Uncomplicated country design is offset well with wooden shutters

Uncomplicated and relaxing are two words that come to mind when a room is decorated in country style, but adding a modern touch can replace fussy accessories with a simpler, uncluttered look.


According to InteriorDesign.LoveToKnow.com, decorating a home with a country theme includes free-standing furniture, rather than built-ins, that range from colorful painted wood pieces to white-on-white, slip-covered sofas and armchairs.


"Country home decorating is all about building a warm, inviting space with uncomplicated furnishings and accents," the website advises. "Country-style ideas are often about building a gracious space using found objects and imperfect items like reclaimed stone or wood floors."


The look can extend from the kitchen to the bedrooms, family room and outdoor spaces with baskets on shelves, hung from the ceiling or tucked above cabinets.


Wooden shutters can be painted in any color, although whites or natural wood tones may fit best with country design. Shutters that cover only the bottom half of the window can be closed to limit bright sunlight coming into the room without shutting it out altogether. They also provide some privacy at street level, while retaining a view at the tree line.