A rugged dining room showcases its natural materials.

The 14-foot harvest table, made from planks from the original tamarack floors, seats the owners’ 12 grandchildren. A classic blue Quebecois chandelier was painted black to coordinate with the distressed dining chairs and the door’s cast iron hardware. Still, minimalist restraint keeps the look on-trend.

For more contemporary country spaces, visit our Photo Gallery: Farmhouse Style.

Glass cupboard doors create a pretty display and add sparkle.

An oversized centre island makes a perfect working surface, as well as a gathering space for family and entertaining. The white subway tile backsplash and modern light fixtures give this room youthful kick, too.

An upholstered bench makes good use of minimal space.

A simple banquette makes for comfortable seating in this small dining nook. The burnt-oak, x-back wood chairs add rustic flair and mimic the finish on the heavy-framed mirror.

Putty-hued paint stands out against crisp white panelling.

A cushioned wicker chair is a cosy addition to this master bathroom. The warm wood floor, ornate mirror and lantern candle holder grant this room farmhouse charm, while the bright white paint and unadorned windows update the look.

Designer Darryl Carter’s kitchen is clean, almost Shaker-like and utilitarian.

With the new country look, even finishing touches have simple lines and handcrafted appeal. Organic pieces like rough-hewn boards and firewood soften a clean white space with natural texture. The look is as hardworking as ever — industrial appliances and a farmhouse table that doubles as an island — but emits modern serenity.

See more 2011 trend looks in our photo gallery.

For more island inspiration, see our Kitchen Tables As Islands photo gallery.

A primarily white space is punctuated with black and stone for a distinguished look.

Beadboard-covered walls lend a touch of rusticity to this elegant farmhouse. Impressive architectural details draw the eye upwards to the stunning vaulted ceiling. Hefty custom-built stools, painted in a contrasting colour, have the right weight to balance out the rest of the room.

For more contemporary country spaces, visit our Photo Gallery: Farmhouse Style.

A blue and white striped rug adds a lovely punch of colour.

An elevated tub sits under large windows, offering a picturesque view on the rural landscape. Wainscoting gives this room its classic country feel, while chrome hardware and dark floors keep it current.

A gutsy reno adds European sensibility to a family cottage.

Before she updated her family’s 70-year-old cottage, designer Colette van den Thillart‘s mother advised her to tear the building down. But Colette was determined to maintain the original structure: “I’m not terribly sentimental, but Canadians understand how deep into your system family cottages get.” The result is a cottage that is a scrapbook of her family’s history. At times dark and moody, then airy and Scandinavian, the home is fresh, calm and welcoming.

See more photos in our Traditional Cottages gallery, Cottages & Country Houses, plus more cottage photos.

Plush bedding and carpet in watery hues create a soothing atmosphere.

A palette of pale blues and creamy whites plays into this principal bedroom’s atmosphere of calm. The homeowners had the cypress ceiling pickled to accentuate the height, and to tone down the orange. French doors flood the room with light and lead to private gardens.

See more photos of this gorgeous country home in our photo gallery.

For more contemporary country spaces, visit our Farmhouse Style gallery.

See more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, plus see more cottage photos.

Dark countertops, corbels and grey floor tiles balance the otherwise white space.

Modern conveniences, like the wall-mounted spigot tap over the stove for filling pots, update the country-style kitchen in this home. Massive stone corbels support the range hood, adding interest and a sense of history to the new-build house.

Pretty prints and plenty of natural light make this a soothing place to work at home.

With an easy mix of dark and light wood tones, this office is both functional and easy on the eyes. Classic toile upholstery on the chairs references the home’s idyllic setting, while white beadboard walls, heated stone flooring and a mix of furniture styles add a rustic touch to the space.

See more photos of this home, plus other luxurious country houses, in our Grand Country Houses photo gallery.

Create a chic place to hang coats and stash boots with white paint and smart storage.

At this back entry, a bench doubles as storage for seasonal items, like scarves, mittens and hats. A shelf and coat rack keep frequently-used items close at hand and organized. The stone floor tiles are especially practical when boots get muddy or snowy.

See more photos of this home, plus other luxurious country houses, in our Grand Country Houses photo gallery.

Ornate light sconces offer drama in an otherwise light space.

While details such as wainscoting and painted furniture lend a country feel to the room, the delicate lines of the porcelain sink and a detailed mirror keep the overall look timeless.

A large island makes entertaining a pleasure.

This rustic design brings together rough-hewn woods and stone to create texture and drama. Vintage accents, like the industrial light fixtures and ceramic subway tile backsplash, help to make a new kitchen look like it’s been cooking for decades. Teak stools make the perfect place to perch and eat or chat.

For more contemporary country spaces, visit our Photo Gallery: Farmhouse Style.

Crisp white and black cabinets and counters keep this design fresh.

A charming apron sink, shaker-style cabinetry and dark oiled-soapstone counters infuse this kitchen with farmhouse style.

For more contemporary country spaces, visit our Photo Gallery: Farmhouse Style.