How to Design a Country Bedroom

Incorporate quilts when designing a country themed bedroom.

Southern Living editor Jennifer Kopf says to design a bedroom with colors and styles that make you feel relaxed and happy. For a quaint look and homey feel, decorate a bedroom with a country theme. Turn any boring bedroom into a country retreat by designing a bedroom with rustic colors and comfortable fabrics. Pick antique furniture and classic patterns to develop a country styled bedroom.

Instructions

1. Determine the purpose of the room. Decide if the bedroom is intended for a male, female or used as a guest bedroom. Pick floral or paisley patterns for women and stick with plaids, checks or solid colors for a male bedroom.

2. Choose colors to incorporate in the bedroom. Rich browns, dark reds and deep greens define a country theme. Choose deep jewel tones when designing a country bedroom. A navy blue or olive brown make for nice accent colors. Soft cream and beige tones work well on walls and trim.

3. Pick out furniture. Find a bedroom set made from natural or stained wood. Pick a design with an antique or rustic look to it. Poster beds lend an old-time charm to a bedroom. Furniture with distressed paint or floral carvings lend to a country theme.

4. Find several fabrics to mix into the room. Country decorating leans on multiple floral, checked or plaid fabrics in deep colors. Mix and match two or three different pattern styles in the colors you have chosen for a casual, rustic look. Use floral fabrics in a duvet or curtains for female bedrooms. Stick with plaids and geometric patterns in male bedrooms.

5. Add accents. In the article "Transfer a Boring Bedroom to a Country Cottage Theme" found in Home Decorating Reviews magazine, adding accents with different textures contributes to a country design. Mount a taxidermy animal head, such as a deer with antlers or a bear head, on the wall. Add a fur throw pillow on a chair, or a solid colored animal rug on the floor.

6. Choose soft lighting. Soften the light of a bedroom and add to the rustic feel by choosing an appropriate lampshade or dim light bulb. Choose a shade in a classic bell or smooth conical shape. Avoid shades with complex shapes and beaded decorations, as these types of shades lean towards a Victorian look.

   Pick a shade with a pattern that compliments the colors you have chosen. Diffused light takes the edge off and contributes to a rustic look.

Tips & Warnings

• Add old books, antique figurines or other simple displays to create a shabby country feel.

• Include fresh or dried flower arrangements when designing a country bedroom to add a rustic look.

• Avoid molded, sleek furniture. Choose pieces with knobs and intricate details to create a country look.

References

• HGTV: Designer's Portfolio: Country Bedrooms
• Southern Living: Style Guide: Bedroom Color and Pattern
• Country Living: How to Get the Look: Bedroom Designs
• Decorating Country Home: The Art of Decor: Bedroom Decorating Ideas and Designs
• Home Decorating Reviews: Transfer a Boring Bedroom to a Country Cottage Theme