There’s something undeniably inviting and cosy about the country aesthetic. The warmth, simplicity, and timeless appeal of a country-style home can create a tranquil retreat right in the heart of urban or suburban landscapes. If you’re longing to infuse your home with a touch of rustic charm, this article is for you. We’ll explore construction-related tips and ideas to help you incorporate the country feel into your home, creating a haven that exudes comfort and natural beauty.
Exposed Wood Beams and Brick Work
Exterior finishes that showcase natural materials such as stone, wood, or brick are a great and simple way of creating a rustic country feel in your home. These materials add texture and warmth, instantly evoking a rustic feel. You could varnish existing exposed wood beams to preserve their character and charm or strip back the plaster to reveal the brick work. If you do not currently have any exposed wooden beams or brick work, why not consider an extension with one a focus wall built exclusively from reclaimed bricks?
Convert Your Roof and Windows
What says traditional farmhouse inspiration like switching to a classic gabled roof or dormer windows. The slant of the dormer windows will add a vintage air of history, tradition, charm and character to your home, giving the impression you truly have a country house.
Extend in a Country Themed Way
Similarly, you might want to consider a small extension to create a porch. Whether out of traditional brick or even a wooden structure, having a place to take off your footwear before entering the cosiness of your home will give you the feeling of country life. If you really want to embrace the aesthetic, how about a traditional siding to really capture the essence?
Peel Back the Flooring
How many times have you heard of hidden gems being hidden underneath carpets, vinyl or laminte flooring? Revealing traditional flooring in your home can be a great way to reveal hidden treasures. If you are aware of what your flooring is and it is a material such as concrete, we can help you choose a type of flooring that adds charm to your home without making your feet cold. You could opt for real wooden flooring such as oak which can then be varnished, with wide planks to make your guests wonder how old your home is, as well as lasting for potentially centuries. Alternatively, if you do prefer a warmer floor you could opt for a grainier style of vinyl which can give the appearance of a country home whilst providing underfloor heating options. You can find out more about all the types of flooring, their advantages and disadvantages here.
Opt for Earthy Colour Palettes
Nothing says country quite like earthy and muted colour tones for the exterior of your home. Warm beiges, soft greys or natural wood stain effects can blend your home into the surrounding landscape and truly embrace the country aesthetic. Alternatively earthy browns, sage green or even terracotta can give that country esque edge.
Age the Interior
If you love a touch of architecture, you might also want to consider panelled walls or wainscoting. Wainscoting can provide a lighter wall panel effect, providing both an aged decor as well as functionality in terms of storage. What we understand today as wainscoting now can also be used for half of a wall’s length, leaving paint or brickwork on top or below to create a layered effect. You could of course opt for the traditional full wall length approach.
Install a Fireplace
Similarly to brickwork, you may find that hidden underneath the plaster is a cosy fireplace! If not, you can always have one installed. Imagine the cosy glow, the warmth and snaps and pops of a fire whilst cuddling into a blanket on a cold winter’s evening whilst sitting in your rustic, charming living room.
Farmhouse Sink
Install a farmhouse-style sink with its apron-front design. This classic feature adds a touch of nostalgia and practicality to your kitchen, exuding country charm.
Butcher Block Countertops
These wooden surfaces provide functionality and a distinct country appeal. This also gives you the perfect place to prepare meals without worrying about nicking or damaging the counter when cooking.
Invest in Open Shelves
Construct open shelving using reclaimed wood or natural materials. You can typically find beautiful pieces of furniture at auction houses, charity shops or even scrap yards! Paint them a white, soft grey or beige to really blend into the walls of your home. You could even display rustic dishware, vintage accessories, and mason jars filled with dried herbs to enhance the country aesthetic.
Don’t Just Stop at the Inside of Your Home
Incorporating natural landscaping elements such as flower beds, a vegetable garden, or a herb garden can really create the air of a country home. Surround your outdoor spaces with native plants and incorporate charming pathways or stone features to enhance the country atmosphere.
Bring the Nature Inside
Of course, for a truly blended look, you could bring the greenery inside. Well placed ceramic or clay plant pots can give the air of traditional countryside gardens in your home, as well as improving your mental wellbeing. Hanging or placing dried flowers can also be a great way to add colour to your rustic interior, whilst providing a lovely aroma.
Invest in Countryside Utensils
Why not switch up your traditional pots and pans for hanging copper pots? You can place hooks into the ceiling to make the most out of your storage, whilst hearing the soft clang of the copper pots in the breeze, reminding you of your peaceful surroundings.
Make the Most Out of Your Space
Of course, we mean enjoying your countryside home, but also utilising its height or width to your advantage. For pantries and tall vertical spaces, using taller slimline furniture or dressers can be a great way to organise your foodstuffs. Alternatively, you might want to consider wider, but shorter chests of drawers and furniture pieces for low beams and dropped ceilings. This will leave plenty of room for you to decant foodstuffs into jars and show off some inspiring crockery pieces you found at the charity shops or auction house.
Contact Us
There are many, many more ideas we could inspire you with to make the most out of your countryside home, but we would not want you to be consumed by too many choices! If you are looking to renovate your country home in Keighley, Skipton, Silsden, Bingley or Ilkley we are here to help. Contact us today on 01535 653530 or use our contact form here.