Greener pastures
Melissa Penfold takes the country road to a chic rural bolthole.
IF YOU WANT a rural Australian country house that is warm and modern but also has a timeless classic quality, here is a quick lesson. Whatever your taste, the beauty of a country house is that the edges are softened by comfort and don’t need to be perfect. The secret? Go for large well-proportioned rooms in which to get together, simple joinery, and a soft, quiet palette. BE INSPIRED Make the most of the vistas you see and the connection to nature and greenery. Position new windows to consider the outlook. Bounce daylight and views around by hanging mirrors next to windows. REFLECT THE LANDSCAPE Integrate your home into its surrounds using materials such as stone and exterior paint colours that tie in with the location.
COMFORT IS KEY Opt for sink-into furniture, chestnut woods, warm colours and shelves packed with books. Give new life to passed-down family pieces by mixing with crafted items and objets d’art from local artisans. THE HUB The kitchen should be a welcoming space where friends and family congregate. A traditional range, timber or marble surfaces, and soft tones on the joinery work best for this look. Opt for walls in an off-white such as Dulux ‘Lexicon’, while gorgeous blues, muted greens and soft greys all look great. DINING TABLE A pivotal piece at which to gather, linger over leisurely meals and celebrate the ritual of eating.
OFF GRID HUES Palettes of organic, muted colours have a nourishing effect such as blues, pinks, terracotta and deep greens or shades inspired by spices and herbs. OPT FOR NATURAL Nothing should look polished and shiny, so pick natural fabrics, authentic old furniture over reproductions, a cane laundry basket over a plastic one. Not everyone can afford antiques but cheap copies look second-rate, even to an untrained eye. RUSTIC SEATING Timber benches are a great alternative to chairs as you can t more people on them on a long rectangular table. A built-in banquette with storage in comfortable upholstery offers the best of both worlds. SPACE FOR ALL Big tranquil spaces are what country houses are about, especially living rooms and bedrooms as these are the places that we relax most in.
FLOOR BASICS Get the basics right and all will come together. Try a mix of hard oors such as timber or stone, from wide oak boards to stone pavers paired with wool, sisal or cowskin, or faded oriental rugs. MUDROOM ESSENTIALS Stow outdoor gear in a chic area designed to instill a feeling of beauty and health before transitioning indoors. Or, simply set up a row of hooks near the entry with a sink for washing hands. LIGHT UP As well as crackling ames, replaces and wood stoves do more than provide heat on a cold day, they anchor a gathering place for family and friends.
Fairway Estate by Studio George, see p118. $1759, cultdesign.com.au ‘Camail’ reversible $2335, hermes.com ‘Hippomobile’ by Gianpaolo Pagni, $540/set of two, hermes.com ‘Hippomobile’ by Gianpaolo Pagni, $1120, hermes.com Melissa Penfold’s country home. Blanche Rose Laurent Collection from $20, blancherose.com Gubi ‘Stay’ $5869, ingoodcompany.com.au ‘Vesta’ marble $2900, gregnatale.com Normann Copenhagen ‘Papa’ $314, amara.com LM Home ‘Zeus’
$143, lmhome.com.au Melissa Penfold’s country home with French rush-seated walnut POA, lawsons.com.au
Gubi ‘Adnet’