5 ways to modernise your country home

1, Raise the roof...

...and we don't just mean
metaphorically! Rural homes tend to be built fairly low, so embrace the
space the lack of upstairs neighbours brings and extend those ceiling
heights. The family above cleverly make the room appear even larger by
sticking to a monochrome palette – and while the Hackney Station sign
reminds of the city, by using railway sleepers as stairs, the owners
merge the urban and rural together.

2, Use sleek materials

Instead of sticking to chunky
oak tables and AGAs, try going to a more city-slick approach with your
kitchen. The owners here embraced stainless steel cabinets and a full
height blackboard wall, adding an industrial edge. As a homage to the
area's history, the island here is made out of reclaimed wood from the
local parish hall.

3, Open up to the light

Add in full height windows to ensure light reaches everywhere in your country pad. White walls and pale floors will enhance every beam of sunlight and prove everyone who thought country homes are all dark very wrong.

4, Be prepared for guests

Trust us, as soon as your friends realise you have a country house, you'll be inundated with guests – and probably end up hosting a lot of parties. The trick to keeping these city-style? Dark, vintage-style bars. A wine cellar is all well and good but, really, that'll just keep you away from your gorgeously decorated rooms every time you need a new bottle of Merlot!

5, Enjoy the view!

Above all, make your rural house a place you want to be. Try a minimal bathroom like the one above, with sleek slats and clean lines in perfect contrast to the rolling landscape out the window. Now, pour in some bath oils and relax...

Download audio content