A Little Bit Country
Adopt the quaint and casual influences of country decor without sacrificing contemporary class by keeping things clutter-free, bold and simple
By Lynda Sea
Photography By Ken Taylor, VR Photos
Although French country is perhaps the most common variation seen in Calgary, there are many other dimensions to country-style decor. No matter what its incarnation, though, this look is all about personality, getting back to nature and bringing the charm of handcrafted articles to your living space.
But, if overdone, it can leave your home looking more bumpkin and less beautiful.
To avoid the fusty farm feel — complete with a menagerie of chickens and roosters — take country uptown and bring elements of refined sophistication with modern furnishings and simple lines. Whether you end up going cottage chic, English country or rustic, here are some tips and ideas from local experts to get you to the country without having your home look like a heritage theme park.
Anna Dall’Acqua, co-owner, Sweetapple & Company
“What is country? It’s everything that’s not city. It’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The overall effect ends up being softer than anyother style, I find. It’s more personal. Country-style dining tables like harvest tables and chairs will work with almost any interior because there are many different finishes available. Decorating for seasons is absolutely fabulous for country, too. Putting stuff away allows you to enjoy all your things, but not all at once.”
Mike Andrew, owner, Country Furniture
“It’s a look that has been around for so long and it has a real nice feel because it’s got character. Modern country has shifted since the ’90s where a lot of straight golden pine wood and turned legs on tables are now tapered legs, slightly distressed and hand-planed table tops. Years ago, country applied to the whole house, but now you’re finding it contained and combined with modern a bit more.”
Kim Chapman & Mindi Oaten, interior designers, Westview Builders
“People are scared when they hear the word country. They think it means pine, little prints, florals and paisley, but really, there are different ways to achieve country. You don’t want your home to feel too sterile and [country] is more realistic, especially for families. It’s about bringing nature and warmth indoors so it’s not all hard surfaces. Take older pieces of furniture handed down and refinish them.”
Theresa Gilker, interior designer and general manager, Country Living Furnishings
“The fun thing about doing the country look is that stuff can come from anywhere — antique shops, garage sales and second-hand stores. Refinish pieces, buy new and build on the look. Country used to be synonymous with clutter and collections but now you just do a third of what you did 10 years ago.”
Michelle Edwards, co-owner, Cushy Life
“You can mix large-scale floral fabrics, different stripes and other patterns in a country look. Global textiles are really popular and silhouetted botanicals or linens imprinted with nature motifs bring contemporary and trendy into the country setting. Incorporate them into cushions on your bed or chairs in your bedroom, but keep the bedding a nice, crisp white. This is a bolder look as opposed to traditional small-printed florals.”
Candace Roppel, interior designer, Modern Country Interiors
“Part of the country element is being a little more eclectic, adding a variety of textures and different coloured pieces. All the woods and finishes don’t have to match. It’s gone away from strictly espresso; furniture and case goods are still in dark stains which keep it contemporary, but you can see the grain now. At the dining table, mix the dining chairs in leather and wood or add a bench.”
Melody Scroggins, design consultant, Banbury Lane Design Centre
“We don’t hear ‘country’ as much as we do ‘rustic’ these days. This is hardware that’s made from handmade metals like wrought steel and hand-cast bronze where you can see all the imperfections. We see country done in a lot of vacation homes — in the city, it’s more so the den, office or the kid’s room. It’s more a hint of country rather than in your face.”
