The STYLE RULES

CREATE BALANCE

In an open-plan living space, offset natural wood grains and cool veined marble in the kitchen with plush upholstery in soothing shades in the lounge.

UPDATE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

Shades of eau de nil, duck egg and chartreuse offer a contemporary alternative to traditional country neutrals such as cream and beige.

PICK A PALE BASE

Touches of white and grey on floors and walls provide a blank canvas to allow colourful upholstery and painted cabinetry to sing.

TRICK THE EYE

Horizontal panelling on walls gives the illusion of a wider space and draws the eye to the back of the room. Rustic painted brick also adds texture and interest to the room – fake the look with wallpaper.

So Simple Sam three-seater lounger in Tranquil Dawn linen look, £799; footstool, £259, both DFS