'Country' design brings style, comfort to home

So many people, clients and designers alike, would scoff at the mere mention of the words “country” and “design” in the same sentence.

Throughout the world, however, there has always been a tendency to decorate in a so-called country style. In fact, I'm sure you, at one point or another in your life, may have decorated in this comfortable decor.

Like a bowl of hot chicken soup when you are sick, country style provides stability and warmth.

Country style is quiet and versatile. It induces comfort and bears all kinds of nomenclature: classic country, English country, French country and even shabby chic. When it comes to designing or redesigning a room or an elegant villa, I ask my clients multiple questions and have them tear pages from magazines to ascertain what exactly “country” means to them.

For some, it has to do with the imagery of a quilt. Others might refer me to a distressed painted piece of furniture. Yet others are fascinated by the simple architecture of barns and other rural buildings.

For me, it is a combination of all of these and then looking for ways to take away the essence of the theme and translating it into a fresh and contemporary interpretation of someone else's dreams.

In the end, all of these folks are depending on me to create a sense of home based on their memories from growing up. Country style is great because you can work with a mixture of antiques, hand-me-downs and things that have soul.

Depending on the type of home you have, defining its heart has a lot to do with the decor you use. If you trace the origins of the idea of “home,” no matter the country, you will find that the kitchen plays a central role. Rooms such as the dining room or the living room can be placed within the realm of the kitchen for an updated country style.

Locally produced fabrics are yet another way to introduce country style to any room. Stripes, plaids and patterns can overlay and overlap one another for a haphazard look and provide an uncalculated approach to decorating. They should be well chosen so as to create a sense of peace and calm among the upholstery and between each room. Other crafts such as baskets or woven rugs are great when used in your country decor.

Finally, in country style, ordinary items should be allowed to infiltrate the decor. For example, shoes stacked in baskets by the front door can be interpreted as decoration. Stacks of dishes or Mason jars in open shelving in a kitchen can provide visual entertainment but also serve as a way of organizing.

This lends an air of casualness that is good for any room. Country rooms are successful because they are practical but also pleasing to look at.

• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla.

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