Wednesday 31 August 2011

What Is Modern Country Style Part 1: Colour


Hey cutie,


So many people have asked me to try and define Modern Country Style that I thought I'd do a proper series on it...just for you.....
I'd love to hear your thoughts....

To me, Modern Country Style is more about a way of life than just being a specific look. Not limited, by any means, to those living the rural idyll, the Modern Country ethos is all about taking the very best of Traditional Country, the warmth and comfort, the appreciation of hand-made crafts, and combining with the best of what Modern life has to offer.

A bit of background......

We moved out of London to an Edwardian house nestled in a small Market Town in the Cotswolds. I'm sure you've gathered that our home has needed a huge amount of renovating but by adding the right pieces and choosing the palette with care, we're able, in stages, to create a Modern Country look that I adore. 
Homely and relaxed.


Step 1: Use of Colour

Probably the most prominent marker of the Modern Country look is the delicious yet delicate use of colour. Think of, and be inspired by, winter seascapes: the gentle grey-blue-greens of a rough sea and the browns, greys and off-whites of smooth stones on a pebble beach sum up this palette beautifully. Yet it needn't look bland. By adding the odd touch of a stronger colour, in my case, I've chosen cherry red accents, a gorgeous surprise element is added. 


Just as important is the way in which colour is used. No fussy details are needed. Simple blocks of colour, highlighted by the crisp, sharp contrast of soft white woodwork. 


Our dining room is a perfect case in point. Painted a gentle, creamy green-grey (Gregory's Den by Earthborn)....perfect for a serene backdrop to not-so-serene family meal-times! 


On Friday, I'll be sharing my personal Holy Grail 
in Modern Country Style: Part 2..... 
creating a stylish look 
that works for a family.



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32 comments :

Courtenay@Creek Line House said...

I'm so happy to see your heart banner is up from last Christmas. I've always loved it! And that shot of the teacups is beautiful. Looks who's getting all fancy with the photography. :)

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I know! I liked the Heart Garland so much that I couldn't bring myself to take it down!!

Sarahx

Mary @ Redo 101 said...

Love your pop of cherry red - would you like to join us for Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World? It's a linky party for sharing our beautiful red decor. I know Sue would love to have you link up.

Hugs,
Mary

Unknown said...

Great little pillows you have my vote going over now...

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Thank you SO much, Pattie. I am, like it or not, your BFF from now on!!

Sarahxxx

LV said...

Thank for your very informative thoughts.

Diann said...

Pretty photos and the pillow is adorable!

Michelle said...

Got you all voted up ;)

Blondie's Journal said...

Very pretty and you give some great advice. Love your banner!!

XO,
Jane

Unknown said...

Great pictures! They had better pick you :)

Kay Ellen said...

Love that pillow!!

Happy Rednesday :))

Kay Ellen

Teresa@magazineyourhome said...

Love love love the red! Thanks for checking out my kitchen redo.

On Crooked Creek said...

Sarah,
You are such a dear! I follow your blog because you see Country Decor with the eyes of youth. When you reach my age, your decorating ideas sometimes stale...like week old bread. You, dear one, give me a fresh burst of energy each time I visit. I may stay in my vintage, Traditional way of decorating, but I come away from your blog refreshed and inspired. Thank you for seeing Country with youthful eyes!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Ricki Treleaven said...

Sarah, I am enjoying your blog so, so much. I love interiors that have punches of red, and your Union Jack pillow is so cute!

Deborah said...

Love your style so much sweet Sarah!
That heart garland is beautiful!!!!!
Love all your gorgeous-ness!

Deborah xoxoxoxo

Kirsty Girl said...

Love the blog and love the photo of the mugs! Yum!

Travel With Lulu said...

I can't wait to see more!

Magali @ The Little White House said...

I had trouble understanding how to vote for you on Cosmo... It's not always easy to be blonde! But I managed to do it!

lisaroy said...

I love all of your cute little bits. Can't wait for part 2 :)

the fishermans cottage said...

All done :) good luck Sarah x

Unknown said...

Sent a vote your way on the Cosmopolitan site. Best of luck to you.

Anne @ Savannah Blues

Glynis said...

I've voted. Good luck Sarah!

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

Perfert decription, love the heartfelt comments on style. Love the cherry red pops.

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

I love your blog and you certainly deserve an award from Cosmo!

Deborah Bone said...

Thank you Sarah
I'm loving your blog and it was definitely worth voting for. I can't wait to move into my little house in the country and try out some of your ideas for myself,it should be any day now!
Deborah x

Town and Country Gals said...

Sarah,
love your take, my colors are greens, browns and red, so I must be on the right track! Your photo of the mugs is fab! I'm on my way to vote for you, good luck!
Rebecca

Privet and Holly said...

Voting early
and often!!
xx Suzanne

Robynne's Nest said...

O.K. I've been to the polling booth and voted for you...good luck! Robx

Robynne's Nest said...

O.K. I've been to the polling booth and voted for you...good luck! Robx

SueLovesCherries said...

I voted for you at Cosmo! I just love your heart pillow! I love my country, and the American flag, but the Union Jack has got to be the best decorating flag ever!

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

Hi, Sarah! I love the colors you've used in your home, and the pops of red are utter perfection. Love it!

Unknown said...

Voted! xx

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