Country Style House Plans

The country look has held a special place in American architecture for many years. It remains the single most popular style for American homes (Rosch, 2002). Early settlers mixed influences of Old World architecture with hand-hewn tools and materials available in the American frontier. The result was a blend of the beautiful and the practical.

Historical Perspectives

Andrew Jackson Downing, an early American architect wrote about weaving together the useful and the beautiful in country homes (1859). Useful in that the homes are affordable, comfortable, well-made, and convenient for the inhabitants. But Downing warns that utility in itself is not enough. He described how homes can be useful, but have no beauty about them. Such buildings “completely answer the useful requirements of man, and give not a ray of pleasure or satisfaction to his heart or understanding” (p. 7). He felt that proportion and symmetry are beautiful in smaller country homes and variety of color and forms and harmony in styles are beautiful with larger dwellings.

John Cordis Baker wrote that rational planning to meet individual needs, design to fit the site, common sense use of materials, and the evolution of new constructive methods characterize the design of country homes. These, he argues “form a distinctly American solution to the problem of a Country House. The result is that our country houses have a distinction of their own…they faithfully express our modern American civilization and show a certain sensible comfort” (1906, p. 21).

Characteristics of Country Homes

Country homes are comfortable and cozy. Exposed beams, rough finishes on the walls, fireplaces for warmth, and windows with small panes were characteristic of country homes. These features are common in today’s country homes. Traditionally, country homes were constructed from local materials. Wood flooring, brick, and stone were all materials available locally. The country homes of today still use these materials, though they may no longer be local (Home Decorating, 2007).

Country Home Decorating

Country home style has no set formula and often has local influences. Accessories are often handmade and varied. A country style home on the coast of Maine may have a seashell themed bathroom, while one in Montana will have a den with a woven rug and lamps made from antlers.

Furniture from flea markets and antique markets are common. Country finishes tend to be natural or even rough. Lines are generally straight and unadorned, without sacrificing comfort. Couches and chairs may be comfortably overstuffed. Fabrics are natural, often locally made with visually interesting patterns. A checked couch may be paired with striped throw pillows and a floral throw. Colors are often soft and muted, rustic.

The blend of country style fabrics, furniture, accessories lend a rustic and comfortable feel to the country home. This style has withstood the test of time and continues to provide useful, comfortable, and beautiful living spaces.