Colour Comes to Play In This Historical Country Home

An area where wild natural beauty meets spectacular historical architecture, part of north Wales’ appeal is in its contrast. A fitting location, then, for a 17th-century house that is a juxtaposition in itself.  

Formerly half servants’ quarters, half home to landed gentry, these twin lives are evident in the property’s myriad architectural details. These span elegant panelled walls and architraves in the sitting room to original quarry tiles in the kitchen. The multi-period features give the building its Grade II listed status and set the scene for a truly characterful space.  

Our stylists took this eclectic setting as a cue to gather our most colourful and daring designs. Creating a happy blend of patterns and palettes to envision a more contemporary approach to country home decor.  

#1 Use rich tones 

In the country living room, bone white walls and original floorboards allow the most vibrant shades to pop. We used tactile textures to elevate the richest of jewel tones, from deep sapphire velvet to rustic green linen.  

#2 Add appealing patterns 

Playful patterns add further charm. Among them are a cheerful stripe, elegant palm fronds and a wild-yet-welcoming cheetah print. Choosing wall art prints, stacked tableware and earth-tone rugs as country home accessories creates several small points of interest across the room. 

#3 Contrast furniture shapes 

Throughout the look, furniture silhouettes are also joyously mismatched. Undulating curves, spotted on the armchair and dining chairs are positioned in sharp contrast with angular shapes, such as the square-stacked legs of the side table and the diamond detailing of the wine cabinet. 

#4 Layer your looks 

This theme of juxtaposition continues in the dining room where, when golden hour strikes, the earthy green walls glow, offering a warm contrast to its tiled stone floors and slick, black fireplace. To draw on these differences, we brought in even more texture and detail to create a layered and inviting country house look.  

Cool blue leather dining chairs and gilded accents sit pretty next to rustic wood and rattan. A joyful rug, resplendent in rainbow shades, pulls the space together, creating a subtle cohesion of colour. 

#5 Repeat small elements 

It’s clever detailing that prevents the look from feeling cluttered. Though the effect is eclectic, the method is considered. Each colour, shape and texture is repeated in some way, creating harmony at every turn. Whether that be a vibrant shade of sunshine yellow echoed in a lampshade, cushion and rug, or the soft circular silhouette that shapes a mirror, footstool and lamp. 

#6 Add natural textures 

Grounding the look is the job of rattan. Decorating a coffee table, desk and chair, as well as shaping storage accessories, this beautiful woven material brings a natural element to the home, blending seamlessly with the property’s rural location.  

#7 Bring contemporary touches 

It’s not all rustic pleasures, though. With a modern country house in mind, we injected sleek gold detailing to lend an urban edge, adding a hint of the unexpected. A sentiment that sums up the property, and our look, perfectly.