Country Modern

Linen slipcovered chairs balance out the heavy use of wood in Haley's dining room. A simple porcelain serving tray provides an elegant focal point. The leather ottoman provides a place to rest your feet or your drink. Architectural elements are a wonderful accessory to anyone's home--these painted terra cotta columns flank the entrance into Ersfeld's dining room.

The country-modern design so popular today is characterized by open spaces, a clean palette, dark woods and minimal accessories. Here are some ways Joy Haley has incorporated this orderly, minimalistic style into her home:

• Walls are painted white and sparsely adorned with antique mirrors and paintings.
• Furnishings are kept to a minimum in each room, but are carefully chosen to add strength and warmth. For that reason, warm wood country antiques and reproductions are used almost exclusively.
• Fabrics are neutral and country accessories, often more plentiful in other country styles, are used only to add a touch of interest to a space.
• Haley mixes textures with crisp linens and painted furniture with antiques to help blend all of the different elements of her country design.
• In the dining room, a large porcelain tray adorns the center of the antique oval Irish table. Linen slipcovered Chippendale chairs balance the large amount of wood in the space. The buffet table is flanked with lamps made from rustic porch railings. Antique corner cupboards provide a strong statement and are great for storage.

Architectural Elements

A continuing trend in country homes today is the use of architectural accents in new and unique ways. Rebecca Ersfeld uses salvaged architectural elements as decorations in her country home.

• Columns frame a double set of pocket doors leading from the sitting room to the living room; above the doors, a pediment is hung.
• In the dining room, antique gates and rod iron vines flank the window; in another room, a wrought-iron piece has been turned into a hat rack.
• Other elements are placed throughout the house--as art to frame mirrors, to create a mantel or for display.
• Ersfeld says that when hanging architectural elements, be sure to use the appropriate hardware to secure them to the wall.
• Another tip is to take large pieces to a car wash to rid them of any dirt or grime; Ersfeld also applies a coat of polyurethane to seal any peeling paint.