Unlike most other decorating styles, the classic English Country style enjoys the use of multiple colors, patterns, and textures, and once you understand these concepts, it’s actually a fairly easy design concept to achieve in almost any home. home.
Many interior design concepts require an element of research based on a time period, while the English country house design palette is timeless. You don’t need specific architectural details within your home from set time periods and even the most modern or simple rooms can be transformed.
Atmosphere:
This style of interior design is really relaxed and should reflect your personality. So it can be casual or formal, but it should always remain functional. When putting together a classic English Country look, always remember to think about the feelings you are trying to evoke. You want to create a warm, welcoming room that conveys a sense of love, belonging, and family. They are open and bright spaces, which show love for nature. Imagine yourself standing in the middle of an English meadow in the height of summer; the warmth of the sun, a gentle breeze, the smells, sounds and colors that surround you: how can you replicate this in your bedroom? It can be as simple as opening a window and watching a white linen curtain billow in the gentle breeze, or having a centerpiece of sweet scented roses and decorations that literally bring nature into your home.
Colors:
Use colors, shades, and tints that reflect nature. Often pastel colors work well with this look, but you’ll need a lot of them. Think of an English country garden; use subtle greens as base colors and then infuse with touches of pinks, yellows and creams. Floral patterns are key to creating this look, especially on curtains, wallpaper, and other fabrics within the room, such as sofas, chairs, or bedding. Be sure to use at least three to four different color and complementary pattern combinations, and where possible mimic the countryside with floral prints and natural materials.
Furniture:
Whenever possible, use traditional-style furniture and, in contrast to the subtle colors used to fabricate the space, opt for solid dark furniture made from natural materials like wood that is strong and built to last. Furniture doesn’t have to be antique, but it should give this impression, either in the paint or surface finish, or in the fine details. A variety of traditional shapes, scrolls, and details, often in quite an ornate style, work very well with this design concept. When considering a sofa, dining chairs, beds or large pieces of furniture, make sure their base is solid and gives an impression of grandeur, but then mix this up with the delicate use of soft floral fabric coverings.
Finishing keys:
English country style is not shy of a bit of clutter and the use of small antiques, knickknacks, cushions, throws, table runners and the like are a must. You can really go to town with this look, as long as you stay true to a traditional sense of style and a soft color palette; Lamps, rugs, sconces, family photos, and artwork work very well within this space, but be careful not to overdo it—you’re trying to achieve a “lived-in look” and not a clutter.
In complete contrast to the heavy dark wood furniture within the room, make sure the room’s accessories are finished in a light color palette. For example, picture rails, mantles, window sills, and fireplaces should all be in shades of white to create a stylish base for your room. If you’re considering a mirror, which is great for reflecting natural light into the room, think about the weight of your frame. Instead of choosing a heavy, traditional gilt frame, consider achieving the ornate look with a rococo mirror with an antique finish, or a slim-framed tabletop mirror in white, cream, or even dull silver. Choose a frame that has intricate details but is thin and delicate.
Think about the materials within the room, as well as a light and airy color palette and intricate patterns, consider using natural materials like light linen and lace. Don’t be afraid to include the use of braid, beading, tassels, and intricate embroidery. Arts and crafts are a great association with the English countryside and therefore the more home items such as quilts, wall hangings etc the better.
So, to create your quintessential English country home, use soft pastel colours, floral patterns, traditional or antique furniture and multiple accessories. Create cozy, lived-in rooms that work for you and your family and reflect a love of nature.