English Country House Bedroom with Chinoiserie Wallpaper and a Canopy Bed
If you're captivated by the cozy, lived-in look of English country houses, then this article is for you. With the inspiration of royal weddings and the timeless allure of Jane Austen, it's no wonder we're drawn to the English country house style. In this guide, we'll explore the secrets to achieving this charming aesthetic in your own home.
Paint your walls with Farrow & Ball
Farrow and Ball Breakfast Room Green Walls Slipcovered Sofa Ruffled Skirt Colefax and Folwer Bowood Print
Start by using Farrow & Ball paints to add depth and character to your walls. Their high-quality paints come in a lovely range of shades. Consider Farrow and Ball's Breakfast Room Green, paired with a slipcovered sofa in Colefax & Fowler's bowood print. This combination will bring the charm of English country homes into your space.
Cover your floors in wall-to-wall sisal
Pale Pink Walls in Veere Grenney
For a rustic touch, opt for wall-to-wall sisal or a large natural fiber rug. It adds warmth and texture to your floors, just like you'd find in Veere Grenney's country retreat. If you're renting or on a budget, affordable natural fiber rugs from Overstock will do the trick. And don't forget to experiment with wall colors like the delicate pale pink shown here.
Invest in a timeless English Roll Arm Sofa
Plum Skyes English Country House William Morris Wallpaper Willow Boughs Chintz Roll Arm Sofa
To achieve authentic English country house style, bring in a classic English Roll Arm Sofa. While a custom design may be a dream, there are excellent alternatives available from Serena & Lily, Pottery Barn, and Williams-Sonoma. Add character to your space with a patterned sofa, like the one in Plum Sykes' home, paired with William Morris' "Willow Boughs" wallpaper.
Layer vintage rugs on top of your sisal
Ben Pentreath Dorset Country House Sisal Carpet Breakfront Yellow Sofa
Embrace the layered rug look, a favorite of the English. British architect Ben Pentreath shows us how it's done by layering a vintage rug over his sisal carpet in his Dorset country house. This adds extra texture and visual interest to your floors. Explore flea markets or online platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Chairish for unique vintage rug finds.
Accessorize with plaid throws
Rita Konig New York Bedroom Floral Wallpaper Plaid Throw Blanket
Bring a cozy touch to your space with plaid throw blankets. Not only do they keep you warm in the winter, but they also add visual interest and help refresh tired upholstery. Take inspiration from Rita Konig's New York apartment, where a plaid throw at the foot of the bed adds a charming English touch.
Swap out your coffee table for a large ottoman
Jemma Kidd English Country House Stripe Ottoman Pleated Ikat Lampshades Bookcases
Embrace the English tradition of using a large ottoman instead of a coffee table. This adds a touch of elegance and versatility to your living space. Stack books and place a tray on top to balance your cocktails. Take inspiration from Jemma Kidd's country home and create a soft and cozy interior with a striped ottoman and plush upholstery.
Consider a Cole & Son wallpaper
Bowood House Bedroom Colefax Fowler Bowood Print Wallpaper Headboard
For a touch of English country house perfection, consider using wallpapers from Cole & Son. Rita Konig's first London apartment showcases the beauty of their Madras Violet wallpaper. Explore their archive patterns to find the ideal wallpaper that captures the essence of English charm.
Embrace chintz
Edward Bulmer Bedroom Canopy Bed Antique Chinese Wallpaper
No English country house is complete without a touch of chintz. Embrace the floral frenzy by incorporating Colefax & Fowler's bowood print, as seen in the stunning Bowood House bedroom. Let the vibrant patterns and colors of chintz bring life and character to your space.
Adopt a pet: the Staffordshire Spaniel
Ben Pentreath Dorset Country House Living Room Staffordshire Spaniels Fireplace Mantle
Add a touch of English tradition with antique Staffordshire figurines. These charming pieces can be found at flea markets or online platforms. Enhance the character of your space with a pair of Staffordshire spaniels, just like those adorning Ben Pentreath's Dorset country house mantelpiece.
Welcome William Morris
Amanda Brooks English Country House Potted Plants
Pay homage to the arts and crafts movement with the use of William Morris' wallpaper designs. Create a stunning feature wall in your bedroom, just like Ben Pentreath did with Morris' "fruits" wallpaper. Let the intricate patterns and nature-inspired motifs transport you to an English countryside retreat.
Consider the chesterfield
Amanda Brooks English Country House Striped Chesterfield Sofa
Add a touch of sophistication with a chesterfield sofa, another quintessentially English piece. Get inspired by Amanda Brooks' home, where a tufted sofa in a Robert Kime stripe takes center stage. The chesterfield's timeless design and plush upholstery will bring elegance and comfort to your living space.
Bring the outdoors in
Pentreath and Hall Staffordshire Figurines Brass Candlestick Pale Pink Walls
Add a touch of nature to your home by incorporating potted plants and flowers. English country houses are known for their abundance of greenery. Take inspiration from Amanda Brooks' living room, where house plants bring life to the space. Whether it's ferns or orchids, the more greenery, the merrier.
Pay tribute to the Queen
William Morris Fruits Wallpaper Ben Pentreath Bedroom Plaid Throw Fireplace
Celebrate English heritage by incorporating tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, such as antique Royal Doulton loving cups. These small touches of British regality can be found in various forms, from tea towels to coffee mugs. Pay homage to the Queen's legacy and infuse your space with the charm of English country houses.
I hope this guide has inspired you to add a touch of English charm to your own home. If you have any Anglophile decorating must-haves that I've missed, I'd love to hear about them. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
