Discover the Modern Country Lookbook

Synonymous with fresh, linen interior landscapes in the warmer months and roaring fires as seasons grow colder, modern country makes an impact throughout the year, regardless of the season—a testament to its indisputable timelessness. But perhaps more importantly, it is so beloved because of what it signifies.

Unlike the sleek interiors that might be found more commonly in city homes, modern country boasts the allure of escapism; the enticement of a moment's peace—an ever-more elusive satisfaction.

This is a style where one might imagine doors opening onto sprawling lawns, abundant flower beds of lavender, terracotta pots of hydrangeas and relaxed topiary.

Here, away from the commotion of the city, the backdrop is one of verdant green, a cacophony of birds and the promise of slow living from uninterrupted walks to languorous meals with loved ones.

Competing with the beauty of the outdoors is no small task, however. It is the curation of relaxed furniture pieces—the kind that blend comfort and craftsmanship—that persuades you inside to a space that feels, at once, composed and considered but familiar.

Using the latest addition to the LuxDeco Studio portfolio as a charming case study, this month’s lookbook highlights the very best of modern country where country elements are combined with a modern sensibility. Warm oak flooring is layered with beckoning wool rugs and walnut furniture in updated country silhouettes, and elegant curtains are trimmed with fine passementerie edging whilst bookshelves are styled with textural treasures.

Quintessential to the location, linen flows throughout, from the armchairs to the bedsheets, embracing a sense of spring freshness. And in the kitchen, the very centre of a country home, accents of antique brass contrast against sage cabinetry and blonde wooden bar stools; the scene for life’s most memorable moments to play out.

With a bright, neutral scheme, injected only with a dash of caramel tones, it’s the textures that bring this look to life. Look to the artwork and you’ll find an array of mediums in the most serene of colour palettes. Think playful plaster or rough-hewn metal sculptures, rolling countryside scenes in antique frames and noteworthy vases that double as objet d’art.

Windows similarly frame the lushness of the outside, bridging the gap between the scenery and the warmth inside. Reflecting these tones are the fabrics used, with rich brown velvets and touches of soft green throughout. These not only create a flow within the home, but they connect it with what drew you there in the first place—what lies beyond the window.

For some, the inviting style of modern country is entwined with their design philosophy. Emma Sims-Hilditch, Creative Founder of the eponymous design studio, is one such country enthusiast, applying the beauty of the everyday to both country estates and cottages alike.

Unwavering in her desire to create authentic rural spaces, Sims-Hilditch has established herself as one of England’s go-to interior designers for houses that feel like homes, an all-to-often overlooked requirement and one which modern country lends itself well to.

For Sims-Hilditch, true luxury is about quality of life—something that has influenced her portfolio of projects to look as though they have evolved over time. In this lookbook, she reveals her approach to such spaces and how to go about creating a similar feel in your own space.

A hint? Focus on what feels good, both emotionally and to the touch. Exchange coarse fabrics for brushed cotton, sharp metal edges for rounded wood corners and harsh lights for a soft-focus ambience. Embrace calming hues, plenty of attention-to-detail and anything that sparks comfort; an emotion that is ever-present in the Sims Hilditch portfolio. The goal is an amalgamation of sophistication and ease, liveability and desirability, because both can feel right at home side-by-side.