How to Achieve the Contemporary Countryside Look For Your Interiors in 2022

As modern life only seems to get faster and more hectic, it comes as no surprise that many of us are seeking ways to slow things down and create interiors that reflect this. The trend towards countryside living is inherently linked with this desire for simpler times.

Over the past few years, the cottagecore trend and other rural sensibilities have become increasingly popular, as people breathe new life into their interiors by turning to traditional design features and expressing a passion for the countryside.

As the trend evolves, we’re seeing how contemporary styles are being combined with a traditional look to create stylish countryside inspired spaces that cater to modern living. How can you achieve the contemporary countryside look for your home?

Bring Plants into Your Modern Country Home

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to reflect a love of country living in your space is by bringing the outside in.

Houseplants make wonderful decor and effortlessly breathe new life and colour into your interiors. As the natural world is so varied, there are countless ways for you to incorporate plants; no matter if you only have space for a couple of small pots or want to utilise hanging plants, you’re sure to find some greenery to suit your space.

You can also incorporate plants into your interiors through artwork and different nature-inspired patterns or scenes of the countryside.

Use Natural Materials

Another excellent way to evoke ideas of the country is through the use of numerous natural materials. This will often mean using wooden furniture and highlighting wood elements like exposed beams or wood flooring.

Handcrafted metal lights combine wonderfully with warm woods, providing a striking highlight to complement your space. Industrial ceiling lights blend seamlessly with rural cottage styles while still offering a modern twist, making them perfect for a contemporary countryside design.

Combine Old & New

This look is all about appreciating traditional comforts through a modern lens, and getting a good balance of vintage and contemporary elements is a great way to embody this idea.

For a more updated version of the traditional farmhouse look, combine a few vintage pieces – like an authentic farmhouse table or vintage armoire – with on-trend colours or modern silhouettes to achieve a space that exudes comfort and personality.

Incorporating secondhand or upcycled furniture helps you embrace this idea and will also contribute to a more sustainable, timeless design. The contemporary countryside aesthetic is all about turning to traditional styles without being overwrought or kitschy.

Embrace Pale, Neutral Colours for a Farmhouse Colour Palette

While country-inspired interiors of the past have made use of darker woods, the modern take heavily favours a lighter, airier colour scheme.

This means opting for neutral colour palettes of white, beige and grey as your base, then incorporating pale pastels or other neutrals to add colour to the space while still keeping it bright and whimsical.

Subdued, earthy shades like sage or terracotta work wonderfully as accent colours as they’ll enhance this feeling of returning to nature and will imbue your space with a quiet comfort.

Incorporate Different Textures & Layers

A variety of textures introduces a sense of depth to your space, providing areas of visual interest that work with your colour scheme. Calming interior design ideas can be used to prioritise cosiness, comfort and tranquillity within you space.

Combining different textures through rugs, blankets, cushions, or even textured walls is a great way to make your space feel richer and more luxurious while still keeping that minimalist, uncluttered feel that countryside trends require.

Opting for layers of natural materials like linen, hessian and wool is another good way to incorporate natural shades and embrace the ethos behind the country living trend.

Rustic Yet Modern Kitchens

Farmhouse kitchens are a core element of the countryside look, with images of expansive kitchens with islands, wooden beams and rustic touches often being conjured up when thinking of the trend.

Contemporary kitchens still need to be highly functional while reflecting this countryside-inspired style. This means ensuring there is plenty of storage and getting creative with hanging pots and pans instead of choosing superfluous decor.

Lighting also plays an important role; you’ll need task lighting that illuminates your space while also complementing your overall countryside design. Modern kitchen lighting that combines vintage and modern sensibilities is the ideal choice for achieving this rustic look with a clear modern influence.

An Industrial Twist

Countryside and industrial interior design are perfectly aligned in their preference for natural materials, so they will naturally have some crossover.

Embracing an edgier industrial vibe can give your interiors a less old-fashioned country look. The use of reclaimed materials, exposed elements like brick walls or beams and darker metals are all classic industrial elements but will work brilliantly in rustic, countryside-inspired spaces too.

Incorporating a couple of these things means you can give a nod to the contemporary industrial trend while retaining an airiness and appreciation of nature that is inherent to country living.

Ultimately, embracing a passion for the countryside in your interiors comes down to finding the best ways to incorporate the natural world into your space. A contemporary countryside look is all about creating a more refined version of traditional farmhouses of the past, whether you live in an urban area or out in the wilderness!

Lighting is often the final touch you need to tie your look together, and this is no different for countryside-inspired looks. The Industville range is home to a range of versatile industrial lights, perfect for modern or vintage interiors – browse the collection now to find a light to suit your space.

Header image credit: @woolhousedesigns