Respecting the essence, gaining in functionality and comfort and connecting with the environment are some tips for renovating a country house.
Giving a country house a facelift has some peculiarities, because an urban environment is not the same as a natural environment. And neither is an urban flat the same as a holiday home. The needs are different and so are the conditions. But there is something in common in all cases when it comes to renovation: ‘let's not forget that functionality and comfort are essential pillars that ensure that a country house is not only beautiful, but also a cosy and functional haven for its inhabitants’,
One key to carrying out a renovation with character is ‘to identify original, interesting and authentic elements of country house construction such as wooden beams, stone walls, terracotta floors or hydraulic tiles, wooden doors or windows, old fireplaces, etc’, says the architect. ‘These elements can be restored and highlighted to preserve the original charm of the house. For example, if there is an old fireplace, restoring it and making it the focal point of the living room can add a lot of character’.
‘To retain the essence, it is important to respect the vernacular architecture and traditional materials. Avoiding drastic structural changes and keeping the original layout can help preserve the character of the house.’
To connect the house with its natural surroundings, it is advisable to use materials that integrate with the landscape, such as wood, stone and clay. ‘These materials are not only aesthetically appropriate, but also help to maintain a warm and cosy atmosphere,’ she says. ‘In addition, maximising views to the outside through large windows or sliding doors can help connect indoors to outdoors and the other way around.
‘In addition to the rustic style, other styles that can fit well in a country house are country, cottage, vintage or even industrial style if properly combined with rustic elements. Personally, the one that would suit me best is warm minimalism, giving prominence to some original elements and leaving the rest very simple, neutral, but with elements that give it warmth, such as wood and always accompanied by good lighting’.
To update the interior in a simple way, the architect recommends making simple changes, ‘such as painting the walls in light colours to give a feeling of spaciousness and luminosity; painting doors and windows in the same tone as the walls or contrasting them, for example, with a greenish tone; changing textiles such as curtains and cushions for others that are more modern but maintain the warmth; updating accessories such as lamps and taps; replacing furniture and adding decorative elements such as pictures, mirrors, rugs or plants’.
‘In many country homes, space can be limited. It is therefore important to maximise the use of each area. And, to achieve this, she gives us several ideas: ‘you can use smart storage solutions, such as built-in cupboards, shelves or multifunctional furniture, to make the most of every corner’.
Natural light is a key element in any renovation, especially in a country house where a connection with nature is sought. ‘Maximising the entry of natural light by enlarging windows or adding skylights can make spaces feel more open and airy’.
‘In addition to building materials, natural elements can be incorporated into the décor, such as organic fibres (hemp, jute, wicker), cotton or linen textiles, solid wood furniture, and even decorative elements such as stones, dried branches or plants. Light tones in furniture such as white, ecru, stone, beige or green will always brighten up spaces’.
We cannot forget the outdoor spaces, ‘country houses usually have gardens, patios or terraces that can be as important as the interior’. In these, she recommends ‘creating outdoor seating areas with comfortable furniture, adequate lighting and perhaps even an outdoor kitchen area can extend the living area and make the most of the natural surroundings. Also creating pergola areas can be an excellent addition to a country house, providing outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically appealing’.
Visit now country houses for sale in Costa Blanca to renovate or redecorate.
