Country code

It is just as suitable for homes in busy cities as idyllic country cottages and it needn't cost a fortune to create.

It perfectly suits the trend for recycling old furniture, mirrors and collections of old china or treasures which are full of age and character.

Stylist Liz Bauwens, one of the authors of the new book Country in the City, says: "Current tastes are moving away from the sharp edges and stark minimalism of the Nineties towards a softer, more welcoming approach that takes traditional elements and re-interprets them in a stylish, contemporary way."

Her own home is an airy four-storey Victorian house in west London, which absorbs the clutter of her three children and a working space for her husband Simon who is a professional photographer.

"I think we want our homes to be mellow, as if they've gradually aged and evolved, rather than having that almost brash make-over look. I wanted to show how to use the country look in other settings.

"Individuality, natural materials, soft decorative patterns and light and space are so characteristic of a country house. It's natural and pretty but practical.

"This is not a lavish, expensive look, but one that can be achieved by transforming existing decor and adding finishing touches."

The book has examples of homes with a lived-in, timeless appearance. Here are some of Bauwens's tips for recreating that look:

Kitchen: Bauwens recommends choosing colours that echo the garden outside, whether a window box or rolling fields. Duck egg greens or blues work well with wood and ceramics. Or opt for classic blue and white. Sand floorboards, paint white and use a matt seal. Freestanding units, mixed with fittings such as an Aga, or one large built-in cupboard, gives a room a relaxed, informal feel in contrast to the uniformity of a range of matching fitted units.

Recycle old units by taking off some of the doors to create an open-shelved look and paint the fronts of the others.

Bring in colour and pattern with plates, tablecloths, or collections of treasures. Use chintz, damask and toiles along with classic stripes, checks and textured plain fabrics.

Don't forget bunches of fresh flowers or bowls of spring bulbs.

Lounge: Forget the image of the traditional country house sitting room that is cluttered with heavy antiques. Today's country room has a laid-back, understated style and makes the most of light and space.

Colour is inspired by spring flowers - daffodil yellow, light green, lilac and hyacinth blues or blossom pinks.

Florals, so over-used in fussy window treatments, are enjoying a comeback. They are perfect to suggest a rural atmosphere. Let them hang against white or simply-painted walls, with plain cotton or linen upholstered sofas and chairs.

Scatter a few floral print cushions around, not necessarily in a matching fabric.

The idea here is that less is more. Furniture should have clean, contemporary lines characteristic of ranges at Habitat and Ikea.

Old objects like chandeliers and a couple of antique chests can be mixed with new suede seating cubs, incense blocks and modern accessories like steel doorknobs or light switches.

Keep the floor simple by sanding and add blocks of colour in rugs in pastels that tone with billowing curtains on poles in chintz and damask.

Bedroom: Green is the colour of nature, grass and fields and represents balance and harmony in many cultures. It is a good choice for a room where calm is required.

Team it with white for tranquillity. Pick out a different shade with a bedcover and cushions. Picture frames, bought cheaply from a homestore chain such as Ikea, can be painted in white emulsion to give a driftwood look. Use them to display flower prints.

Second-hand furniture can be rubbed down and painted white or a pastel shade. Avoid clutter, and use woven baskets for storage.

Now take a deep breath and enjoy the country atmosphere.

Country in the City - Relaxed Style for Modern Living by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell, is published by Cico Books, price £19.99.