Modern Country Decorating Ideas

The Perfect Blend: How to Achieve a Modern Country Look in Your Home

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on September 12, 2023 | 

Modern Country Decorating Ideas: Step into a world where rustic charm meets contemporary style as we delve into the art of creating a modern country look in your home. From warm and inviting color palettes to curated furniture choices, this article will guide you through the process of blending the best of both worlds.

This article will explore key design elements such as incorporating natural textures, selecting the right furnishings, and creating a cohesive color scheme. Learn to infuse your country living room, bedroom, and dining rooms with character and charm while maintaining a contemporary edge.

So, whether you’re aiming to revamp your entire home or add a touch of country elegance to your kitchen, our expert tips and tricks will help you achieve the modern country look you’ve always desired. Get inspired and make your house feel like a sanctuary with our guide to creating the perfect blend.

Country Living Room Ideas
Country Living Room Ideas

Modern Country Decorating Ideas | Leanne Ford’s Cozy Cottage in Pittsburg
Images courtesy of Leanne Ford Design

Understanding The Modern Country Style

The modern country style is a beautiful fusion of rustic and contemporary elements, bringing warmth and character to any home. It combines the simplicity and charm of country living with the clean lines and sophistication of modern design. It’s important to balance these two aesthetics to create a home infused with modern country charm.

When it comes to modern country interiors, think of a cozy, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish space. It’s about creating a harmonious blend of old and new, where vintage pieces coexist with sleek and modern furnishings. The contemporary country style celebrates the beauty of imperfections, showcasing natural materials and textures while incorporating contemporary design elements.

Consider elements such as exposed wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and reclaimed wood floors to create a modern country look. These features add a touch of rustic charm and provide a solid foundation for the overall design. Pair them with clean lines, minimalistic furniture, and modern finishes to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Modern Country Decorating Ideas

Modern Country Decorating Ideas | Leanne Ford’s Cozy Cottage in Pittsburg

The three images above are of Leanne’s cottage in Pittsburgh. Leanne took her iconic white-on-white color palette and introduced delightful layers of texture that make you want to reach out and touch the many surfaces yourself.

The walls are coffee-stained with the leftover brew that she rubbed on the walls. She explains the outcome in the finished story: “When I came back the next day, it had set in rather, um, intensely, and I sat there thinking, Did I just ruin this project? But it actually came out beautifully. The glow that comes off of them is flattering.” 

Leanne Ford Modern Contemporary Country Design

Leanne Ford is an American interior designer and TV personality known for her unique and modern approach to country-inspired design. Her work is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic emphasizing natural materials, neutral colors, and the beauty of imperfection.

Ford is also known for using vintage and unconventional elements to create spaces that feel warm, inviting, and full of character. She has appeared on several TV shows, including “Restored by the Fords” and “Rock the Block,” and has collaborated with brands such as Target and, Crate and Barrel to bring her design vision to a broader audience.

Ford’s confidence in design is what draws all of us in. Her work is instantly recognizable thanks to her signature stamp that fuses texture, nature, art, and white on white with a lot of soul. In an interview with HGTV in January 2019, Leanne described her aesthetic as “warm, easy, and minimalistic.” Natural-looking materials are her go-to look. One of the coolest things about Leanne’s aesthetic — and there’s a lot to choose from — is her out-of-the-box approach to design. 

Together, she and Steve Ford restore older homes in the Pittsburgh area. She’s known for creating unique interiors — her style is often described as “modern yet lived-in” — while Steve, a licensed contractor, helps bring his sister’s design visions to fruition. This post highlights a variety of images of projects she has completed and an introduction to her collection for Crate and Barrel that articulates a modern transition to country life.

Leanne Ford Interior Design

Aya Dining Table
Image courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Constructed from solid pine wire-brushed for a weathered look, this modern take on the farmhouse table will develop its own patina over time. It embraces Ford’s perfectly imperfect sense of style.

Leanne Ford Interior Design

Rustic Kitchen by Leanne Ford
Image courtesy of Leanne Ford Design

This stunning rustic kitchen has open wood shelving, slate floors, black hardware, and warm natural wood accents.

Modern Country Decorating Ideas | Key Elements 

Focusing on key elements defining the style is essential to achieve the perfect modern country look. These elements will help you create a cohesive, visually pleasing space reflecting modern sophistication and country charm.

1. Choosing the Right Color Palette for a Modern Country Home

A modern country home should embrace a warm and inviting palette when it comes to color. Think earthy tones, soft neutrals, and muted hues that create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Colors such as warm greys, soft browns, and creamy whites establish a modern country vibe well.

Incorporating pops of color through accent pieces, such as throw pillows or artwork, can add visual interest and personality to your space. Consider using shades of blue, green, or mustard yellow to infuse your home with a modern twist.

Modern Country Home Ideas
Modern Country Home Ideas

2. Furniture and Decor for a Modern Country Aesthetic

Choosing the right furniture and decor is crucial in achieving a modern country aesthetic. Opt for pieces that combine comfort, functionality, and style. Look for clean lines, sleek designs, and materials that showcase natural textures.

For seating options, consider upholstered furniture in linen or cotton fabrics for a cozy and inviting feel. Pair it with vintage and modern pieces to create an eclectic look that exudes personality. Incorporate distressed wood, wrought iron, and natural materials like rattan or jute to add texture and warmth to your space. 

When it comes to decor, embrace simplicity and a less-is-more approach. Display a few statement pieces that capture the essence of the modern country style. Vintage artwork, antique mirrors, and carefully curated collections can add character and charm to your home. Incorporate rustic accents like reclaimed wood shelves and cozy textiles like chunky knit blankets and faux fur throws.

These details will add warmth and character to your space while maintaining a modern feel. Remember, the key to achieving a modern country look is finding the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. By carefully selecting furniture and decor that combines both elements, you can create a space that feels effortlessly elegant and inviting.

Country Kitchen Ideas

A White Kitchen Remodel in Pennsylvania with an Aegean Feel

Leanne Ford designed a white kitchen that makes the palette feel fresh again. Her secret? It’s all about the finishing touches. “The salvaged wood shelving, the faux shutters by the kitchen sink, the basket lights—those details warm everything up.”

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Country Dining Room Ideas

White-Washed Dining Room with Warm Wood Accents

Leanne Ford plays with texture and contrast—and embraces an all-white palette—in her newly renovated home. This white-on-white adds an airy feel while also creating a dramatic effect. “White is the silence between the chords, the pause in the poem,” she explains. “It can be taken in any direction.” The color acts as a calming unifier in the eclectic space. It’s also the perfect canvas for showcasing all her work’s organic and textural elements. She also rarely uses window treatments as she prefers to not cover up natural light and views.  Another tip: having texture on the ceiling. “It’s a forgotten space but just as important as the walls.”

Country Bedroom Ideas