1. Begin with a light and bright colour palette
For a fresh take on a modern country home, stick to whites and greys through your hard surfaces.
‘The neutral palette really lifts the home. While most country style incorporate wood-look flooring, for a more modern aesthetic, consider grey floor tiles in your main living areas,’ says Nadija.
‘For a traditional farmhouse feel, I also love using white subway tiles through the kitchen and laundry splashbacks and as a feature in the bathrooms.’
2. Add pops of natural colours
Add pops of colour through styling pieces that can easily be swapped out later. This allows you to change up your interiors as your family and taste evolve.
‘Stick to deeper, natural colours such as a dirty green or dark blue, rather than bright or vibrant colours,’ says Nadija.
‘At the Riviera 32, I’ve used a dirty olive green for the main feature wall in the master bedroom. I’ve also threaded this feature colour through the linens, bedheads and artworks, as in the playful nature-themed wallpapers in the minor bedrooms.’
3. Include materials that remind you of the countryside
Bring the outside-in by including materials that remind you of relaxed rural living. Timbers and linens are the cornerstone of traditional farmhouse interiors. Plaid furniture and tan leather pieces work well, while tartan bedheads bring a classical farmhouse feel to your bedrooms.
‘For a more modern aesthetic, feel free to mix your timber colours and tones,’ suggests Nadija.
‘At the Riviera 32 display home, I used natural timber cabinetry on the island bench to add dimension, interest and warmth, as well as woodmatt open shelving to the living areas. But then I’ve also incorporated black dining chairs with a spindle backing and a black wooden coffee table, for a true mix of traditional and modern.’
VJ panelling is another great investment in country-style homes. Add it to home alcoves or the front of your island bench to make best use of dead space. VJ panelling can also make a fantastic feature wall in your master bedroom, retreat or theatre.
‘I kept the retreat bright and fresh by painting the feature VJ panelling white. While in the master, I’ve used the panelling as an opportunity to insert the signature feature colour,’ explains Nadija.
4. Invest in raked ceilings and other country-style upgrades
Nothing says farmhouse more keenly than raked ceilings, particularly through your living areas. At the Riviera 32 display, a textured plaster wall and large stone plinth framed by windows highlights the grandeur of its raked ceilings and solidifies the farmhouse feel.
‘Farmhouse style tapware and hardware are easy and affordable additions that really sing to this aesthetic and provide a country feel,’ adds Nadija.
‘Outdoor spaces are also really important to a classic farmhouse feel, so select a floorplan with good outdoor-indoor flow. Include a big outdoor dining table as well as lounging space for a relaxed, rural vibe.’
Don’t forget to also bring the outside-in by adding plenty of greenery – potted olive trees provide a unique point of difference at the Riviera 32 display.
The home’s stunning Arcadia façade, with its traditional gables, painted brickwork and gridded windows, also fits perfectly with a country-inspired home.
5. Soften with textures
Create a relaxed, warm and homely aesthetic by inserting plenty of texture. Prioritise rustic and vintage pieces. Distressed rugs, plaid bedding and layered throws are common to the farmhouse style and help add depth and suppleness to your spaces.
‘Lighting is also super important to a farmhouse scheme,’ adds Nadija.
‘Look for metal lantern shapes for a sense of contemporary, but then soften with linen shades and warm white globes.’
6. Don’t forget your rural artwork and accessories
Remind yourself of rolling hills and nights by an open fire through country-inspired artworks. Look for oil and watercolour pieces depicting country landscapes, fauna and florals, with your feature colour as the predominant hue.
‘Remember, this isn’t a minimalist scheme and your styling doesn’t need to be matchy-matchy. So, feel free to play with your accessories,’ says Nadija.
‘Thrift shopping can supply some beautiful pieces – think lofty lamps on tables, vases in organic shapes, timber framed wall mirrors and vintage rugs to create a sense of cosiness.’
Are you ready to discover the modern farmhouse design?
The new single-storey Riviera 32 display home is opening in the peaceful town of Drouin.
Featuring a light and bright palette, lofty raked ceilings and the tranquillity of the Arcadia façade, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home provides every family member a place to relax.
Open from Saturday 24 June with or without an appointment. Get driving instructions.