Modern Country Interiors

Pretty Rustic Hallway

A DIY display rack adds character and storage.

A rustic branch, pink wall and striped flat weave rug offer country style, while the metal bistro chair and simple Ikea shoe cabinet keep the look fresh and not overly feminine. To make this do-it-yourself branch rack, look for a thick, fairly straight fallen tree branch with a few knots in the wood for interest. Make sure a hanger will fit around it and then hang it with chain or rope on either end from eye hooks in the ceiling. 

Refined Farmhouse Style Kitchen

Lynda Reeves used industrial elements and dark-grey kitchen cabinets to update country style.

Cottage Bathroom Vanity

Simplicity and restraint are key elements of modern country decorating.

Classic country features such as granite floors, a limestone countertop and lantern sconces have a modern effect when used sparingly. Horizontal white-painted board and batten walls are another trend-setting twist on typical cottage design.

Modern Country Cottage Pantry

A stainless-steel countertop gives this country kitchen a contemporary vibe.

Vintage wood signs, exposed black iron hinges, old metal buckets as vases and a ticking-striped fabric Roman shade all read as country. Paired with white walls, a sleek countertop and drop sink with on-trend painted grey cabinets, however, the look is clean and fresh.

Lakeside Retreat Kitchen

Add sophistication to a cottage kitchen with superb finishes and detailed millwork.

Dark bamboo blinds, wood floors and stools balance the bright white Shaker style cabinets in this summer home. A Carrara marble-topped island with a second sink for food prep creates a great space for hosting parties, too. Schoolhouse pendant lights in green ceramic add to the country feeling while modern accessories prevent it from looking too fussy.

Contemporary Colonial Bedroom

Minimal furniture and a strict palette of white accents and dark wood offer a new take on a European country look.

The architecture is the focal point in this large bedroom retreat. A fireplace, white beadboard walls, paneled doors with exposed hinges and reclaimed wood ceiling beams set a country tone, while shuttered windows add an edge of colonial style. A large Empire bed gets a modern boutique hotel treatment with crisp white sheets, creating a clean, airy look.

European-Inspired Bathroom

Mix light and dark woods for a clean, contemporary twist on country style. 

Eco-Chic Dining Room

A green cottage design makes the most of surrounding nature.

White walls with large windows on both sides let in lots of sunlight and ambient heat and provide a fantastic view of the trees around the property. Country style exposed brick, stacks of logs and a simple wood table offer contrast to the polished concrete floors, Dash & Albert rug and red pendant light, which inject modern energy and colour into the space. Clear acrylic dining chairs from Ikea keep the room airy and sophisticated.

Timeless Entryway

Mix white painted paneling with a dark ceiling and trim for a fresh, nautical look in an entrance.

A brass ship's lantern and vintage cane-backed settee provide balance to the staircase's crisp palette, while a woven runner and David Hicks' graphic patterned door mat add texture and softness. The dark wood and white palette looks modern, but still nods to Colonial style.

Vintage Chic Bedroom

Mix traditional accessories with a cool grey palette for an urban country look.

A mostly black, white and grey colour scheme creates a serene retreat. Mixing in vintage country pieces such as the white chipped wood nightstand and old suitcases add warmth and character, as well as providing extra room to store bed linens.

Rustic Ensuite

An awkward nook is converted into a stylish and convenient bathroom.

This bathroom renovation features a wood-slatted farm door that slides shut to separate the ensuite from the rest of the open-concept bedroom, plus another door on the side, allowing guests to enter from the hallway. Paired with white hex tiles and a natural wood stool from Gus Design Group, the look is warm, not sterile. Radiant heating, a worthy splurge concealed under the floor tiles, is balanced by a budget vanity from Ikea. Neutral, patterned bath linens and a sheepskin rug add a rustic, Scandinavian look.

Urban Spa Bathroom Design

Create the feeling of a calm, urban ranch spa with light colored tiles and simple accessories.

The master bathroom in Vancouver architect Clinton Cuddington's completely green home features a Japanese soaker bathtub encased in off-white one inch square tile. Fritted glass provides privacy for the tub and steam shower and maintains the room's clean, simple style. Minimal, desert and country-inspired accessories like a raw wood stool and aloe plants contribute to the calm, Zen-like atmosphere.

Rustic Brunch Party

A chic white hutch with drinks and glassware allows guests to easily serve themselves.

A primarily-white palette with simple glasses and homespun baskets creates a welcoming and elegant backdrop for entertaining. Mod touches such as the sculptural pendant lamp and vintage modern chairs balance the country charm of the harvest table.