Get That Country Chic Look

The newest take on


country mixes the


renowned styles we already


really like -


classic farmhouse,


sophisticated French and


antique - so follow your heart,


combining and matching


items to help make the


style your own. Mix the


main ingredients - rustic wood,


conventional prints and layers of texture -


then add trendy finds to


produce a space that’s


cozy, peaceful and packed with


character. Find the best place, laid


back bordering on slouchy, this can be a


ideal look for an inviting family kitchen-diner or


laid-back living-room-cum-den. Be


aware of signature pieces, get started with a squashy couch


with layers of soft cushions - choose from


washed out florals, French stripes or large knits.


Include an aged-wood occasional table or


sideboard plus a washed out


rattan basket for throws. Make sure you have plenty of throws blankets and pillows on hand too. Not only do they add a touch of colour and style, but they also help keep you warm and cosy when the weather turns tat bit colder. Pick the best designs,


modern country mixes up the


basic lines of Shaker style, the


classy details of French provincial


décor along with the


sturdy feel of English cottage


craftsmanship. This kind of look is all about you - it may be robust


and pared-back or gentle and detailed, dependant upon your style. Choose a


comforting colour scheme, use


neutrals as the foundation and offseet


them with pastels (hints of sunlit yellow are very effective) and zinc grey.


Increase texture, opt for wood


so long as it’s natural and used,


whitewashed, or painted and peeling. Furnish with


clean ceramics, rattan and wirework


for old-fashioned texture and layers of linen for


cosiness. Include extras and details - scented


candles by good quality


makes for


instance yankee candles and true grace candles are usually a success. If you are ot very keen on scented candles then there are other choices available. You could go for something simple like a basic electric plug-in air fresghener, but this is hardly the most sopjhisticated option. If you are lokiing for something a little more classy them maybe the ideal thing would be a reed diffuser or maybe even a room spray. All the main brands now make these products and they are becoming increasingly popular. Glass provides an exquisite touch,


so use beauteous chandeliers,


fine display bottles and cnadlesticks, boosted


by curvy Venetian and white or gold-framed rococo mirrors. Pick


French-style furniture, look out for scroll-topped details on mirrors or


console tables, plus curvy shapes and painted finishes in soft shades of white,


cream or blue. The shabby chic look is all the range so just let your


imagination run wild.













Experiment


with a tougher edge by working in industrial elements such as reclaimed wood


and metal accessories. Buy second-hand wooden frames or update your own by


painting them in chalky white or cream. Mix shabby-chic pieces with elegant


accessories, choose classic patterns, when it comes to wallpaper and fabrics,


choose soft painterly roses, pastel-coloured toiles and stripes or grand


damasks in muted metallics.Choose the right fireplace, add character and warmth


to your room with an original, reproduction or modern fireplace.


















The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser