4 minute read • Mater Prize Home, Prize Home Lottery, Mater Lotteries
How to master the modern country style
The modern country style is more than a design trend—it’s a way of living. One that embraces comfort, authenticity, and a strong sense of place. There’s something undeniably cosy about this aesthetic—timeless yet fresh, rustic yet refined. It’s a style that speaks to the desire for simplicity, warmth, and connection to the landscape, without compromising on contemporary comforts or design.
One of the most beautiful examples of this style is found in our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 319 in Eumundi. Set among rolling green hills and lush hinterland, the prize home captures everything enviable about modern country living—earthy, grounded, and endlessly welcoming.
The secret to mastering this wholesome look is about creating a space that feels truly yours. Here’s how to effortlessly wrap yourself in the warm embrace of the modern country style.
Start with a soft, neutral foundation
The key to a successful modern country interior lies in its base: think warm whites, soft greys, and natural textures that provide a calm and cohesive backdrop for the more rustic or decorative elements. Pairing this muted base with raw finishes—such as locally sourced stone, reclaimed timber, or even VJ panelling—adds depth and visual texture. These elements help ground the home and connect it with the natural landscape, enhancing that relaxed, lived-in feel.
Add classic character through details
One of the joys of country style is its rich detailing. In a modern interpretation, these features are subtly elevated—less farmhouse kitsch, more timeless elegance. Touches like shaker-style cabinetry, ornate vintage-style hardware, and timber accents all contribute to a space that feels layered and well-considered. Statement features like the striking Falcon freestanding oven with black and gold detailing inside our Mater Prize Home add a sense of grandeur to the kitchen while staying true to the home's classic tone.
Meanwhile, in the master suite, a freestanding bath positioned beside a floor-to-ceiling window creates a moment of everyday luxury, looking out over the private garden and blending modern comfort with a retreat-like feel.
Use colour thoughtfully
While the foundation should feel soft and neutral, colour still has its place in a modern country home—it’s just used with restraint and intent. Rather than bold or high-contrast choices, opt for dusty greens, earthy browns, and muted blush tones that reflect the colours of the landscape.
This approach is perfectly illustrated in our Sunshine Coast prize home, where forest green accents bring a fresh edge to cabinetry and decor, complemented by dusty pinks in the bedrooms and natural timber elements throughout. The result is rich and layered without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s a house that doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels like home.
Mix materials for a relaxed feel
Modern country style isn’t precious—it’s practical, tactile, and made for real living. Embrace a mix of natural materials to create that signature casual comfort. Reclaimed timber, aged metals, and shapely rattan furniture work beautifully together to build a layered yet laid-back space.
The key is contrast: soft fabrics against raw wood, smooth stone alongside woven textures. In the Eumundi home, these materials come together effortlessly, creating a sense of authenticity and lived-in charm. Nothing feels too polished or perfect—and that’s exactly the point.
Create spaces that encourage gathering
Modern country homes are designed to bring people together. Whether it's an impromptu family meal, a long lunch with friends, or simply sharing a quiet moment by the fire, the layout and features of your home should nurture connection.
Our Sunshine Coast country home is a masterclass in creating these moments. The dining area, wrapped in tactile grass cloth wallpaper, sets the tone for intimate family dinners or slow Sunday brunches, with natural textures creating a cocoon-like atmosphere. Close by, a covered alfresco area features a built-in BBQ, round timber dining table, and lush views of the hinterland—perfect for long lunches that stretch into dusk.
Inside, the central fireplace forms the heart of the living space. Both a visual focal point and a functional source of warmth, it invites you to slow down, gather close, and savour the moment—especially in the upcoming cooler months. Whether indoors or out, this is a home designed for connection.
Bring the outdoors in
A true country home should feel connected to its environment. One way to create that synergy is through art and soft furnishings inspired by the landscape. Australiana wall art, floral prints, and patterned textiles echo the beauty of the surrounding Sunshine Coast hinterland in this home, without veering into overly traditional territory.
Florals and checks—when kept subtle and restrained—can add character and warmth, especially when used on cushions or bed linen. Don’t be afraid of a little pattern—it’s often what gives a country home its charm.
Ready to start your next chapter in a move-in-ready modern country home? Buy your tickets today for your chance to win this beautiful Mater Prize Home lottery in Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast! Plus, for every ticket you purchase, you’re helping support the life-changing work at Mater by funding vital medical research and patient care.
