"Contemporary country is a great relaxed approach to decorating. It allows you to mix and match painted woods and different colours of wood, " says Belfastbased stylist Maureen Collins. "The modern take is to keep it simple, with not too much fussiness."

This new capturing of country idyll incorporates lots of different elements from American style kitchens to the French chateaux look, says Ruth Kennelly of RK Designs. It lets in the light, blurs the boundaries between inside and out, and creates a laidback living space.

In a book just published on the subject, Emily Chalmers and Ali Hanan explore the use of natural materials and the way in which key structural features such as beams or staircases can be exposed so that living spaces flow naturally together.

"Contemporary country is varied and eclectic, underpinned by solid, hard-working natural materials. It's possible to achieve the effect, whatever type of home you have or wherever you live."

If you hanker after some home comforts, it's time to go to the country:

Go back to basics Designer Ruth Kennelly recommends mixing the major elements of a scheme with changeable minor details. "For example, keep the wall colours and floor coverings simple and classic. Use taupe and white shades on the walls and aged wideboard limed or stained oak on the floors and then combine this with brightly coloured or patterned fabrics in blinds, curtains or upholstery. Accessories and small items of painted furniture can be used to complete the look, " she says.

Open up your interior Recreate a sense of space and openness by maximising the room you've got, the Contemporary Country authors advise.

Observe how the sun moves around the house and where the views and the breeze come from. Then harness it in any way you can. Flesh out the space by knocking through walls, or create Arabic-style archways between rooms. For dark spaces, create skylights or portholes.

Capture the light with bright, pale, polished surfaces like stainless steel, glass and glossy paint. Floral fabrics continue to be big and can be used as cushions and for throws on beds and sofas.

Play the reclaim game Scour salvage yards for old doors, fireplaces, floorboards, Belfast sinks, refectory tables, roll-top baths, ironwork as well as pieces of weathered wood. Schools and hospitals sometimes sell off old furniture. Flea markets and secondhand shops abroad are great sources of inexpensive pieces.

Return to splendour Get tired wicker seating re-woven and antique chairs reupholstered. For a sedate feel, choose Shaker-style furniture. Wooden designs crafted by Scandinavian designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and Alvar Aalto are winning while Lloyd Loom and Tom Dixon's designs will also fit. 20th Century Furniture at Habitat, Dublin, currently has a set of six Hans Wegner Y chairs and also seating by Niels O Mollor.

Mix it up Collins suggests using odd chairs in chalky white combined with soft florals or check fabrics. Daybeds can replace sofas; dental chairs and church pews can surprise as seating. Trunks can double as coffee tables.

Think texture Wool rugs and wooden and stone floors make for the perfect floorshow. The authors recommend juxtaposing rough textures with smooth, sophisticated textiles. Throw a lacy cloth over a wooden farmhouse table or coarse hemp curtains over smooth contemporary windows. Lay on a real sleep sanctuary with linen sheets.

Cotton ticking is traditional while silk will add that touch of luxe.

Be creative with colour Feature a mix of hues. If you don't want to trawl secondhand outlets, check out the new range of painted bedroom furniture from Armagh-based McDonagh which supplies Arnotts. This soft white painted furniture features slight distressing.

Lighten up Choose lights created from natural materials and fabrics, or select old styles with a modern interpretation such as crystal teardrop chandeliers with modern bulbs.

Also in touch with the theme are ceramic lamps in organic shapes; wicker shades; and a blend of cotton and floral cotton or wrought-iron and opaque paper.

Get in the frame If you prefer not to leave window frames unadorned, try vintage lace or looseweave muslin. Venetian or slatted wooden blinds will also provide privacy.

Turn up the heat The Aga is still ace . . . check out the SixFour Classic, a traditional range which incorporates the latest technology with the bonus of an electric simmering oven ( 8,250) and the new three-oven, 13 amp electric Aga with remote control operated extended vent ( 11,875) available from the Aga Shop . . . but stoves are also hot. Source old coal scuttles, pokers, log baskets and buckets from secondhand shops for an authentic feel.

USEFUL CONTACTS

>> The Aga Shop, 20 Lower George's Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, 01-663 6166
>> Contemporary Country by Emily Chalmers and Ali Hanan ( 28) is published by Ryland Peters & Small
>> McDonagh Furnture, Obins Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, 048 3833 2215; www. mcdonaghfurniture. com
>> Nani Marquina rugs at Duff-Tisdall, The Malthouse, 537, North Circular Road, Dublin 1, 01 85 58070; www. duff-tisdall. ie
>> 20th Century Furniture, Habitat, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, 01-6771433.