Whether you want a casual beach feel or a warm cosy cottage style, the decorating elements remain the same.
First, look at the structure of your room. Are there any architectural features you want to enhance or disguise? Built-in cabinets can be painted or stripped and then used to hold books and collections. Colour should definitely be your next consideration. Will you let your country furniture and accessories tell the story or will you go crazy with colour? I often compromise and paint a feature wall in a rich burgundy or green to add interest without overly darkening or closing in the room. Fireplaces can be renovated to become the focal point of the room – they add charm and make great display areas.
Timber floors are classic country and look great heavily distressed or lime-washed for a holiday cabin look. If you prefer carpet, consider sisal to add texture to your room. Persian carpets always blend well with country-style homes as do braided rugs which have a handmade quality.
Lighting is another very important consideration. Vintage fittings can be found in second-hand shops and markets, new light fittings can be given a makeover by ageing and antiquing them. I recently purchased a reasonably priced five-arm chandelier-style fitting – it was sanded and spray-painted with bronze auto paint, then antiqued candle columns were placed over the fittings and candle bulbs inserted. I finished it off with small shades that clip over the bulbs and the modern light now has a great old-world look.
I like to include sconce lights on the walls as they give a soft lamp-like glow and are perfect when you don’t need bright light to work or read. Try punched tin lampshades that create interesting patterns on the wall when lit and add rustic charm when they’re not.
Window dressings are both a necessity and a decorating challenge, depending on your privacy requirements. I prefer minimal coverings on timber windows. To showcase my own cedar ones, I’ve made patchwork-style valances that hang across the top of them to cover roller blinds. Timber and vinyl venetians and shutters create a casual country feel while more formal rich-coloured curtains and pelmets suit period homes.

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