Add an air of sophistication with muted colours
From soft putty and muddy taupe to monochromatic black and white, neutral tones can be used to bring an air of quiet sophistication or a dash of modern drama to a country home. Use strategically, with plain colours as the main focus, and add bold, large-scale patterns and stripes for playfulness or formality. Neutrals can be used effectively to visually enhance rooms, allowing period features to stand out, create gentle ‘zoning’ of areas in large open-plan spaces and a sense of extra height and depth to small rooms with low ceilings.
RAW MATERIALS
Highlight the natural tones of dark wood in old exposed beams with other complementary woody tones. Showcase the architectural magnificence of the bones of a barn conversion with different wood types and furniture styles for a contemporary twist. Team kitchen units in roughly hewn timber with refectory tables, benches and stools in oak, birch or ash and classic spindle-back chairs in bold neutral painted finishes such as black or white.
Highlight quirky heritage features
PERFECT BALANCE
Use neutrals to emphasise architectural quirks in a country home and create a sense of visual structure in awkward-shaped spaces. A tiny attic bedroom with a sloping ceiling will benefit from a darker tone to show features such as an unusual-angled door frame, skirting or a peg rail, particularly when the colour is echoed in furniture and floor coverings.
A RUSTIC AESTHETIC
Use taupe tones in areas that are used often, such as a utility room or boot room, to add style and practicality. Clay paints and limewash applications are ideal for walls that have uneven surfaces.
PARED-BACK STYLE
Pure white has a clean, utilitarian feel, which means it’s a great colour for adding pared-down simplicity to a country bathroom. Source period-style sanitaryware and vintage storage pieces in all-white to add a sense of charm, and in older homes that may be prone to damp, use a special moisture-resistant paint for a practical and maintainable finish.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Embrace the intrinsic splendour in the aged patina of metals and natural materials as a starting point for a neutral-based decorating scheme. Materials such as warm-toned woven wicker and straw and cool, steely iron and zinc all age beautifully, creating a wealth of colour inspiration. Scour vintage markets and antique shops for unique pieces to add an abundance of natural character to a country home.
ALL IS CALM
Vintage furniture, lace textures and delicate patterns add a dash of relaxed elegance to a country bedroom and accentuate any existing period features. To stop the scheme feeling cold, use fresh flowers for a sense of life and fragrance. Classic country garden blooms such as lilac, peonies, roses and cow parsley will work well.