How to Achieve Low-Key American Country Style in Your Living Space

Let’s explore what American Country style is and how you can incorporate some—or all—aspects of it into your own home’s interior design. 

What Is American Country Style? 

American Country style is a timeless and inviting interior design aesthetic that draws inspiration from the rural and pastoral landscapes of the United States. Rooted in simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to nature, American Country style exudes warmth and comfort while often evoking a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. But even with its roots in the look and feel of country living, American Country style is highly versatile and can be adapted to both rural and urban homes. 

American Country Farmhouse Decorating Ideas

Warm color palette

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American Country style revolves first and foremost around a color scheme made up of warm and inviting tones. Beige and brown hues are frequently used for walls and upholstery, enveloping spaces in a cozy atmosphere. In the living room, a rich brown leather sofa compliments beige walls, while in the kitchen, cream-colored cabinets or beadboard walls can further enhance the countryside look. To round out the warmth, add a few decorative items in muted greens and blues, like throw pillows and cotton blankets. 

Antiques and vintage pieces

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One of the defining features of American Country style is the inclusion of antique and vintage pieces. These decorative items bring a sense of history and nostalgia to every room of your house, like a bedroom adorned with a vintage dresser. You might also consider bringing home a weathered wooden trunk that can serve as both a coffee table and storage solution in a cozy living room. The best first step when adding used pieces to your home decor is to hit up a few local antique stores to see what types of accessories you can find. Pieces with history create a one-of-a-kind home, and they are often great conversation starters!

Textiles

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Textiles play a crucial role in American Country style decor, contributing to both comfort and visual appeal. Handmade quilts with intricate patterns and warm textures are a great way to accessorize your bed while showcasing the artistry of traditional craftsmanship. Patchwork pillows, crafted from a medley of fabric patterns, add a layer of visual interest to seating areas, blending effortlessly with the rustic surroundings. And, perhaps most importantly, natural fiber rugs, such as those made from sisal or jute, are a great way to bring a farmhouse look to your home. 

Rustic accessories

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To bring some rustic charm into your American Country decor, consider curating a collection of charming, well worn accessories. Mason jars can serve as vases for fresh flowers or storage containers for kitchen essentials, combining utility with aesthetics. Wrought iron accents, such as a chandelier, add a touch of elegance with their intricate designs, blending seamlessly into the overall rustic aesthetic. And for something a little more functional, old wooden crates can be creatively stacked to double as rustic shelving units, showcasing a curated selection of vintage books or decorative items. 

Exposed Beams

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Exposed wooden beams on ceilings are a hallmark of American Country style, as they give the space a sense of rustic authenticity. In the living room, exposed beams create a cozy and inviting ambiance, drawing the eye upward and filling the room with character. Similarly, in the kitchen, wooden beams on the ceiling extend the room’s rustic motif to the ceiling, echoing the wooden cabinetry and flooring. While they may not be feasible for every home, especially newer construction or rentals, if you have the ability to feature exposed beams, they are an absolute must for an American Country style home.

Wooden furniture

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Wooden furniture takes center stage in American Country style decor, reflecting its simplicity and durability. A large wooden farmhouse table with a sturdy construction serves as the heart of many dining rooms, providing ample space for family gatherings and hearty meals. Windsor chairs, with their timeless spindle-back design and wooden craftsmanship, are often chosen to accompany these tables, offering both comfort and classic charm. In a cozy living room, a rocking chair, whether made of polished wood or wicker, beckons visitors to take a load off and  relax and reflect. 

Floral and botanical prints

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Floral and botanical prints are another staple of American Country style decor, infusing spaces with a touch of nature's beauty. Floral wallpapers, adorned with vintage-inspired patterns of delicate blossoms, can be used to create striking accent walls in bedrooms or living areas. The intricate details of these prints add depth and visual interest to the decor. Framed botanical prints or pressed flowers displayed as wall art can also bring a sense of the outdoors inside, celebrating the botanical diversity found in the countryside. These nature-inspired elements evoke a feeling of serenity and nostalgia.

Open shelving

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In the kitchen, open shelving offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Wooden open shelves, often displaying a curated collection of dishes, glassware, and other kitchen accessories, provide easy access to essentials while showcasing their beauty. These shelves bring your home’s air of openness and simplicity to the kitchen, allowing you to display your culinary treasures with a sense of lived-in charm. Whether laden with mason jars filled with preserved fruits or vintage-style dinnerware, open shelving transports everyone in your home to the American countryside.

Simple and Functional 

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Above all, American Country style decor prioritizes simplicity and functionality in its design. The layout of each room should emphasize ease of movement and practicality, ensuring that each element serves a purpose. It's about creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also conducive to everyday living. This design philosophy fosters an environment where comfort and utility are intertwined, making American Country style decor both welcoming and practical for daily life.

Rustic Rugs for Your American Country Home

The ideal foundation for your American Country interior design is a natural fiber rug. Sisal is a particularly popular material for American Country style homes because its natural weave is both rustic and highly durable. Take a look at our wide selection of natural fiber sisal rugs and find the best one for your home.