How to decorate English Country Style
The past two months I have fallen deeper and deeper involve with English Cottage style. I’ll take you through some of my top favorite homes, break down the details and list out a few shops to get this look.
English Country style exudes a collected feeling that feels rooted in time and comfort. A feeling of nostalgia and family heirlooms making their way through time into loved ones homes. Cozy comfy furniture paired with soft patterns and textiles. Color and texture and warmth are all overwhelmingly present.
I’m not a minimalist or a maximalist. I believe in a room having emotion and making you feel emotion. It should stir something in you. Encourage you to sit, be energized, rest, engage, slow down, etc. A room should connect with you. They are never fussy or pretentious or overly designed. Items are collected and displayed, but it sends a message, life is lived here.
a home should send a clear message: Life is lived here lovingly
After falling down a long rabbit hole of some amazing UK sources like House & Garden Magazine UK, interior designer Rita Konig, Amanda Brooks, Veere Grenney, and the list goes on, I’ve rounded up my favorites. Let’s dive in.
This is the first home image that stopped me in my tracks and made me dive deeper into the English Country style. This room feels welcoming and cozy and so, so lived in. I feel like there is something for everyone in here. It invites you to take a nap, read a book, rest, the colors feel energizing (but not overwhelming) and the lighting in this room is the icing not heck. Those lampshades and that hanging pendant feel unique, but classic.
Rita Konig is one of may favorite designers. Her rooms make you feel so much. Nothing feels overly matchy or overly designed. It feels like a life had unfolded and pieces have been collected along the way. That’s part of her magic. She designs and creates this sense of effortless.
Rita is a master with showcasing collections like gallery walls, art, etc, but also having a simplified approach and letting textiles and patterns shine, like in the bedroom below. I love the softness of the headboard and her bold choice in wallpaper. The lighting feels layered and so welcoming for a restful stay.
Veere Grenney is one of the top interior designers in Britain and this room made me fall in love with the color pink
How to get the look : Textiles & Patterns
Source: Gabby Deeming via House & Garden
This is about layering patterns and thinking of pattern outside of pillow cases. Headboards, wall paper, lamp shades, curtains, sheets, etc. Also contrasting textures like velvet with silk, linen with wool, etc. Try to mix patterns of different scales like a small scale floral with a large scale floral, or stripes of varying widths and scales. This lends to that collected feel and the feel of finding things as time has passed.
How to get the look: Layers
Tables, Lamps, chairs, books, art— layer it all. There should always be a place to set down a drink or rest something next to any seating. Lamps are an absolute must, even in unexpected places like on shelves, in the kitchen, etc. They create the perfect warm and cozy glow. Books add a sense of humanness and art lets your personality shine. Displaying these items on open shelves, tabletop surfaces, and other areas of your home allow them to shine and others in your home to interact with them. I like to think of it as a fest for the eyes.
How to get the look: Stuffed & Sturdy Furniture
Think heirloom quality and cushions that you can cozy in for days. This quality is best found with vintage or heirloom quality furniture. You know I am a big fan of finding furniture second hand, search antique shops, Facebook Marketplace, and even your relatives homes (just kidding… kinda). Shifting away from fast furniture and investing in pieces that are made to age and get better with time will pay off greatly in the character and charm they give your spaces. Down wrapped cushions and places to curl up with a book are all items to add to you list. Think cozy stuffed chairs and down wrapped couches. Quality, quality, quality.
Both Sources: Rita Konig Country Home via Kate Considers
How to get the look: Color, Paint & Wallpaper
This can be subtle like a tone-on-tone wallpaper or more daring with a mid or more saturated hue. A great place to start playing with brighter colors and wallpaper is a guest bedroom, powder room, or any space where it’s part of your home, but you aren’t doing your main living in it all the time. I encourage you to check out the UK paint brand Farrow & Ball and start to see their color offerings and what could fit into your home and style. They have a gorgeous arrangement of pigments and they’ve put so much effort into creating beautiful colors.
Items to Shop:
Bring on the English Countryside!
Hugs,
Meredith
