Written by
Carmen
What is a country-style interior?
A country-style interior is defined by its sense of calm. Think untreated wood, earthy tones, wicker, ceramics and textured fabrics such as linen and cotton. The colours are soft: off-white, sandy shades, olive green, terracotta and dark brown. It feels as if everything has been there for a while, and that is exactly the point. Country living is not fussy or old-fashioned, it is timeless. And greenery plays an essential role in that: plants bring life into a space that could otherwise feel too static. Want to go all in? Think of all your favourite cosy British countryside series: Downton Abbey, Midsomer Murders, as well as the American film The Holiday.
Large-leaved plants for a country-style interior
Not every plant needs to take centre stage. In a country-style interior, it is all about familiar, timeless choices, plants that look as though they have always belonged there. One large, characterful plant in the right spot is often enough to make a room feel complete. Below, you can read more about how best to use them.
Large plants are the quiet anchor points of a country-style interior. Think broad leaves, a lush appearance and classics that have belonged in living rooms for generations. They fill corners in a warm, natural way, no fuss, no trends, just exactly right.
- The Banana plant is an unexpected but warm choice for a country-style interior. Its broad, generous leaves work surprisingly well with the traditional feel and soft tones of this style, especially in a heavy terracotta or earthenware pot. Give it a bright spot and regular watering, and it will do the rest itself.
- The Alocasia comes in many forms: with broad heart-shaped leaves, pointed leaves or large, rounded leaves. What all these varieties have in common is a certain stately quality, they fill a room in a calm, elegant way. In a country-style interior, it works best in a permanent spot where it can shine as the star of your favourite room.
- The Norfolk Island Pine has an almost artisanal look, with its neat tiered structure and fine needles. It stays compact, which makes it perfect for a corner beside a wooden piece of furniture or on a wide windowsill. It likes light and cool air, and is much easier to care for than you might think.
Green plants for a country-style interior
Not every plant needs to be big and imposing. Airy, smaller plants create a playful contrast and stop an interior from feeling too heavy.
- The Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium) is the kind of plant that always gets a second look. Its lobed, fan-like leaves are unmistakable, and it looks fantastic on a wooden shelf or in a weathered pot. It is an epiphyte, in nature it simply grows on tree trunks, and that feeling fits perfectly with a natural country-style home.
- The Oxalis, also known as Wood Sorrel, is small but special. Its dark purple, triangular leaves fold neatly shut in the evening, which always causes a little surprise among guests. It likes light and is ideal for a windowsill or side table. Wood Sorrel also has something meadow-like and natural about it, it is a plant you might come across outdoors in nature. Perfect, then, for your country-style home.
- The Areca Palm is a plant that never imposes itself. Its light, feathered leaves bring nostalgic flair to a room without demanding attention, exactly what a country-style interior needs. In a sturdy, dark earthenware or terracotta pot, it creates a strong organic feel, which looks right at home in a country-style interior.
Flowering plants for a country-style interior
A country-style interior certainly does not have to be all green. Colour is welcome, as long as it feels considered.
- The Aglaonema has a classic appearance and therefore fits seamlessly into a country-style interior. Just look at its leaves, patterned in green, yellow and red, depending on the variety. The Aglaonema is one of the easiest houseplants there is: low light is no problem, and neither is a little neglect with watering. A perfect housemate.
- The Caladium takes things a step further with its heart-shaped leaves in pink, white and green. It works well in a country-style interior with warm rose tones or dusky-pink accessories. Do keep it warm and a little more humid than average, as it is a tropical plant by nature.
- The Begonia, specifically the Begonia maculata with its white spots and pink flowers, combines the best of both worlds: beautiful foliage and blooms. It grows well in a bright spot and suits anyone who wants to live country-style with a cheerful wink.
Plants that suit a country-style interior
These are the houseplants that work beautifully with a country-style home:
Cut flowers that suit a country-style interior
Houseplants are the foundation, but cut flowers complete an interior. They bring scent, colour and finish the whole look.
The Peony, Chamomile, Ranunculus and Lathyrus (Sweet Pea) are classic country-style flowers that feel completely at home in a little bouquet on a country kitchen table. They combine beautifully with twigs, grasses or dried flowers such as Gypsophila or Catgrass (Lagurus).
Colours and materials for country living
Green choices cannot be separated from the context you place them in. In a country-style interior, your plants shine in pots and baskets made from natural materials: terracotta, ceramics, woven wicker, rattan or recycled wood. Avoid shiny plastic or stark white, as that breaks the country atmosphere and suits a slightly more modern vibe.
When it comes to the colour of your pots, earthy undertones work best: olive green, ochre, sandy beige and antique white. Combine these with plants that have contrasting textures, such as the rough needles of a Norfolk Island Pine beside the smooth leaves of an Alocasia, or the airy Oxalis next to the compact Aglaonema.
Green tip: a collection of three plants at different heights always works. Low, medium, tall, it gives depth to a plant corner without making it feel busy.
More inspiration on interior trends with plants and flowers
Want to know which other styles are popular right now, besides a country-style interior? On this website, you can read all about the latest interior trends with flowers and plants: from a retro-futuristic home atmosphere that reinvents the future with a nod to the past, to a nostalgic style that feels familiar yet still surprises. You will also find articles on the four major style trends that show how flowers and plants can play a leading role in any interior, whether you love calm pastel shades or bold colour combinations.
