Modern European Country: Learn the Look!

This inspiring collection of eclectic images reflects what is possible when you ignore trends and celebrate tradition with modern amenities. Timeless tranquility and relaxed elegance are favorites on this site, and European influenced designs seem to honor it best in country houses, English country cottages, French farmhouses, and villas with sleepy rustic charm. These modern European Country style rooms tell a story. Something romantic emerges in the mood of a room when the saturation of colors is turned down and a spare mix of antiques and modern amenities is thoughtfully curated. Let’s see the fruits of what is possible.

Modern European Country: Learn the Look!

European Country Vs. American Country

How is modern European Country different from American or farmhouse style? Oh, the world of country decorating and all of the different labels we slap on beautiful country styled rooms!

What I’m calling modern European Country style here is influenced by country homes in France, cottages in the English countryside, Swedish farmhouses, rustic Italian villas, and Belgian minimal style.

Modern French farmhouse living room by Eleanor Cummings with Swedish antiques and white painted beams - Milieu. #livingroom #modernfrench #frenchfarmhouse #europeancountry #texasfarmhouse
Design: Eleanor Cummings; Architect: Kirby Mears; Photo: Timothy Street-Porter in Milieu.

American farmhouse style may also draw from traditional style, but the mix of design elements is typically less eclectic.

Ammonite paint color by Farrow & Ball is a wonderful warm greyed white with an atmospheric, serene mood. #ammonite #farrowandball #paintcolors #lightgrey #diningroom #europeancountry #rusticdecor
FARROW & BALL Ammonite paint color on walls as well as rugged stone and plaster.

Country houses in Europe tend to have antiques in the mix and feel evolved because they HAVE evolved.

Serene sage green Scandinavian kitchen with mossy green cabinets and modern adjustable arm sconces - Petra Bindel. #swedishkitchen #scandinaviandesign #nordicstyle #europeancountry #kitchendesign
Elle Decoration Sweden (Photo by Petra Bindel) – a clean, simple, and also efficient Scandi kitchen with laid back rustic elegance.

We Americans are often in a hurry to get a look done in a day which has ramifications.

Scrivano fixer upper cottage breakfast nook with European inspired design, black and white check floors, light grey trim, white walls, modern lighting, and romantic timeless style. #homedecor #vintagestyle #fixerupper #kitchendesign #vintagekitchen #europeancountry
A Texas home with vintage style as well as Euro farmhouse influences – HGTV’s Fixer Upper

A slower process though it be, collecting a mix of ingredients and layering them thoughtfully (with an emphasis on purposeful objects, not “decorations), results in a more sophisticated simplicity.

Modern European Country Color Palettes

Another distinctive quality of European country decorating is the use of pale colors and natural neutrals.

Benjamin Moore White Sand paint color on walls of my French country dining room with dried hydrangea in vintage bucket on table with grainsack runner - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #diningroom #paintcolors #benjaminmoorewhitesand #whitesand #interiordesign
Hello Lovely Studio – European country style interiors to inspire with photos as well as ideas to get the look.

American country interiors are often bright and layered with prints and pattern, while European-inspired spaces have calmer color stories.

Smoke Green paint (F&B) on French farmhouse kitchen cabinets. Design by Vivi et Margot has a luxurious Ilve range #frenchfarmhouse #smokegreen #paintcolors #frenchkitchen #kitchendesign #farrowandballsmokegreen #greencabinets #ilverange #vivietmargot
Vivi et Margot – a charming farmhouse French kitchen with stunning FARROW & BALL Green Smoke No. 47 painted cupboards.

There are plenty of interesting color stories beyond beige on beige though! Charlotte’s French farmhouse kitchen with its Green Smoke cabinets sings with personality.

I think a preference for neutrals is a natural response to a design approach which favors creating timeless rooms that won’t need to be changed any time soon.

There is always a new palette or paint color marketed on social media, and those trending products often reflect a particular consciousness in the culture.

English country cottage kitchen with Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster cabinets and Wimborne White walls - @penlancottagebrecon. #settingplaster #englishcountryinterior
@penlancottagebrecon – F&B Setting Plaster & Wimborne White

However, a timeless approach is not tied to a particular chapter in history or cultural milieu (such as post-pandemic anxiety mode).

Cozy white kitchens are not going to feel silly in a few years because they have already proven to be inviting, pleasing, and great for resale.

Wimborne White paint color by Farrow & Ball on walls of a glorious country kitchen by Siobhan McFadden of Homestead. #wimbornewhite #farrowandball #paintcolors #englishcountry #kitchendesign #whitepaintcolors #interiordesign
F&B Wimborne White No. 239 paint…in case you love this white in a kitchen by Homestead.

Antiques, Patina & Repurposed Materials

There’s a more conservative sensibility that goes along with timeless approaches to design.

English Country style bathroom with Farrow & Ball Wimborne White on lower wall, trim, and floor. #wimbornewhite
In case you need an off-white paint color suggestion: Wimborne White No. 239

Things don’t need to be shiny and new or require polishing.

Beautiful English country kitchen with cabinets painted Setting Plaster and walls Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball - @penlancottagebrecon. #englishcountrykitchen #farrowandballsettingplaster #farrowandballwimbornewhite
@penlancottagebrecon; Wimborne White (walls) & Setting Plaster (cabinets)

A more European approach is to buy high quality and then allow it to age gracefully.

Stunning architecture and European country inspired design in a Malibu kitchen with white oak, limestone, and bespoke details - Giannetti Home. #kitchendesign #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #bespokekitchen
Kitchen with architecture by Steve Giannetti and Brooke Giannetti as interior designer (photo: Lisa Romerein) – see it in the glorious: PATINA HOMES.
Patina Homes by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti (Gibbs Smith, 2021) book cover. #interiordesign #brookegiannetti #frenchfarmhouse
PATINA HOMES.(Gibbs Smith, 2021)

In America, homeowners are quick to replace objects with signs of wear and are less tolerant of imperfections as materials change.

Sophisticated and elegant English cottage interior - Anton & K.
Anton & K – see more HERE

Modern European country interiors celebrate signs of age and all that is tumbledown lovely.

French and Swedish antiques in a Cotswolds cottage by Anton & K. #englishcottage #europeancountry #countrykitchen
Anton & K

So many design elements get better as they age and develop patina.

Tara Shaw designed space with butterfly bench, antique African currency swords, and Swedish secretaire.⁠ #tarashaw
Tara Shaw – see more HERE

Wood and metal and stone change in their appearance with time, and the look feels rich and comforting because it has served its caretakers so well for so long.

French bistro chair and stripe Turkish throw tucked in a corner of my garden to invite relaxation and reading (cookbooks are my idea of relaxation!). #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #bistrochair #turkishthrow #seagrassbasket #turkishtowel #outdooroasis #romanticgarden #outdoordecor #bistrochairs
Hello Lovely Studio – European country style interiors to inspire with photos as well as ideas to get the look.

You can learn to appreciate the look of such modern country spaces in European country houses by studying design books and actually reading the commentary rather than skimming through the photos.

The point is never to copy a room you see but to learn the look enough to apply the guiding principles to your own project.

Quietude, Living With Less & Understated Interiors

I see a greater use of restraint and thoughtful curation in European country decorating, whether it is modern or more traditional.

Farrow & Ball Pointing paint color in a stairway of a beautiful home. #pointing #farrowandballpointing #whitepaintcolors
In case you need a warm and delicate white: Pointing.

In part, this is a natural consequence of smaller homes in Europe versus the United States.

A more spare look is often a more spacious look.

But there’s also a real sense of not showing off, of humility.

BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites
Hello Lovely Studio

Let’s face it. A country house is often about being outdoors in the beauty of nature and relaxing in shelters that revere what is just outside the windows rather than inside them.

BM White Sand paint color in Belgian style living room with original abstracts by Michele - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand
Hello Lovely Studio

Fine things and beautiful collections of art and sculpture belong, yet they should relate and elevate the overall design.

French farmhouse photos and design inspiration. Rustic decor, weathered stone and doors, European antiques, and French country decorating inspiration. #frenchfarmhouse #rusticdecor #frenchcountry #interiordesign #frenchinspiration #frenchhomes #frenchdecor #europeanfarmhouse
Reclaimed stone, art, and also antique lanterns – Chateau Domingue.

Understated elegance is never easily defined!

Elegant rustic French country dining room with antiques, reclaimed stone, and treasures from Chateau Dominuge including limestone fireplace - Milieu. #oldworldstyle #diningroom #countryfrench #frenchfarmhouse #diningrooms
European antiques and French stone fireplace in a dining room (Chateau Domingue)

Don’t you agree? When you see it, you can recognize it.

Charming French farmhouse girl's bedroom with iron panel beds and windows open to countryside - Vivi et Margot. #frenchfarmhouse #bedrooms #girlsbedroom
Kids bedroom in a romantic restored French farmhouse by Vivi et Margot…see more of this home HERE.

But reducing it to a few sentences? Well, that’s tricky.

Gorgeous white stucco French farmhouse inspired house exterior with tile roof - Reagan Andre. #pamelapierce #reaganandre #frenchfarmhouse #houseexterior #housedesign #whitestucco
Reagan-Andre Architects – also, who can forget that first issue of Milieu…subscribe immediately!!!!

Collections & Vignettes

Displaying a treasured collection can be such a joy in decorating.

Old apothecary jars, rustic antiques from Europe, and a concerned kitty too in a dining room by Chateau Domingue. #diningrooms #interiordesign #countryfrench
Old apothecary jars, rustic antiques from Europe, and a concerned kitty too in a dining room by Chateau Domingue.

The display of a collection can read modern even if the objects are very old.

Serene minimal bedroom - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #romanticbedroom
Brooke Giannetti – Velvet and Linen

And if your collection is antique furniture, well then, it is easy to enjoy in its usefulness and ability to set a tone.

Gorgeous European farmhouse style in a New York apartment entry with rustic finishes and antiques by Jocelyn Sinnauer.
European Farmhouse decor inspiration as well as styling ideas – Jocelyn Sinauer via Remodelista.

Pieces can be modernized with new upholstery or used for a new purpose.

Gracie wallpaper in living room - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #livingrooms
Brooke Giannetti – Velvet and Linen

For example, Old cupboards can become new bath vanities.

Breathtaking, timeless, and tranquil bathroom design with natural materials, European antiques, and bespoke design from Giannetti Home. #bathroomdesign #europeancountry #sophisticatedstyle #brookegiannetti
Bathroom with sink and bathtub and window with architecture by Steve Giannetti and Brooke Giannetti as interior designer – see it in the glorious: PATINA HOMES.

Another way to add modernity to a country interior that is otherwise traditional in style?

Quiet and humble beauty in a lovely country kitchen and dining area with shabby chic vintage style. A chunky antique farm table mixes with antique mismatched chairs and a white chandelier. #shabbychic #countrykitchen #beadboardceiling
Hello Lovely gorgeous interior design photos of French farmhouse, rustic elegant interiors, and also Euro inspired homes (Jocelyn Sinauer in Remodelista).

Modern lighting and modern art. I paint meditative abstract seascapes which blend nicely in Old World environments.

An abstract painting by me on a white wall in a bedroom with white linen slipcovered chairs and farm table - Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoorewhite #paintcolors #interiordesign
Hello Lovely Studio – Hello Lovely gorgeous interior design photos of French farmhouse, rustic elegant interiors, and also Euro inspired homes

What distinguishes modern European country farmhouse sensibilities from American country decorating? 

I think a more American approach to decorating is to be centered in the present or dreaming about the future.

Alder door opens into a neutral bedroom with linen upholstered egg chair and grisaille mural on wall - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – Hello Lovely gorgeous interior design photos of French farmhouse, rustic elegant interiors, and also Euro inspired homes

While a more European approach is more informed by history and what endures.

The charm of vertical built-in shelves in a vintage style kitchen is hard to beat! Ironstone, white dishware, and stoneware look elegant massed in this country style space with #shabbychic appeal. #ironstone #whitedecor #farmhousestyle
Hello Lovely white ironstone collection as well as topiary heaven –Remodelista (Design: Jocelyn Sinauer).

Serene bedroom with European rustic elegance looks as though it might be in the South of France, not New York...see more lovely examples of European farmhouse decor you can bring to your own spaces at home. #Europeanfarmhouse #elegantdecor #countrystyle
European Farmhouse Style Interiors…in case you love the vintage styling of Jocelyn Sinauer.

We love innovation and the NEW and the NOW and the possibilities in modern America.

Rustic elegance and uncluttered country decor sing in a French Nordic Farmhouse dining room with knotty wood ceiling and antique lantern. See more European inspired country decor in the story. #FrenchCountry #FrenchNordic #countrydecor
European inspired country homes and design ideas too – Decor de Provence

But there’s a romance, a design intelligence and even a soulfulness about keeping goodness from the past under our noses too.

Our country may still be too young to fully appreciate the significance of wisdom from the past.

BM White Sand in a modern French entry hall with arched walnut front doors - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand
Hello Lovely Studio

With the rapid technological advances in recent years and a sense that to stay relevant, you must keep with it, wouldn’t you think spaces at home could be exempt from so much frenzy?

An Evolved Look & Mastering the Mix

Take your time in layering your room with furniture, decor, and colors that feel comforting to you.

Elegant, refined, and masterfully designed, this kitchen with farm sink and arched window is but one moment in our tour of unforgettable interiors with European inspired charm. #farmsink #FrenchCountry #lightblue
Photo: Design Indulgence – also, see more of this 2017 Southeastern Designer Showhouse kitchen.

Once you have a particular mood and color story in mind, try not to fill your space quickly in a few shopping trips.

Rustic aged wood ceiling beams, brick flooring and walls of glass in a masterfully designed European country home - Oz Architects.
In case you admire steel windows and doors…Oz Architects/Interior Design: David Michael Miller (Photo: Werner Segarra)

Rather, make a list of characteristics you admire and objects you may wish to collect and live with. As budget allows, let the design unfold without rushing it.

Modern Euro Country Farmhouse Favorites

There are so many beautiful ways to interpret European country style style! Some of these decorating ingredients seem to often show up in lovely rooms:

Harvest tables
Antique chairs
Painted furniture
Natural wood finishes
Rugged stone and marble
Farm Sinks
Solid wood doors
Iron lanterns
Organic materials
Handcrafted objects
Plaster walls
Rustic freestanding cupboards
Exposed rafters and beams
Reading Nooks
Butcher’s Block
Exposed Ceiling Beams
Patina-ed everything
Weathered Wood and Metals
Fresh Flowers
Handpainted objects
Glazed tiles
Vintage Linens and Quilts
Clawfoot Tubs
Canopy Beds
Matte finishes (non-shiny metals)
Steel windows
An absence of plastic/vinyl/disposable

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

If you missed THIS BREATHTAKING TOUR of exceptional European inspired designs with exquisite finishes…you’ll thank me!

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!

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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
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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