Set the scene

Country charm

This look should be about balance and feeling at one with the garden. From a bijoux cottage garden to a more rambling estate, rural properties often enjoy outdoor spaces with lots of different areas for outdoor living.

Create a spot for afternoon tea or family meals, or quiet contemplation, perhaps tucked away beneath some trees or beside a pond. Use a lawn for garden games or stretching out on a sun lounger, larger spaces might even afford a swing bench from which to listen to birdsong.

Traditional-style furniture in wood, wicker or wrought iron is ideal and works well with classic planting schemes of scented roses and cottage garden flowers.

Echo an abundance of flowers in the choice of textiles. Much like in a country house, the pattern mixing can be slightly eclectic, with florals, stripes and checks mixed with smart globally inspired choices, such as a paisley, ikat or chinoiserie. Keeping to bright,