland hues can anchor the scheme.
Examples
- Mustard, sage, and olive greens
- Burnt orange, terracotta, and brick red
- Chocolate and caramel browns
- Buttery yellows and deep blue accent walls
Key Takeaways
- Choose colors inspired by nature – earth, trees, foliage
- Incorporate wood stains and paints for warmth
- Use deeper shades on accent walls
- Accent with pops of contrasting color through accessories
- Allow plenty of natural light to enhance the scheme
Vintage and Antique Furnishings
The countryside look goes hand-in-hand with vintage, antique, and traditional furnishings that give the home a timeworn, welcoming charm.
Examples
- Distressed wood dressers, cabinets, and hutches
- Worn leather and fabric sofas and chairs
- Reclaimed wood dining tables and benches
- Cast iron and enamel cookware for the kitchen
- Collected antique accessories such as books, baskets, china
Key Takeaways
- Source second-hand and antique furniture where possible
- Look for pieces with character-worn, distressed finishes
- If buying new, opt for traditional countryside-style furniture
- Display collected antiques, china, glassware, and books
- Kitchens suit traditional cookware, such as cast iron pots
Natural Textures and Textiles
Use layers of cozy, natural fiber textures throughout the home to enhance the rustic warmth. Knitwear, wool, cotton, linen, and leather work beautifully.
Examples
- Cable knit and woven wool throws
- Sheepskin and cowhide rugs
- Linen or cotton bedding and curtains
- Leather upholstered furniture
- Woven wicker baskets for storage
Key Takeaways
- Layer natural fiber rugs – sisal, seagrass, wool
- Incorporate cozy knitted and woven blankets
- Choose linen, cotton, or wool for window treatments
- Select leather upholstery for personality and warmth
- Store items in wicker baskets instead of harsh plastic
Nature-Inspired Accessories
Bring the outdoors in through wild and natural accessories. Display collected botanicals or create mini indoor gardens.
Examples
- Gathered dried botanicals and wildflowers
- House plants and indoor potted trees
- Natural wood and woven accessories
- Animal hide poufs, rugs, and throw pillows
- Driftwood, antlers, shells, and stone decor
Key Takeaways
- Create mini indoor gardens with plants and pots
- Style shelves and tabletops with gathered botanicals
- Incorporate naturally found objects like antlers and shells
- Use animal hides and fur as accents
- Allow wood and natural materials to age gracefully
Rustic Wood Architectural Details
Wood paneling, exposed beams, wooden floors, and rustic doors lend wonderful warmth. Play with varied stained wood tones to add depth.
Examples
- Exposed wood beam ceilings
- Wood plank walls and paneled fireplaces
- Distressed and roughly stained wood floors
- Natural wood doors and architectural millwork
- Wood-framed windows and window seats
Key Takeaways
- Expose ceiling beams and incorporate wood accent walls
- Install reclaimed or roughly stained wood flooring
- Frame windows and build window seats with wood
- Carve out cozy nooks with wood-paneled walls
- Opt for simple, sturdy natural wood doors
Handcrafted and Custom Pieces
For a personal touch, include handmade, custom, or repurposed furniture. These cottage-style pieces add artisanal charm.
Examples
- Repurposed wood furniture, like an old door, reinvented as a dining table
- Handcrafted kitchen islands or built-in cabinetry
- Custom upholstered sofas and chairs made from vintage fabrics
- Salvaged materials used in creative ways, like a clawfoot tub garden
- Handmade ceramic, glass, or metal accessories
Key Takeaways
- Upcycle salvaged materials into new furniture
- Work with carpenters to create custom wood pieces
- Upholster statement chairs or sofas using vintage fabrics
- Upcycle unexpected items like windows and doors
- Display locally handcrafted ceramics, glassware, or metals
Plenty of Natural Light
Abundant windows, skylights, and glass doors connect the home to nature while allowing sunlight to flood interior rooms.
Examples
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and glazed corners
- Skylights and sun tunnels in interior rooms
- Glass garden doors leading onto terraces
- Window seats and built-in window side desks
- Transom windows and interior windowed partitions
Key Takeaways
- Install large windows and glazed corners where possible
- Incorporate skylights and sun tunnels to brighten dark rooms
- Choose glass garden doors over solid ones
- Frame windows with built-in seats or side desks
- Consider transom windows and interior window partitions
Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Flow
Erase barriers between interior and exterior by “bringing the outdoors in.” Use porches, patios, decks, and terraces to extend living areas.
Examples
- Covered porches and patios for alfresco dining
- Large retractable glass doors
- Built-in window seats and banquettes
- Matching indoor and outdoor furniture
- Exterior features like fireplaces, kitchens, living areas
Key Takeaways
- Include covered outdoor dining spaces like patios
- Install stackable glass doors to unite the interior and exterior
- Furnish window seats and banquettes with weatherproof cushions
- Choose outdoor furniture that coordinates with interior pieces
- Incorporate features like exterior fireplaces and kitchens
Traditional Countryside Style
Stay true to the traditional charm of the English countryside by including hallmarks like floral fabrics, a garden-inspired palette, and a cozy cottage layout.
Examples
- Floral chintz upholstery and soft furnishings
- Garden-inspired palette – rose, lilac, sage green
- Dark wood beams, paneling, and wood-burning fireplaces
- Cozy, compartmentalized cottage layout
- Vines, ivy, and other greenery are incorporated both inside and out
Key Takeaways
- Upholster furniture in quintessential English floral fabrics
- Paint interiors in soft garden-inspired hues like rose and sage
- Include traditional features like wood beams and cottage layout
- Incorporate vines, wreaths, garlands and abundant greenery
- Display collected botanicals and dried flower arrangements
Conclusion
I hope this guide has provided you with plenty of beautiful countryside house interior design inspiration! By focusing on these ten key aspects and including real-life examples in your own home, you’re sure to achieve the charming, welcoming, and nature-inspired interior style that countryside houses are adored for.
Some final takeaways when designing your countryside home interiors:
- Source natural, reclaimed, and vintage materials to create a well-loved look
- Craft a warm, earthy scheme using organic color palettes
- Allow the outdoors in through abundant natural light and indoor/outdoor flow
- Incorporate English countryside style with florals, greenery, and cottage elements
- Add personality with custom, handmade, and repurposed decorator touches
With this inspiration in mind, you’re ready to create a beautiful and inviting countryside retreat that both your family and friends will adore. Get ready to fall in love with your home all over again as you infuse it with rustic, nature-inspired charm and craft your very own segment of the glorious English countryside.
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