An Introduction to English Country Interior Decorating
If you want an interior design style that is both comfortable and grand, timeless and lived-in, look no further than the English country aesthetic. This unique style is rooted in generations of families living in and updating traditional homes. Therefore, it can be difficult to fully replicate. Nonetheless, with a few careful design choices, you can create your own English country interior decorating style.
So what is English Country Decor?
English country decor, also known as English cottage style or English countryside style, is an interior design aesthetic that draws inspiration from traditional English homes, particularly those found in rural areas. It reflects a charming, cozy, and rustic feel, evoking a sense of warmth, comfort, and simplicity.
Here are some key characteristics of the English country decor style:
- Natural Materials: English country decor emphasizes the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. Exposed wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and brick walls are common features.
- Soft Color Palette: The color palette is typically soft and muted, inspired by nature. It includes shades of white, cream, pastels, and earth tones. Soft blues, greens, pinks, and yellows are often used to create a serene and soothing atmosphere.
- Floral Patterns: Floral patterns are a hallmark of English country decor. Delicate floral prints can be found on wallpapers, upholstery, curtains, and bedding. The designs often feature traditional English garden flowers like roses, daisies, and hydrangeas.
- Cozy Fabrics: Fabrics play a significant role in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Look for comfortable upholstery in natural materials like cotton or linen. Layering with throws, quilts, and cushions made of soft and textured fabrics adds to the coziness.
- Vintage and Antique Furniture: English country decor incorporates vintage and antique furniture pieces. Items are often well-worn and have a sense of history. Oak, pine, and other wooden furniture with a distressed or weathered look are commonly used.
- Eclectic Accents: The style embraces an eclectic mix of decorative accents. Look for mismatched china, decorative plates, traditional tea sets, antique clocks, and brass or copper accessories. These items add character and a sense of nostalgia.
- Country-inspired Patterns: Alongside floral prints, you’ll find other country-inspired patterns such as gingham, toile, and plaid. These patterns are often used on curtains, cushions, and tablecloths to enhance the rustic charm.
- Natural Elements: Bringing nature indoors is a fundamental aspect of English country decor. Decorative elements like dried flowers, botanical prints, wicker baskets, and fresh greenery create a connection with the outdoors.
Overall, the English country decor style celebrates the charm and simplicity of traditional English countryside homes. It creates a welcoming and comfortable space that combines rustic elements with softness and elegance.
The Origins Of English Country Decor
As the name implies, the English country interior decorating style draws on country homes in England. In particular, it is based on the more traditional houses of families who have occupied the countryside for generations.
This is a curious style because it is less time bound than many other interior design styles. It can be difficult to pin down the aesthetic to a single period. The continuous accumulation of furniture and décor is part of the style.
Many English country homes have a slightly dated feel. However, they are tasteful and charming in their age.
Key Elements Of Country English Home Interiors
This aesthetic is not afraid to say that ‘more is more.’ It isn’t the style for someone who loves minimalism or understatement. However, that doesn’t mean that the English country style is overdone or gaudy. Instead, the true charm is finding domestic elegance within all the busyness.
Timelessness Of The English Country Interiors
The architecture of many English country homes dates back to the Victorian era and earlier. Some of the most traditional homes are centuries older.
Layered over those old bones are more modern (relatively) wood paneling, furniture, décor and rugs. However, this doesn’t mean that throwing modern furnishings into old buildings can recreate this look. Instead, the key to the English country style is the layers and timelessness. It is absolutely essential to use a few genuine antique pieces in this aesthetic. Anything less will look like an ineffective knockoff.
Chintz Patterns
Chintz, especially in bedrooms, is a quintessential element of the English country style. A chintz pattern on the wallpaper and window dressings is a common implementation of this. Consider reflecting the pattern and / or colors on some décor items such as throw pillows.
Reading Spaces
A great way to bring this style together is with built-in shelves and plenty of reading material. These books should be eclectic and multicolored. Again, the style should have a sense of the unplanned to it. Cozy reading nooks and home libraries also add to the homely feeling of the design trend.
Four-Poster Bed
Four-poster beds with canopies are a staple of the English country look. The countryside in England is cold and damp. Canopy beds help to trap in the heat around the occupants.
Add to this matching window treatments and soft pastel walls and you have the ideal bedroom design. The canopy and windows are a potential place to implement the chintz pattern mentioned above.
Green Walls
Green is a very common color in the English country style. In particular, it is popular in sitting rooms and kitchens. Pastel greens are a pleasant reflection of the lush, green nature surrounding country homes.
Rafters
This architectural feature is found in many English country homes. Exposed wood rafters may not be easy to add to an existing room. However, if you have them, take advantage. They are a very traditional design element.
Recreating the English Country Home Decor Style
Creating the English Country decor style from the ground up can be a challenge. However, there are strategies that can help:
Layer Your Styles: As mentioned above, the timeless quality of the aesthetic comes from the layers of updates and changes. Try designing rooms with several different but complementary styles.
Add Antiques: You will be hard-pressed to find an English country home without numerous genuine antiques. Look for some big pieces such as tables, couches and kitchen appliances (aga cookers are a great choice).
Hang Vintage Wall Décor: Get some vintage photos and paintings to add to your rooms. Classic Victorian photography of family members is perfect.
Using Rugs in English Country Interior Design
Wool rugs are very common in English country homes thanks to their warmth. Layering rugs on carpets is also a popular design choice.
For a more upscale look, consider antique oriental rug designs. Many of the wealthier countryside residents imported their carpets and rugs from Persia and other popular sources. To achieve a more family-friendly and homely feel, look into English rugs.
We have put together a selection of beautiful rugs from our collection that could work perfectly in your English country interior decorating. Use rugs throughout the home. You can achieve even better results with some slightly worn and dated but high-quality rugs.
Finding Your Ideal Rugs
Explore the selection at Nazmiyal. We have the ideal antique and vintage rugs to work with your English country home interior design. If you are unsure which will work for your home, consider connecting with our rug experts. Whether you want to create a pleasant, low-key farmhouse or an aristocratic country home, we have something for you. Start exploring today.
Here are some rugs from the Nazmiyal Collection perfect for English country interior decorating:
This interior design blog about English Country interior decorating was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.
