Leslie Massey
Contemporary country style in Australia is a fusion of country and contemporary/modern interiors. It is a modern take on the country styling that was popular in the 1990s, which was characterised by chunky pine furniture, floral fabrics, and rich colours. Today, contemporary country style blends rustic charm with modern design, mixing contemporary finishes and architecture with rustic and natural elements. This style often features a neutral colour palette of white, cream, grey, and soft shades of blue and green, with unique, character-filled pieces and natural materials such as timber and stone. Contemporary country homes often feature open-plan living spaces, large windows, and outdoor entertaining areas to take advantage of the rural surroundings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour palette | Monochrome shades of white, cream and grey, with pops of colour from accessories. Soft shades like washed sage, mint, dusty blues, deep red and butter yellow are also used. |
| Materials | Natural and neutral materials such as timber, stone, marble, limestone, linen, cotton, leather, velvet, metal and wool. |
| Patterns | Stripes, checks, spots, and florals. |
| Furniture | Simple, rustic pieces with character, such as shaker-style or farmhouse furniture. Tables and chairs are often made from timber with a natural finish. Sofas with rolled or square arms and tufted styles are also common. |
| Accessories | Rugs, lamps, vases, cushions, and artwork in complementary colours. |
| Kitchen | Open shelves with functional items on display, under-bench storage for pots and pans, and freestanding appliances. Colonial square or shaker-style cabinet doors with modern finishes like engineered stone benchtops and marble splashbacks. |
| Windows and doors | Large windows and doors that open up to verandahs and outdoor decks, capturing views and letting in natural light and breeze. Plantation shutters are also used. |
| Flooring | Hand-scraped timber floors or tiles with a vintage silk rug. |
| Architecture | A fusion of country and contemporary styles, with clean lines and modern functionalities like open-plan living. |
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What You'll Learn
The fusion of country and contemporary
Contemporary country style in Australia is a fusion of country and contemporary design. It is a modern take on the traditional country style, which was popular in the nineties and was characterised by chunky-pine furniture, floral fabrics, and rich colours. Today, the contemporary country style blends rustic charm with modern design, creating a warm and inviting space.
One of the key elements of contemporary country style is the use of natural and neutral materials and colours. This includes timber, natural stone, and soft shades of white, cream, and grey. The colour palette is often monochromatic, with accessories and textures adding interest to the space. Contemporary country style may also incorporate industrial, geometric, and metallic elements, as well as Hampton styles, to create a more modern vibe.
In the kitchen, the contemporary country style takes on a more refined approach compared to the traditional country kitchen. While country kitchens typically have appliances and functional items on display, the contemporary country kitchen combines these functional elements with elegant finishes. This may include open shelves with ceramic pieces on display, paired with modern finishes like engineered stone benchtops and statement marble splashbacks.
Furniture in a contemporary country home often has a rustic or vintage feel, with simple shaker-style or farmhouse pieces. These may be antique or picked up from op shops, adding a sense of history and character to the space. Incorporating worn leather armchairs, armoires, and milking stools can also give the space a rustic yet elegant feel.
Contemporary country style also focuses on creating a sense of retreat and sanctuary, with open-plan living spaces that blend the rural lifestyle with modern functionalities. Large windows and doors that open up to verandahs and outdoor decks bring the outdoors in, creating a connection with nature. This style plays with the emotions, offering a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Warm and inviting spaces
Contemporary country style in Australia is a fusion of country and contemporary/modern interiors. It blends rustic charm with modern design, mixing contemporary finishes with rustic elements. The style is classic, but with clean lines and a more modern vibe than a simple barnyard or exclusively country style.
When it comes to creating warm and inviting spaces in a contemporary country style, there are several key elements to consider:
Colour Palette
A monochrome colour palette of white, cream, and grey works well in a modern country style home. Soft shades like washed sage, mint, or dusty blues are also popular, while hints of deep red or butter yellow can add a subtle pop of colour. Avoid bold colours and look for a neutral backdrop with whites and creams to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Materials and Textures
Mixing natural materials and neutral tones is essential in contemporary country style. Timber, stone, and natural fibres such as linen and cotton are commonly used. Look for flawed and unique timber with plenty of characters, often oak, with a matte or waxed finish. Metals such as nickel, pewter, antique gold, bronze, copper, and iron in natural-looking finishes can add interest and texture. Soft and inviting textures like velvet, linen, and aged leather can make a space feel warm and welcoming.
Furniture and Accessories
Incorporate antique or vintage pieces to give a space soul and a sense of history. Look for rustic console tables, sweet side tables with turned legs, and dining tables with characterful tops. Simple shaker-style or farmhouse pieces, as well as worn leather armchairs and milking stools, can add to the rustic charm. Avoid chrome, acrylics, and bright colours. Mix old and new pieces to create a unique and inviting space.
Lighting and Windows
Soft and simple window coverings, such as plantation shutters or drapes in textural linen or cotton, can add to the organic and inviting feel of the space. Natural light is important, so consider big windows that open up to sweeping verandahs and outdoor decks, bringing the outdoors in and creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Kitchen and Living Spaces
In the kitchen, a mix of old and new is key. Open shelves with functional ceramic pieces on display and under-bench storage with pots and pans within easy reach create a warm and inviting feel. Country-style homes often encourage a focus on living well and enjoying wholesome food, so consider a veggie patch and a well-stocked larder or walk-in pantry with modern appliances. In living spaces, big open-plan areas where the family can come together create a sense of retreat and warmth.
By incorporating these elements, you can create warm and inviting spaces that blend the best of country and contemporary styles, making your home a welcoming and comfortable retreat.
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Natural materials and neutral tones
Contemporary country style in Australia is a fusion of country and contemporary or modern interiors. It is a blend of rustic charm with contemporary design, mixing contemporary finishes with rustic elements. It is less "fussy" than traditional country style, eliminating elements that now appear kitsch, such as roosters, gingham, and distressed paint finishes. Instead, it focuses on natural materials and neutral tones.
Natural materials are key to achieving this style. Timber is a popular choice, with flawed and unique pieces of characterful oak in matt or waxed finishes. Metal accents in nickel, pewter, antique gold, bronze, copper, and iron with natural-looking finishes are also used. Stone is another important element, with marble and limestone featuring heavily in contemporary country kitchens and bathrooms.
In terms of colour, contemporary country style favours a neutral backdrop, with whites and creams creating a clean and crisp canvas. Soft shades like washed sage, mint, or dusty blues can be added for a subtle pop of colour, while hints of deep red or butter yellow can also be incorporated. Black and white checked tiles are also a token characteristic of this style.
Furnishings in a contemporary country home often feature aged or buttery leather, linen, and cotton, with velvet adding a touch of luxury. Tables are typically made from timber with a natural finish, while dining chairs can be fully or partially upholstered or made from timber. Sofas with rolled or square arms and tufted styles like Chesterfields are popular, often upholstered in plain linen-look fabric. Rugs with faded patterns or a watercolour look add colour and texture, and window coverings are soft and simple, with plantation shutters or textural linen or cotton drapes.
In the kitchen, contemporary country style takes a more refined approach than traditional designs. While country kitchens often have a lot of items on display, the contemporary country kitchen aims for a more streamlined look. Open shelves showcase functional ceramic pieces, and appliances are often freestanding and on show, such as a large oven with a feature rangehood. Cabinet doors can be colonial square or shaker-style, combined with modern finishes like engineered stone benchtops and statement marble splashbacks.
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Antique and vintage pieces
Contemporary country style in Australia often involves mixing contemporary and rustic elements, including antique and vintage pieces. This can mean incorporating inherited or salvaged timber pieces with a history, or a mix of old and new items, rather than matching sets. Antique and vintage items can be sourced from local thrift stores, auctions, or garage sales. For example, an antique chandelier above an old carpenter's bench can add a rustic touch to a modern farmhouse kitchen. Timber flooring is also a characteristic feature of the country style, adding warmth and texture.
In the past, Australian country style was characterised by chunky-pine furniture, floral fabrics, and rich colours like sunflower yellow, forest green, and deep burgundy. Today, this style has evolved to include more eclectic elements, combining contemporary architecture or furniture with earthy materials like timber and natural stone.
Vintage and antique items can be a unique way to add character and a sense of history to a modern interior. Early Australian vintage items, such as antique bottles, ink pots, and other unique pieces, can be collected and displayed as accent items or as part of a larger collection.
When it comes to the exterior of the home, the gardens and fences of vintage Australian homes often featured native Australian plants and statement trees, such as palms. The architectural style of older homes, such as the Queen Anne style, featured unique elements like asymmetrical floor plans, inglenook fireplaces, picture rails, and decorative walls with paint, wallpaper, metal, or timber. These vintage and antique elements can be incorporated into modern country-style homes to add character and a sense of history.
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Modernising the country kitchen
Contemporary country style in Australia blends rustic charm with modern design. This style is about mixing contemporary finishes with rustic elements, creating a homely yet stylish space. Here are some tips for modernising a country kitchen while retaining its comforting and inviting atmosphere:
Colour and Texture
When it comes to colour, a monochrome palette of white, cream, and grey works well in a modern country-style kitchen. However, you can also introduce pops of colour to make the space more modern. For instance, in recent years, shades of green, such as sage green, have become popular choices for kitchens. You can also incorporate bright, cheerful colours, which are a delight of country kitchens, but be sure to use them as accents in your overall colour palette to keep it modern.
Textures are essential in a contemporary country kitchen. Combine rustic finishes with clean, crisp details. For example, you can pair rough, rustic timber with elegant marble and fresh white walls. Soft, buttery leathers, characterful dining tabletops, and hand-scraped timber floors add a unique, lived-in charm.
Patterns
Patterns are a key feature of country-style kitchens, often featuring multiple prints and patterns casually thrown together. To modernise this look, explore patterns beyond delicate flowers. Showcase images of nature, such as trees, leaves, birds, or farmhouse animals. Pair these patterns with stripes or other geometric shapes for a more modern twist. Wallpaper is also making a comeback in kitchen spaces, offering another avenue to explore patterns.
Storage and Display
Country kitchens often showcase beloved objects and tableware on open shelves, a charming contrast to the minimalist, clutter-free approach of modern kitchens. To modernise your country kitchen, be selective about what you display. You can also incorporate a pantry, either as a dedicated closet or a designated corner of your kitchen, to free up space for displaying your country-inspired furnishings and décor.
Furniture and Appliances
Incorporate antique pieces to give your kitchen a sense of soul. Look for rustic console tables, sweet side tables with turned legs, and dining tables that bear the marks of many dinners. Simple shaker-style or farmhouse pieces, as well as worn leather armchairs, armoires, and milking stools, add to the rustic elegance. Avoid anything post-1970s, and steer clear of chrome, acrylics, and bright colours.
Lighting and Comfort
Introduce a modern light fixture to bring your country kitchen into the 21st century. You can also create a cosy corner with a small sofa or plush lounge chair, complete with a small table for your favourite beverage. Add a throw rug and piles of pillows and cushions to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
By blending rustic country charm with modern design elements, you can create a contemporary country kitchen that is both stylish and inviting.
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Frequently asked questions
Contemporary country style in Australia is a fusion of country and contemporary/modern interiors. It is a uniquely Australian design style that is perfect for anyone who wants to make their home a cosy place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Contemporary country style uses a neutral backdrop with a colour scheme of whites and creams. Soft shades like washed sage, mint, dusty blues, deep red, butter yellow, aqua, turquoise, citron, watermelon, coral and blues can be used to add interest to a room.
Furniture in contemporary country style has a more natural finish and is not as curvy or chunky. Tables are usually made from timber with a matte finish. Metal accessories like candle holders and lamps should be in natural-looking finishes of nickel, pewter, antique gold, bronze, copper and iron.
Traditional country style is associated with fabrics printed with roosters, gingham, distressed paint finishes, lace, frills and pine furniture. Contemporary country style eliminates most of these elements and instead focuses on natural-looking fabrics like linen, cotton and aged leather.
Contemporary country kitchens are designed to be used and loved. Open shelves with functional ceramic pieces on display and under-bench storage are common features. Large free-standing ovens with a large feature rangehood are often included.
