Ideal v Great Deal – get a neutral country look on any budget
The question is, will you spend or or will you save?
Classic furniture and elegant accessories in a soft, muted colour palette shape the relaxed, understated look that is neutral country.
Why do we love it? Because it's inherently timeless, and so simple to update. If you want to add a little glamour, throw in a few metallic accessories like the angel wings, below. Similarly, you can make your scheme cosier with cushions and throws in plaid and chunky knits.
Behind it all you have staple pieces that will never date. So it could be worth splurging on the bigger pieces, and saving on the accents. We've given you options at both ends of the price spectrum, so you can decide.
The mirror
Room lacking in natural light? Create your own window with an arched mirror in that most country of finishes – painted white with a distressed look. Trust us, it's far easier than knocking a hole in the wall!
Buy now
Ideal: Serrant mirror in white, from £180, Maisons du Monde
Great deal: White arch mirror, £80, Dunelm
The angel wings
Make a heavenly statement with a bold pair of wings. They'd look beautiful above a bed, or hung over a French-style sideboard in a living room or hallway.
Buy now
Ideal: Angel wings in silver, £219, Furniture Village
Great deal: Feathered metal wings, £165, The French Bedroom Company
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The sofa
A buttoned-back sofa is just the right balance of chic and comfy.
Buy now
Ideal: Abraham three-seater sofa in Finch, £1,049, Living It Up
Great deal: Eliza three-seater sofa in Ash, £599, DFS
The storage hamper
A wicker chest like this won't just lend your room a rustic feel. It can also do double duty as a storage trunk and a coffee or side table.
Buy now
Ideal: Large rattan storage basket, £315, Puji
Great deal: Gabbig storage box, £59, Ikea
The check blanket
Go country in an instant with a pale plaid throw. Use one as a bed runner, as a throw on a sofa, or pile up a few in a basket, ready to grab when it gets chilly.
Buy now
Ideal: Alpaca mix throw in chalk check, £139, Tolly McRae
Great deal: Bronte by Moon Lambswool Prince of Wales Check Throw Grey, £80, Cotswold Trading
Calm and soothing, your relaxed country scheme will always be a joy to come home to. Have fun putting yours together.
Amy Cutmore is an experienced interiors editor and writer, who has worked on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, GardeningEtc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life. And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike.
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