A trip to the country

If you really love the countryside but live by the sea or in a city, it is easy to bring the look of the country to your home. Here are the different forms of country style to help you achieve the look you want.

Cottage farmhouse: Rustic tones, wooden beams and a brick fireplace are very typical features of this style. It relies on a wide use of natural materials such as wood, brick, stone and naturally textured fabrics. Floorboards can be left exposed then stained or varnished and softened with mats or rugs. Furniture should be plump and have an exposed frame of natural wood. Fire surrounds can be stone or brick and should have copper and brass accessories. Leave beamed walls rough and natural looking with a coat of white paint.

English Country house: The main style feature to have for this look is patterns, mainly floral and large in scale. A typical colour scheme would be pink with white or cream and touches of green. Other colours used could be based around yellow and blue or shades of gold and brown. Colours often seem muted so do not use bright hues. Use flowers to help bring the country feel into your home.

American Country: Stripped-pine cupboards, dressers and chests, rush seated chairs settles and rockers all lend themselves to this style. Colours are rather dull so patchwork and rugs bring a splash of colour to the room. Stencil work in 'folk' native designs are important for this look.