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Country Style Soothes the Soul
Take cues from country living for a design style that feels as easy, free and open as a Midwestern plain
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
One of the classic signs that your country style has been done right is the feeling that it allows your soul to breathe. Wide-open spaces, cozy nooks with outdoor views and crisp colors combine for a feeling of being down home in the country.
The problem with true country living is that land is expensive, those views are expensive, homes can be expensive to keep up, and money isn't growing on magnolia trees. Lucky for us, we can capture a bit of country flavor without buying a full-scale estate. From ski country to the riverside and everything in between, these homes will inspire your own.
The problem with true country living is that land is expensive, those views are expensive, homes can be expensive to keep up, and money isn't growing on magnolia trees. Lucky for us, we can capture a bit of country flavor without buying a full-scale estate. From ski country to the riverside and everything in between, these homes will inspire your own.
| Country Luxury: Land When we were searching for a home, we had a hard time finding the right one within our modest budget (sound familiar?). We would go to house after house, and nothing seemed right. Then one afternoon, we randomly stopped by a vacant house for sale and decided to take a look without our Realtor. The house was nice and we kind of liked it, but the true defining moment was when I walked around the back corner. I saw a lawn, gardens and woods — similiar to this photo — and immediately took a deep breath of contentment. |
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Connect with the land. Add large windows wherever you can to get a glimpse of blue sky and green open spaces. If you live in a small urban house, look up: Skylights are the perfect windows to the open expanse above.
by robert kelly
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Country Classic: Beams
If you want your home to shout country, try exposing existing beams and leaving them naturally finished for a classic look.
If you want your home to shout country, try exposing existing beams and leaving them naturally finished for a classic look.
Even one solid beam can take a space from the suburbs to the country.
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| Create the feel of beams. If you don't have attractive beams to expose, try adding trusses for country style. If you rent, incorporate unfinished wood tones through furnishings and accessories. |
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| Country Classic: White White is a classic country base that gives your eyes and mind a rest. Keep your space from becoming too bland by injecting life through furnishings and art. |
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Work whites in. You don't have to have a country estate to bring that fresh feel to your home. Tiny kitchens and living areas will burst with light when given a fresh coat of country white paint.
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Accessorize your white kitchen with shots of vintage red decor for a classic take on clean country style.
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Country Classic: Wood Flooring
If you are updating your flooring, go for hardwoods or even tile, but skip the wall-to-wall carpeting. Although it feels wonderful on your toes, it doesn't evoke the same country style as rustic wood or tile.
If you are updating your flooring, go for hardwoods or even tile, but skip the wall-to-wall carpeting. Although it feels wonderful on your toes, it doesn't evoke the same country style as rustic wood or tile.
by Jeanette Lunde
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If you have ancient wood floors that can't be refinished, try pairing two country classics and paint the old floor a crisp white.
Get the feel of wood for less. If you are trying to save your pennies, there are now laminate versions of wood flooring that have a rougher matte finish. You no longer have to settle for slippery laminate when you want a country look at a lower price.
Get the feel of wood for less. If you are trying to save your pennies, there are now laminate versions of wood flooring that have a rougher matte finish. You no longer have to settle for slippery laminate when you want a country look at a lower price.
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Country Luxury: Indoor/Outdoor Living
You can have a country life and style without succumbing to chicken cabinet pulls and rooster cookie jars. The essence of country living is all about the indoor-outdoor way of life. Farmers live off the land, and the land flourishes under their care. Pay homage to that way of life by experiencing nature fully.
You can have a country life and style without succumbing to chicken cabinet pulls and rooster cookie jars. The essence of country living is all about the indoor-outdoor way of life. Farmers live off the land, and the land flourishes under their care. Pay homage to that way of life by experiencing nature fully.
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Combine outdoor living with a modern space. Fling open those French doors, slide wide the partitions and unshutter the shutters. You don't even have to have a patio to get an outdoor feel indoors — open your apartment's windows and drink in the sunshine.
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Country Luxury: Neighborly Front Porches
Country folks have always been good at soaking in summer breezes on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea by their sides.
Country folks have always been good at soaking in summer breezes on the front porch with a glass of sweet tea by their sides.
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| Create neighborly connections for your space. You might not be able to add a porch, but you can bring the outdoors in to create relationships with neighbors. Keep your windows wide open, and make it a priority to meet the lady in the flat next door or the family in the house down the street. Have them over for a glass of something cold and some good conversation. |
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No matter where you live, it is always possible to add a little bit of country. Bring the outdoors in, open up views and choose materials that reflect the country classic lifestyle. Don't be afraid to mix country with modern spaces and enjoy its laid-back ease.
More:
Get the Look: Sophisticated Country Style
Country Modern: A Balancing Act
Home Design: Contemporary Country Living
More:
Get the Look: Sophisticated Country Style
Country Modern: A Balancing Act
Home Design: Contemporary Country Living
Ideabook published on July 26, 2012.
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My sister is to your thinking.
Photo 12 is definitely me but I do like photo 5 of the bedroom, it's contemporary country.