Choosing Furniture for a Warm, Country-Style Home
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in country-style and rustic aesthetics for interior design. According to Architectural Digest (AD), Americans living in urban areas are particularly fond of countryside-inspired interiors. In a 2024 trend report, AD noted that the term "cottagecore" was the most-searched interior design trend online in major cities, including Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto in California. This trend reflects a desire for homes that evoke warmth, comfort, and nostalgia, which could be why city dwellers with fast-paced urban lifestyles are drawn to it.
So, if you're among the thousands of homeowners interested in the timeless charm of country-style decor, you've come to the right place. Here are some simple tips on how to choose furniture and home accessories for a warm, cottage-core-inspired space:
Incorporate Natural Elements
When furnishing a country-style home, opt for furniture made from natural materials such as wood, rattan, and wicker. These organic elements are a surefire way to add warmth and texture to your space while complementing the rustic aesthetic. Look for pieces with distressed finishes or reclaimed wood for an authentic, lived-in feel. Adding plants and greenery can make your home more inviting and produce health benefits, like reducing stress and anxiety, sharpening attention, boosting productivity, and more. For this, you can start with low-maintenance snake plants, jade plants, or peperomia plants.
Take Advantage of Online Furniture Catalogs
Let's face it – shopping for furniture can be overwhelming, especially when trying to achieve a specific theme like country style. You set aside time to hunt for items that align with your vision, drive to showrooms, and ensure they fit in your home. Fortunately, top furniture retailers now offer convenient online home furniture catalogs that allow you to browse for furniture according to style, material, and color, making furniture shopping a breeze. Let's say you're looking to buy a lift top coffee table with storage; you might miss the rustic Jaxon piece with the lift-top storage if you don't extend your search online. The secret is to use filters to narrow down your choices. Whether you're searching for a farmhouse dining table or a cozy sectional, online catalogs make the design process easier and more accessible.
Contrast Warm Tones with Livelier Hues
Shades of brown, beige, cream, and taupe create a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. However, don't be afraid to bring in livelier colors. After all, shades of blue and green can also be found in nature and make the perfect contrast in a countryside-inspired space. Keep this tip in mind when hunting for accent pieces like ottomans, benches, and console tables, as well as smaller items like lamps and wall art. Without accent furniture, a room risks looking plain and boring.
Add Cozy Textiles
Soften the look of your country-style home with cozy textiles such as soft velvet, warm wool, and breezy linen. This is key when turning your house into a home because it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. These soft and tactile elements also add visual interest so that your space doesn't look flat. For example, if you have a wooden coffee table in your living room and it doesn't look quite right, try adding an area rug from Safavieh with subtle patterns or earthy hues that complement your existing decor. Finally, tie the room together by layering blankets and pillows on your sofa.
Ultimately, choosing furniture for a warm, country-style home is all about embracing natural materials, cozy textiles, and earthy hues. With this guide, you can create a welcoming space that reflects your personal style and celebrates the beauty of country living.
