The Antigua residence of Bunny Mellon.
Often when some hear the word country style or interior design, the first images that come to their mind are unpainted wood, rust metal furniture, and rough, textural walls and floors surfaces, however, there is also another kind of country style that is also sophisticated and refined. It’s true that I love urban and polished interiors, but I also love and enjoy being in a sophisticated country space for many different reasons, but mostly for its coziness and inviting feel.
The above image is the living room of the Antigua home of Bunny Mellon. In my opinion, Mellon did a sophisticated country like no other.
Commonly based on a traditional design, sophisticated country home is above and foremost anchored to its surrounding. Some people credit the English country homes as the most beautiful ones; others claim the French do it better, while a small group rules for the American country style. I believe that there shouldn’t be any comparison since any interior design style should depend on geographical location, traditions, and often local craftsmanship.
5 Breaks Down for a Sophisticated Country Style
Furniture: Antiques, rattan, wicker, and deep and comfortable upholstered furniture are a must. Old stylish furniture will also be beautiful. White painted wooden case pieces are also commonly used.
Fabric: Floral fabrics such as cotton chintz, checked, and gingham is but a few upholstered fabrics used in this type of country design. Hand dyed fabrics, like batik and tribal influenced textile, are also part of the decor as well.
Accessories: Blue and white ceramics, baskets, pottery, and topiaries are among everything else the owner collects.
Colors: Blues, greens, whites, dark tones, a neutral palette are usually among the subtle colors chosen.
The kitchen above is one that I’d never get tired of. It’s elegantly country style without being rustic.
This image from Christie’s, eloquently explains my point mentioned above, where an attainable sophistication coexists with coziness effortlessly.
Rattan or wicker is a stable of sophisticated country design and also is the floral fabric as cotton chintz.
I love a bathroom that is unconventional and looks more like rooms than utility spaces. This bathroom has an antique chest as a vanity, a traditional rug, and custom curtains, everything in it speaks volumes of the sophistication of its owner. 
Tory Burch’s kitchen in Antigua. Pretty blue and white pottery inside a chicken wired cabinet makes this space spectacularly traditional in a laid back way. 
Another beautiful bathroom where unconventional items find their home. Who said you couldn’t have a custom fabric shade above your soaking tub. Love the use of what it looks like Framed Swedish birds as art.
A more neutral take, but still refined and elegant. 
A French country kitchen.
A sophisticated country style with a coastal influence that is feminine and chic. The trellis on the walls has my name all over them.
Oak Spring Farms, Bunny Mellon’s country estate.
I also love kitchens that don’t look entirely like kitchens.
