Country Schemes at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Country schemes cry out for comfy, homely pieces with soft lines and soft materials. This squidgy Sofa is perfect piled up with cushions in pretty floral fabrics. The leather armchair is another country classic - the more beaten up and worn, the better.

More is more in a country scheme, so forget minimalism and crowd mantelpieces and tables with pretty pieces. Country schemes find new tasks for old favourites, too - a Kilner jar becomes a vase, a teapot becomes a plant pot holder, and worn leather suitcases become a coffee table. Just mix and match for maximum impact.

This room is a lighter, airier interpretation of the classic country look. There is timber furniture designed with the open shelving and solid lines of traditional rustic pieces, but it has a modern finish. The floral prints of classic country schemes are retained but used sparingly and they're set against clear, fresh colours and plenty of plain accessories and fabrics.