How To Decorate In Classic English Country Style

A favorite style of interior decorators everywhere, English Country decor reflects an air of coziness, influenced by a love of nature that is somehow lacking in similar styles. The decor may be casual or formal, but the focus is on function instead of flash. The rooms are bright with color and the furniture is sturdy and designed to last. No matter what the locale, the end design is meant to be full of warmth, comfort and a love for everything around it, especially family.

The modern adaptation of what is thought to be the classic design of early English country style is full of color, shades and hues pulled directly from nature itself. The pinks and yellows from the roses found in English country gardens dominate fabrics used in curtains, wallpaper and even the furniture, with subtle shades of green to represent the rolling hills of the countryside as the background. The color scheme is usually made up of at least three to four colors, and are chosen to make rooms appear cozy and lived in.

Lintels and mantels throughout, including the cabinetry in the kitchen and bath are generally painted white, the overall effect seeming to frame each room as if it were artwork itself. In this manner, the colors in statuary, knickknacks and lamps seem brighter and more robust in comparison to the white of the material they rest upon, especially against the softer backgrounds shades of green that make up much of the paint and wallpaper in these rooms.

The fabrics used throughout the English country style are as varied at the owners’ sense of color and arrangement. Damask, chintz, linen and lace can be found in window displays, the overstuffed cushions and pillows, bed linens and even throws and runners gracing the classic furniture designs that are prevalent in this style. The most popular pattern found in this design scheme are flowers, delicate and subtle spills of flora, resembling for the most part intricate embroidery.

The floors are generally showcased by small and large area rugs, and will usually feature the same pattern, if possible, that is in the rest of the room. Square rugs, cream rugs, green rugs, and even round braided rugs often dominate in this decorating style. The colors should be light, with delicate patterns, and should reflect the sense of home and coziness throughout. The trick is to showcase the furniture, which is usually heavy and of a darker wood. With a lighter tone to the flooring, the eye and the body are drawn to the comfy furniture, and the relaxing tone of the overall room takes hold.

English country style decorating will often emphasize using “period” furniture, either with genuine antiques or distressed furniture made to look like it belongs. The antiques that are preferred are generally of Queen Anne or Victorian style, and generally of dark wood, though you might find pieces several shades lighter in use as well. Tables with subtle stenciling in schemes from nature complete the look.