Modern Urban Country Style: Blending Farmhouse Warmth with City Living
Are you drawn to the charm of country living but prefer the convenience of city life? You are not alone. A new interior design trend, modern urban country decor, is emerging, offering a fresh take on farmhouse aesthetics tailored for urban dwellers. This style differs from the nostalgic and whimsical countrycore movement, yet shares a connection through its emphasis on warmth and heritage.
Defining the Trend
Interior designer and stylist Briony Ace, a quarter-finalist on BBC's Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr, explains the essence of this trend. "It's essentially having a country sensibility without the country postcode," says Ace, who lives in Surrey. "It's about people bringing that warmth and heritage into their home, but perhaps not the more traditional clutter you might see with countrycore."
She notes that this style is a response to the minimalist and grey-dominated eras of recent years. "I think people are perhaps a little bit done with minimalism. It's about bringing all of the warmth and depth of the country, but it's definitely not twee or chintzy," adds the 38-year-old designer. Having grown up in Croydon and now residing in a rural area, Ace brings a unique perspective, blending urban and country elements seamlessly.
Key Styling Tips for Urban Country Decor
To achieve the modern urban country look, Ace shares several practical tips that focus on warmth, texture, and personal expression.
Warmth Without the Fuss
"Traditionally, if you see country, you think country farmhouse with quite a lot of items," highlights Ace. "For people who don't like clutter, it's about urban living with a touch of the country." She emphasizes that this touch is all about warmth. Introducing colour is an easy way to add character and softness to a traditional urban home. Ace recommends deeper, earthier tones such as olives, tobacco, oxblood, and deep navies. Texture also plays a crucial role; for example, limewash walls can introduce warmth and a tactile feel into the space.
Mixing Metals and Embracing Pre-Loved Pieces
Ace advocates for mixing metals as a non-traditional way to infuse country elements into urban settings. "It's all about texture, laying things up, mixing your metal tones, your wood tones, having that patina on things," she says. She is a fan of pre-loved, antique, and vintage items, noting that these have gained popularity with less stigma attached. "To pop to your local charity shop, second-hand places, and antique fairs... grab your favourite piece, which has all this gorgeous patina," she suggests enthusiastically. Even one patina piece in an otherwise flat urban space can transform the room's feel.
Form and Layering
Contrary to the common association of country style with florals and heavy patterns, modern urban country focuses on heritage in shapes and comfort without clutter. Ace advises layering different textures and materials rather than relying on prints. "Maybe have two rugs layered on top of one another," she says. "And making sure you have lots of different size cushions, not just one shape." She recommends using materials like linen, 100% wool, and cotton blends, mixing at least three different textures to create visual and tactile interest. "Rugs are a really lovely opportunity; it's like introducing a piece of art for your floor," she adds, emphasizing that this approach brings warmth and a sense of well-being.
Personal Expression and Upcoming Events
Ace encourages homeowners to design with what they love. "You have to design with what you know, what sets your soul on fire, and what you love," she says. Her own style, which she describes as "earthy and organic," is very lived-in and perfectly imperfect, not trend-led. She is set to present sessions at the Ideal Home Show, including 'Spring Tablescaping Made Simple' and the 'Organic Spring Wreath Making' workshop. The show returns to Olympia, London, from April 10 to 19, for its 118th year. Ace looks forward to sharing her tips in person, helping people feel comfortable playing around with their existing belongings. "I always say shop your own home," she concludes, promoting creativity and resourcefulness in interior design.
