When Do Rustic Elegant Country Interiors Also Feel Luxurious?

When Do Rustic Elegant Country Interiors Also Feel Luxurious is an inquiry inviting us to explore the mystery within the mysteries of laid-back luxe. You already know it’s all about the mix. And I certainly don’t need to explain to you sophisticated readers how the humble and the haute don’t just go together but BELONG together. It the resulting disparity, tension and combustion created that deepen a room’s character. Seeing a design done well seems to help us understand and emulate the look more than anything. But sometimes it’s those subtle luxurious touches that aren’t immediately obvious visually that deserve a little more detective work.

Pamela Pierce's Houston living room with arched windows, rustic shutters, and French limestone antique fireplace (Chateau Domingue). #rusticelegance #livingrooms #rusticFrenchinteriors
One way rustic elegant country interiors feel luxurious? If they’re designed by Pamela Pierce, founder of MILIEU.

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

When Do Rustic Elegant Country Interiors Also Feel Luxurious?

Today’s interior design inspiration features a mix of beautiful interiors that capture the essence of rustic, European country inspired, approachable designs yet also feel luxurious.

Gorgeous modern European country design style in this Houston home by Southampton. #europeancountry #interiordesign #whitedecor #modernfrench
Such a gorgeous and neutral French inspired home we explored HERE.

How do designers create such living spaces that reflect a striking level of luxury?

Keeping room with lovely woven chairs and neutrals - Sherry Hart.
Sherry Hart – also see more of her lovely work HERE

Luxury is often communicated through

rare antiquity,

uttermost quality,

and expensive finishes.

But is it possible to capture a sense of livable luxury even without access to an experienced designer and piles of cash?

Modern rustic decor inspiration with organic, natural, wabi sabi allure - from Michael Del Piero (Hamptons Good Design).
Michael Del Piero – also see more of her beautiful work HERE

Are there subtle underpinnings, relationships, inclusions and exclusions we may not readily notice that are actually quite achievable without a royal budget?

Rustic wood stool and floating shelves in a beautiful kitchen with design by Brian Paquette. #kitchendesign #floatingshelves
When Do Rustic Elegant Country Interiors Also Feel Luxurious – Brian Paquette – also read the review of his new book HERE

Hmmmm. I think so.

Yet this quest demands more than a quick search on Pinterest.

The Luxury of Rustic Authentic Natural Materials

Bear in mind, it’s easier to truly “sense” the luxurious layer of an interior when it is experienced IN PERSON. So for example, photos of a kitchen with white oak thermofoil cabinet doors (a vinyl wrapped MDF front) may read ultra-luxurious, but in person, less so.

White Oak Patina Farm’s Timeless Kitchen

Patina Farm timeless kitchen designed by Steve and Brooke Giannetti with custom white oak cabinets, farm sink, and French farmhouse European country style - via Velvet and Linen. #patinafarm #giannettihome #frenchkitchen
Velvet and Linen…certainly breathtaking indeed.

While it isn’t fancy or fussy, the use of natural white oak repeated for flooring, the custom cabinets, and kitchen island adds an everyday, livable luxeness to this glorious space by the Giannettis.

But isn’t it just a matter of how much money available to invest in the design?

No. Here are some options to achieve a luxurious feel with a limited budget: (1) wait and save until you can afford authentic materials (like solid white oak rather than vinyl doors in this case) or (2) realize bigger is not necessarily better…get creative with the layout (in this case, one could opt for less cabinetry in the kitchen design so the expense of natural material is within reach).

Brene Brown quote about people doing their best on Hello Lovely Studio. #vulnerabilityquotes #personalgrowthquotes #brenebrownquotes

Natural Marble in an LA Beach House Bath

I’m crazy about the elegant simplicity in this bathroom design. While luxurious, it has a modern English country vibe happening that feels so welcoming. And that gorgeous green-gray wainscot! (Keep reading for the paint color.)

The natural marble must have cost a pretty penny, yet it won’t fall from favor so there’s longevity and the assurance that it will probably just get better with age.

Pigeon (Farrow & Ball) paint color on wainscot in a luxurious beach house (Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach's) designed by Kate Lester and featured in Architectural Digest. #farrowandballpigeon #pigeongray #graypaintcolors
Paint color on trim: Farrow & Ball Pigeon; photography: Douglas Friedman for AD; styling: Amy Chin; interior design: Kate Lester

Could you get this same level of English country elegance with a marble-like porcelain tile? Probably.

Photos of such a bath may be strikingly beautiful. In our former home, I was going for a European country inspired calacatta marble look for the primary bath:

White French country master bathroom with rustic alder door, calacatta-look porcelain tile and clawfoot tub. #hellolovelystudio #bathroomdesign #bathroomdecor #frenchcountry #clawfoottub #alderdoor
A bathroom I designed in our former home – Hello Lovely Studio

See what I mean about how photos only tell part of the story? Using marble-look materials makes sense for all sorts of projects.

Warm and rustic modern bathroom design with concrete skimmed walls in a master bath by Leanne Ford on HGTV's Rock the Block. #bathroomdesign #rusticmodern #vintageboho #interiordesign #leanneford
Leanne Ford…just in case you love white on white like Leanne.

However, the overall design and the actual daily experience of using a space created with man-made rather than nature-made materials may fall short in terms of character and timelessness.

Curated, Edited Restraint & Minimal Aesthetic

Cluttered tabletops, shelves, and walls make sense for a wide range of design styles and lifestyle preferences. However, a rustic European country interior can begin to feel like a stall at the local antique mall when there is too much to see.

What feels luxurious about the open concept kitchen below is the magic happening between the natural woven texture and all the white.

Sophisticated modern French white living room in a Houston home on Berthea with design by M Naeve - @greenwoodkingproperties

Less material and distraction in the space adds a luxurious, contemplative, airy quality to the design. Let’s face it. In the 2020s, CALM is the new luxury.

One of my favorite stylists models such restraint in her rustically elegant home so well.

White on White & Curated

Since Tracie is a shop owner, there is always a rotation of Swedish and French antiques decking her Swedish immigrant cottage halls. But the look is kept luxuriously light rather than over-collected or over-baked.

Rilke quote about living everything and live the questions on Hello Lovely Studio. #rainermariarilke #rilkepoem #rilkequotes

While the cottage itself may be humble, there is a luxe feel to the way she edits and lives with less.

All white Nordic French kitchen, Swedish antiques, Smeg frig and white floors - My Petite Maison. #whitedecor #allwhite #nordicfrench #shabbychic #interiordesign #whitecottage #frenchnordic
My Petite Maison

“Luxurious living” is certainly a subjective matter…especially when it comes to country living!

Yung Pueblo quote on Hello Lovely Studio about emotional maturity. #personalgrowthquotes #jungpueblo

Kitchens seem especially vulnerable to becoming cluttered and over-run with stuff…that look is less elegant and more chaotic.

It always helps me personally to periodically take the time for a clear out.

Rustic, Industrial & Minimal

Award winning rustic English country kitchen design by deVOL with Sebastian Cox cabinets handmade in Leicestershire from English beech. #deVOL #kitchendesign #englishcountry #rustickitchen #bespokekitchen
deVOL…certainly a stunning design which won an award.

Just getting into all the corners for a thorough cleaning before bringing back things sparingly will make a significant difference.

Be patient with yourself...an inspirational quote to encourage self-care.

Restraint doesn’t have to result in a sterile environment, and it certainly isn’t a permanent sort of thing.

Warm, Edited Laid Back Luxury

Traditional French Country kitchen in Provence in a villa available from HavenIn. #frenchcountrykitchen #frenchkitchen Rrustickitchens #provencekitchen
Haven In…in case you admire Provence holiday homes.

Hunting for the right pieces is great fun, and those pieces can be brought out seasonally or when you’re in the mood.

Etty Hillesum quote from Holocaust about love on Hello Lovely Studio. #holocaustquotes #lovequotes #ettyhillesum

Not sure if you’re striking the right balance? Subtract and then study! For example, take photos and critique your own work…it really makes a difference.

Gorgeous modern European country design style in this Houston home by Southampton. #europeancountry #interiordesign #whitedecor #modernfrench
Tour more of this home for sale HERE

Custom Strokes of Luxury in a Rustic Mix

Plaster Shelves in a Laid Back Cottage

Some daydream about diamonds and pearls, and some European country design freaks like us dream of owning a tower of plaster shelves.

Linen daybed under sunny window and tower of shelves in a rustic zen modern farmhouse kitchen with white rafters and wood floors - Lulu & Georgia. #kitchendesign #rusticzen #modernfarmhouse #windowseat
Lulu & Georgia…in case you love a minimal rustic look.

What makes it luxurious is the fact it is one of those artisan things requiring an Old World skill set.

Anne Lamott unplugged quote about rest on Hello Lovely Studio. #annelamott #personalgrowthquotes #workquotes #restquotes

This is what rustic elegant dressing room dreams are made of if you ask me!

Patina Farm master bedroom dressing area. Giannetti Home.
Velvet and Linen (Design: Giannetti Home)

Maybe you’re noticing the common thread running through these rustic yet luxe interiors: the luxurious elements are largely personal, everyday elegance, purposeful features.

Hello Lovely Studio's Nordic French bedroom with Belgian linen accent chair and campaign style table. #nordicfrenchstyle #bedroomdecor #serenedecor #interiordesign #europeancountry
Hello Lovely Studio…in case you love a rustic French burlap pillow.

They aren’t show-offy, blingy, look-how-much-I-spent-here gestures.

Deena Metger inspirational quote about beauty. #beautyquotes #inspirationalquotes #deenametzger

Custom Millwork & Bespoke Colors

Desiree Ashworth’s (Beljar Home) former Utah homes come to mind when I reflect on the luxury of fine craftsmanship.

Rustic French farmhouse European country cottage with pale blues and green interiors - Decor de Provence. #frenchcountry #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #cottages
Decor de Provence…in case Gustavian and French float your boat.

While traditional, Gustavian-inspired, and Old World, the trim around doors and throughout this cottage feels luxe and fresh. The blue-grey-green stain was custom, and I can’t imagine how many of her admirers have asked for the formula (which doesn’t exist!). 🙂

French country dining room in a French and Gustavian inspired home by Desiree Ashworth. #frenchcountrydiningroom
@beljarhome – Photos of Lovely Rustic Elegant Country Interiors to Inspire.

Playful Scale & Whimsy in Elegant Rustic Country Design

Boldness can be a very luxe move.

Charming French country rustic entry with wood gate, black bicycle with basket of blooms, and rugged stone and lantern - Chateau Domingue.
Photos of Lovely Rustic Elegant Country Interiors and also Decorating Tips to Inspire. (photo: Chateau Domingue).

Whether it’s a giant-sized gate…

Beauty quote by Alice Walker on Hello Lovely Studio. #beautyquotes #soulfulquotes #alicewalker

or playing with scale on a kitchen shelf…

Farm sink, subway tile backsplash, and open shelving in a modern farmhouse kitchen by Leanne Ford. #restoredbythefords #leanneford #modernfarmhousekitchen #farmsink #modernrustic #interiordesign
Leanne Ford (Photo: Alexandra Ribar)

the idea is to inject more FUN and less seriousness into the mix.

Inspirational flower quote about blooming and life on Hello Lovely Studio. #flowerquote #inspirationalquotes #flowers

A sense of humor can be scarce in a lot of uptight fancy designs, and adding whimsy or surprises lighten the whole mood.

Leanne Ford designed white kitchen (Rinaman project) painted Delicate White by PPG.
PPG Delicate White in the Rinaman kitchen designed by Leanne Ford
Mary Oliver quote about standing wherever I am to be blessed on Hello Lovely Studio. #maryoliverquotes #personalgrowthquotes #strugglequotes

When You Don’t Have a Luxurious Budget

Rustic Casual Porch

Cozy & Neutral Finds

Minimal Laid Back Luxe Interior Finds

Modern Country Living Room Finds

French Farmhouse Decor Inspiration & Shopping Sources

Inspirational quote - Hello Lovely Studio.

More Euro Country Rustic Inspiration!

Do visit my archives and these stories for French farmhouse inspiration destined to charm you and ease you into a peaceful state of being.

Rustic, Euro, French and Interior Design Inspiration

Provence Style

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

8 Comments

  1. April 5, 2019 / 12:19 pm

    I love these old world materials and finishes! I’m looking for surface material for the floor of a covered patio and those beautiful terra cotta tiles would be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration and have a great weekend!
    xo
    Holly

    • Michele
      Author
      April 5, 2019 / 1:46 pm

      I need to use terracotta tiles in a space soon so I can decide whether they are something I can live with! Glad you found some lovely inspo! Bon weekend!

  2. Joanna
    April 5, 2019 / 1:25 pm

    I find the Tuscan style to be passé where I live. I don’t know Arizona well, but I’m assuming it is an ongoing style in the desert towns. It suits the earthy colors of a desert area.
    When you move to Arizona will you leave your serene, white, style of decorating behind or will you renovate another home with French farmhouse sensibilities? I’m thinking the latter.

    • Michele
      Author
      April 5, 2019 / 1:45 pm

      That makes perfect sense. Since I’m out here in the soggy, grey, Midwest where arid weather and earthy tones are the exception! It does suit Arizona well. I can’t live with terracotta on the walls, but I do imagine I could be happy with stucco and expanses of warm white stucco! Ha! There is not a chance I can ever leave my white style. I think we will probably build a French farmhouse on a beautiful lot. Just in the dreaming stages, but what if it became our thing – building them for others? I actually sold our Arizona place as an estate – with everything I created inside of it sold alongside the property in one fell swoop. French farmhouse is calling no matter where we end up retiring. 🙂

  3. Teresea
    April 20, 2020 / 8:13 am

    Hi Michele, could you add the correct link for the white dome light, item 3. It takes you to a footstool. Thanks.

  4. Marilyn S.
    April 20, 2020 / 9:18 pm

    So beautiful Michele, I do need to point out that the photos of your home’s spaces are so beautiful and in league with all those other photos from all the fantastic and dreamy homes you share . You just have an eye and heart for Lovely !

    Marilyn

    • Michele
      Author
      April 20, 2020 / 10:09 pm

      Thanks so much, Marilyn. You just made my day, lovely one. 🙂 Hope you are well.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing