KEEP IT ON THE COUNTRY SIDE
Farmhouse style comes into its own as the evenings draw in
Look, that was a really soggy summer and winter is clearly on the way. We’re looking for any bright side we can find, and yet in the case of autumn’s arrival, it might be a cosy side we find instead — in the form of comforting country style.
Country farmhouse style, with rough hewn wood and natural fibres, doesn’t make the front cover of most interiors magazines. But it is classic and timeless, and endlessly welcoming.
Country style makes a great choice for an interiors style that won’t age any time soon, but it really shines in early autumn, when all we want is a cosy fire, a hot meal and an overstuffed white sofa. Having grown up in a 200year-old New England farmhouse, I have a particular soft spot for both the interiors style and its perfection throughout autumn.
And not being able to return there because of the pandemic, means I’ll revisit it with these inspiration images.
The key to achieving perfection when it comes to the country interiors style is in the furniture and the colour palette. Start with white, and don’t veer too far from there.
No stark contrasts, but dark colours can be introduced so long as they fit the second rule of country style, which is heavy wooden furniture.
Where possible, avoid furniture that looks intentionally distressed, lest you lean too far into the shabby chic lane.
Instead, keep an eye out for tables, bookshelves or dressers with sturdy wooden bases or raw wooden tops. Open shelves for displaying crockery? That’ll get you bonus points.