The rise of modern urban country style

Blending function with form, here’s the latest take on farmhouse decor to update your space (Briony Ace/PA)

Are you ready to embrace country living but with the benefits of being a townie?

Turns out you’re not alone… and this is where the shift towards modern urban country decor differs from countrycore; particularly the nostalgic aesthetic and whimsy touches – but they are connected.

When it comes to this design trend, “I feel like it’s essentially having a sort of a country sensibility, without the country postcode,” explains interior designer and stylist, Briony Ace.

“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 continues. “It’s more sort of urban. I think people are perhaps a little bit done with minimalism… when we all went through that grey era.

“I think it’s about bringing all of the warmth and depth of the country; but it’s definitely not twee or chintzy,” says the 38-year-old.

Having grown up in an urban area; and now in the country “which is beautiful, lots of greenery,” she’s experienced the best of both worlds.

“I’m able to bring those lovely elements of warmth into people’s homes, no matter where they live,” she says confidently.

This kitchen pairs darker cabinetry with warm oak and woven textures to create balance and depth. Natural materials and considered details bring a sense of warmth and character, capturing the relaxed elegance of modern urban country living, says Briony Ac

The mother of two, who was a quarter finalist on the BBC show Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr, recalls she had to come up with a tagline to summarise her style, namely “earthy and organic,” and one she says very much suits her.

“Very lived-in, perfectly imperfect… that’s how I would describe it. I’m not trend-led.”

Today, she’s looking forward to the Ideal Home Show, where she’ll be presenting a series of sessions, including ‘Spring Tablescaping Made Simple.’

“It’s about bringing those smaller styling pieces into the home and tablescaping around spring.”

Olive Stoneware Serving Platter, £85, Sophie Allport (Sophie Allport/PA)

Armed with some personal pieces, Ace says: “I love a visual, so I’ll be there with my bits and bobs.”

As well as having something on the screens behind her, she says there’s nothing like seeing it [in real life], and making people feel like it’s OK to play around with what they currently have.

“I always say shop your own home.”

Here, she shares some key styling tips to get the modern urban country look…

Warmth without the fuss

“Traditionally, if you see country you think country farmhouse, quite a lot of items, and a lot of things,” highlights Ace.

“So for people who don’t like the idea of clutter, then it’s about urban living with a touch of the country.”

“And I would say the touch of country is about warmth. So if you crave a bit of character in a traditional urban home, and want a little bit of that softness, it’s about bringing in things such as colour – which is a really easy shift and change.”

She continues: “So those deeper, darker, earthier tones, perhaps olives, tobacco, oxblood, those deep navies.”

“It’s very much about texture as well… so it could be limewash walls which is a really lovely way of introducing warmth and a ‘feel’ into the home.”

Mixing metals

Ace says mixing metals is a non-traditional way of giving urban living a country mix. “It’s all about texture, laying things up; mixing your metal tones, your wood tones, having that patina on things.”

Nalini Large Black Metal Round Wall Clock, £229, Rowen Homes (Rowen Homes/PA)

“So anything that’s a little bit older, beaten up, that’s bashed up – it’s absolutely a bit of me, because we all know I love pre-loved, I love antique,” she quips.

And she’s not alone, suggesting another reason this decor has come into the forefront now is because pre-loved, antique and vintage are massive.

“People are really getting into it. It’s got way less stigma attached to it.

“To pop to your local charity shop, second-hand places and antique fairs… grab your favourite piece, which has all this gorgeous patina,” Ace says enthusiastically.

Indeed, if you have one gorgeous patina piece in an otherwise urban, flat space, she says it can do wonders for the ‘feel’ and how it moves in a room.

Form and layering

As she points out: “You think country, and a lot of people immediately think about florals, right? That’s where you lean, and think about heavy pattern.

“This is more about heritage in shapes, and having all the comfort, but not the clutter and fuss,” she underlines.

Moreover, she says it’s not about having loads of florals and patterned prints, but about layering up different textures and materials.

“Maybe have two rugs layered on top of one another.”

Ikat Collection Sage Green Hand Embroidered Cushion (centre), £29.99; rest of items from a selection, Daals (Daals/PA)

“And making sure you have lots of different size cushions, not just one shape. I’m a huge fan of linen and use it all the time; 100% wool, gorgeous; cotton blends… just mixing the textures.”

Helping to maximise the look, she says: “Whatever it is you love, that’s great… use that, but mix it. So you have a good blend of at least three different textures to look at, and to feel.

“You have to design with what you know, what sets your soul on fire, and what you love… I think rugs are a really lovely opportunity; it’s like introducing a piece of art for your floor.”

“That’s very much part of the whole country vibe… it’s about bringing the warmth and making you feel good.”