- 1). Develop a color palette characteristic of country design. Choose earthy brown, dark green, vibrant red or sky blue as your primary color. Include a lighter shade of the primary color, a contrasting color and either creamy white or yellow to complete the palette.
- 2). Paint the walls the lighter shade of the primary color or the creamy color. Choose the lighter shade if the wood tones in your flooring and trim are dark. For lighter wood tones, select one of the creamy colors.
- 3). Select patterned upholstery fabrics for some smaller pieces of furniture. The patterns should reflect the country look: checks and plaids, rural scenes or florals. The prints should be similar in scale, and the colors should reflect the color scheme, with emphasis on the primary color. Choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen and wool. Break up the patterns by including a few solid-color fabrics, as well.
- 4). Opt for upholstered furniture with curved arms and backs and low seats. Avoid checks and plaids for the sofa, opting instead for a solid color. Add throw pillows in contrasting colors.
- 5). Pick cabinetry, shelving and chests with distressed wood and rustic hardware. If you're choosing new pieces, buy ones that look like they've around for a while. Avoid pieces that appear to have been deliberately distressed; if the scuffs and scrapes are evenly spaced or of equal size, they will look artificial. Browse thrift shops and flea markets for pieces that have naturally aged appeal.
- 6). Include two small wood benches in the furnishings. Place one near the front entrance, and position the other in the room to provide additional seating.
- 7). Choose either solid-color drapery panels or 2-inch-slat wood blinds for window treatments. Use drapery hardware that complements the floor and wood trim.
- 8). Accessorize the living room with wicker baskets, dried flower arrangements in ceramic vases and painted wood trinket boxes. Add antique books on rural farm life, country life skills and old seed catalogs. Display artwork depicting pastoral scenery or country life.
- 9). Light the living room with table lamps with ceramic bases and simple lamp shades. Hang wall sconces that reflect old lantern styles.
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