Classic Furnishings 

 Furnishing one's own home is the icing on the cake, it's the personality and the pizzazz that you give to your space that makes it yours and keeps it looking unique.

 A classic country cottage has particular furnishings which keep it looking in character - large hand carved and painted wooden chests, thick and heavy billowing curtains or a simple iron wrung rack for hanging mugs in the kitchen.

Take your home one room at a time, and really think about what sort of furnishings ought to be there. Visit your local antique store for ideas and to pick up quality classic pieces at a good price - you'll be surprised at the things you can find.

Country Home Furniture

 Traditional country home furniture can be found when browsing through vintage and antique home stores. This is a great place to find a unique piece, that might need a bit of a revamp: don't be afraid to reupholster and revarnish. Also, visit local markets, garage sales and carboot fairs for very good value pieces.

Furnish your cottage with a sofa suite that's been covered with cute floral fabric, and throw over a blanket or two that's been handstitched. Add a number of interesting patchwork and embroidered cushions in different shapes and sizes.

One big wooden statement piece in each room will ensure your house looks both classic and elegant. A Welsh Dresser in the living area to display your china and store your stationery, or a big chest of drawers in the guest room with a big mirror placed above it for functionality. Whatever items you choose, pick a material that will look good in years to come.

Custom Classics

Why not employ a local craftsman to build or create custom items for your home? A true country home contains furniture that's been loving handcrafted by a skilled tradesperson - from perfectly proportioned tables and chairs, to beautiful curtains and cushions created with handpicked fabric.

This is the best way to get quality furnishings within your walls. Search online, and ask your friends and neighbours for the contact details of people in your local area that have experience, a great work ethic and beautiful workmanship.

 Don't be afraid to try out new designs, or to create a fusion of concepts from past and present. Write down all your ideas, draw them out and print out inspiring photographs, so that your craftsperson can really create exactly what you want, whilst giving them a little creative freedom of their own.

Choose young artists if you're after something really fresh and interesting - the training they'll have received is imperative, and they will work very hard to make sure you are a pleased client.

Pretty and Perfect Finishing Touches

The final flourishes are the most important, and it is imperative to get the fine detail in your home right. The way you put the little items together speaks volumes about the character of your home. Candles, plants, rugs, clocks and paintings can all be used to give personality to your build - so don't leave these to the last minute.

Instead work your room around one of these small items as the focal point. Create a photo collage on one wall, or place a pretty candle set on a central table.

Don't go overboard - a few nicely presented and well chosen items will be far better than lots of little random objects that don't have space to fit.