House Rules: Katie & Alex’s Rustic-Modern Farmhouse

For the final House Rules home renovation teams travel to Gundaroo in country New South Wales for a massive makeover of Kate and Alex’s run-down 1800s cottage into a rustic-modern farmhouse. Want to create your own modern country home? We show you how to get the look.

Older, heritage homes can naturally take on a more cottagey, countryside look. But if you live in an apartment or new build, don’t be disheartened, you can still follow the same design principles. Start with a neutral palette, then introduce colours of nature such as the sky, wood greenery and other earthy tones to help break up white backdrops. Green up your balcony or grow your own herbs on the kitchen windowsill and do your best to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Make comfort a priority by choosing a large, oversized sofa in linen or leather, that will soften with time and couch sessions. Tech items such as televisions and stereos, while part of modern life, should not be the focus of your living room. Instead, position seating near beautifully views or communal areas such as the kitchen or dining area to encourage open interaction with friends and family.

Whether it’s for a guest or yourself, you want a country-style bedroom to be as welcoming as possible. Start with a generous, comfy bed and beautiful bed linen, then layer in cushions, throws and a shag-style rug to bring warmth and a modern edge to the room.

Pastel colours are soothing, serene and will give a general lift to any home. Think beyond walls and pick up pastel tones in homewares, kitchen cupboards and floor tiles – they work wonderfully against neutrals greys and charcoal.

Teams went big on eco-friendly solutions for Katie & Alex, adding solar panels, skylights and other energy-efficient solutions to their country home. Another way to embrace your eco side is to think carefully about purchases and how they will fit and function in your home. Where possible choose natural, eco-friendly or recyclable materials, such as mango wood, bamboo, recycled timber, wool, linen and rattan. Consider upcycling wooden furniture by repainting it in an on-trend colour. Think outside the square: Mikaela and Eliza used our reclaimed teak outdoor table as an indoor dining table, which fit with the theme and perfectly complemented the neutral, light-filled living room. Remember, décor can be imperfect, organic and a little rough around the edges – it adds character and charm.

For more rustic-modern farmhouse inspiration shop this House Rules renovation.