Classic Country Rooms

Today's country style can be as tried-and-true or eclectic as you. Keep furniture casual to support the lived-in, cozy comfort of country. Complement the natural, warm brown tones of the style with soft yet noteworthy colors for cheerful interest. Then, accessorize to your heart's desire. A contemporary fabric pattern or a funky lamp can feel just as at home in a country space as ticking stripes and vintage collectibles.

Discover the versatile features and the many distinct looks of country style in these inspirational rooms.

Wood finishes and natural materials are telltale traits of country style. The whitewashed wood-panel walls and ceiling, paired with sisal flooring and a rattan sofa, give this room country-cottage flavor. Casual checkered curtains and a ticking-stripe rug are classic country through and through. But the fun and unexpected leopard-print ottoman keeps this country living room on its toes.

Certain architectural elements are trademark country style. A prominent stone fireplace is one. While stone (versus tile or slate) maintains the country look, there are a wide variety of stone looks to get the finish that fits your space. The natural stone design on this fireplace complements other rustic features in the dining room, such as the plank ceiling and farmhouse table with benches.

Wood shutters, the black-and-white checkered floor, and architectural features such as the detailed millwork above the doorway and along the charming built-in bench are elements indicative of country style.

A floor-to-ceiling cobblestone fireplace facade offers a timeless country look. Play up the character with a hand-scraped wood mantelpiece decorated with vintage colored-glass jars and a pressed-tin wall hanging.

No one feature screams country in this comfortable sitting room, but the culmination of a trendy interior barn door, playful twig tables and lamp, and relaxed canvas slipcovers create an updated country ambience. A mix of whites in shades from crisp to creamy turns a simple color scheme from stark to cozy.

Rustic brick floors can give even a grand new home the flavor of an aged farmhouse. Airy drapes keep the towering windows casual, and light fixtures resembling old-fashioned lanterns complement the wooden farmhouse table. To keep country style from looking cliche, inject a modern or whimsical touch, such as these fashionable acrylic chairs.

Hearkening back to early American homes, handcrafted furniture depicts country style in some of its earliest forms. Today, you can revive that character-packed tradesman quality by seeking furniture with woodworking details and distressed finishes. Architecturally, exposed beams and wood trim finished to appear raw add that early country character.

For a classic country look, ticking stripes always feel right at home, especially in the bedroom. The quiet pattern often done in muted blues, grays, or reds is a favorite in country bedding, rugs, and upholstery. Pair it with wrought iron, rattan, and dark wood or distressed furnishings to complete the look.

Blue and white is a time-honored color scheme in country decor, but it doesn’t have to make a room feel tired or stuffy. This energetic bedroom comes to life thanks to a surprise punch of lime green that playfully complements the traditional palette. Don’t be afraid to inject a favorite color -- even a modern one -- to give a country space your personal stamp.

Stenciling and other decorative paint treatments have long been favorite embellishments of country style. They add character and color to plain surfaces, such as cabinet doors and wood floors. For a less-permanent version on the floor, add a painted floor cloth.

Vintage, flea market, and repurposed furnishings naturally generate a country look thanks to their aged appearance. Fill a room with the homespun charm of all vintage furnishings or sprinkle in a few accessories that strike your fancy. Items with rural roots, such as feed sacks and rooster motifs, will also draw out a country vibe.

Old board games and vintage kitchen canisters decorating a retro-style beaded-board buffet inject country flair into a modern kitchen.

Putting collections on display -- especially collections of vintage wares and secondhand accessories -- is extremely popular in country decorating. These shelves mounted with antique metal brackets on a beaded-board wall are as much a part of the look as the pieces on display.

The country kitchen has many trademark details that help create its look. Look for base cabinetry shaped with legs that make it look like a piece of freestanding furniture. Incorporate functional space for dishes that also puts them on display, such as open shelves and plate racks. Add exposed hinges and knobs and pulls that look old-fashioned. The vintage shape of the light fixtures in this kitchen also contributes country flair.

Casual features make this country kitchen warm and inviting. Set against a backdrop of wood-plank walls and ceiling, simple shelves take the place of upper cabinets to keeps dishes handy, and an iron pot hanger makes a decoration of charming copper and cast-iron pots and skillets.

A rustic, exposed-beam ceiling turns on the country charm in this kitchen. Keep in mind that country living is relaxed, not formal, so choose furnishings that complement the lifestyle. A counter-height kitchen table outfitted with stools is the perfect way to transform this space into an eat-in kitchen. A leather bench adds an unexpected pop of color and style.

Color adds warmth and visual interest to the heart of the country home -- the kitchen -- and painted cabinets are a popular way to infuse color. Accentuate workstations, such as an island or cooktop, by painting those cabinets a contrasting color.

A favorite accent from the farmhouse is chicken wire mounted into cabinetry doors. The rustic touch adds charming interest and takes the place of more modern glass panels to put the cabinet's contents on display.