Handbook

Creating an impressive interior design for a country house while also saving money is a seriously challenging task for any designer.

Generally, this issue is addressed by opting for inexpensive building materials for construction and finishing. However, I believe this approach is only partially correct – what works well in the design of a small apartment may look out of place in a private house. Country houses, by their nature, don’t quite “favor” cheap synthetic materials, as this significantly diminishes the design of the rooms, as well as factors like solidity and durability.

For instance, if we use laminate flooring in the design of a country house, this material will quickly deteriorate and wear out. So, even if we want to significantly reduce the budget and construction time, we must not overlook such important characteristics of building materials as strength and durability, as well as the price/quality ratio.

I want to say that if you’ve decided to give your home an original and inexpensive interior, be prepared for serious creative work with the designer. It’s often in the most time and budget-constrained conditions that the most daring and interesting solutions are born.

Now, I’ll tell you how to achieve significant cost savings without compromising either the beauty of the design or the quality of the materials used.

 

Working with Texture

 

Sometimes interesting solutions are right in front of us, we just need to recognize them. For instance, you can leave that brick wall unfinished! And don’t hide the plumbing pipes! Just paint them in a contrasting color against the “bare” wall, add some bright cushions and poufs – and you’ve got a rugged interior in the “loft” style. But it’s important to approach these techniques judiciously, or you might end up with a space that feels more like a warehouse

 

Effectiveness Through Views

 

Indeed, sometimes it’s easier to invest in landscaping to enjoy a stunning view from the window, which becomes the main highlight of the interior in the living room or bedroom. This is especially effective if the surrounding nature is picturesque. Just install a large window from floor to ceiling, and that’s it! The rest of the finishing can be modest and succinct.

 

Creating Contrasts

 

This approach is applicable in impressively large spaces with double-height ceilings or vaulted roofs. Make a dark, high wooden ceiling to achieve an effect like a chalet or in a gothic style. You might think using a lot of wood in a budget interior is too lavish. But remember, a country house is built for decades, so wood is the best value for money.

Choosing the Right Materials

 

I’ll say it again – focus on using not too expensive, but high-quality natural materials, such as:

• Ceramic tiles in the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.
• Wooden floors and elements from pine or larch boards.
• Natural textiles.

 

Furniture and Accessories That Make a Difference

 

Opt for inexpensive rustic or “country-style” furniture pieces made from simple wooden boards, as well as rattan wicker furniture.

Note that ‘quality’ does not necessarily mean ‘expensive’. Even old cabinets and chairs, re-finished and revived, can look elegant. The same applies to accessories – just a few well-chosen ones are enough.

For a truly budget-friendly design, I advise buying inexpensive background materials, painting walls simply, using tile flooring, and utilizing old but quality furniture and accessories. The key is correctly placed accents. These could be a large painting, an antique sofa, or luxurious curtains. Don’t fear some material investment – good design requires it. There are many options – choose yours.

 

And just to add, if you really want to save on building and designing your own home, it might be best to consult me – interior designer Olesya Blashchenko.