Doing An English Country: Decorating Your Home With Warmth

by Bryan Saunders

If only one word were allowed to describe English Country decor, it would be a toss-up between “cozy” and “haphazard.” Those two conditions aptly describe the charm of this decorating style that has become a home decorating standard to convey a calm atmosphere that welcomes guests.

English country theme in particular, exudes all these qualities – charming, cozy, homely and rustic. Truly, a warm home to welcome guests with open arms. This design gives an impression of an ancestral home, perhaps one that has been passed down through generations. The simple appearance of an English Country home is what makes it a unique design to have, especially if you live in the urban parts of town.

Certain elements are classic to English Country decor: fabrics of chintz and floral designs; paintings or prints of domestic animals, especially dogs; nature-toned colors, especially greens, blues and tans in pastel shades; and unfinished wooden flooring accented by Oriental or Aubusson area rugs. The complex patterns and natural colors of Oriental and Aubusson area rugs are particularly complementary to the mix of elements in English Country decor.

Rustic furnishings are much at home in this design. You can say goodbye to glass materials, sleek forms and anything bright and shiny. The more vintage the objects look, the better suited to an English Country interior. Natural light is at par with soft and glowing lighting from candelabras, lamps and chandeliers. Furniture pieces are draped in soft and patterned fabrics, such as pillow covers, beddings, cushions and also curtains as window treatments.

If the home’s architecture permits, cozy little nooks for reading or needlecrafts are popular in English Country style. Remember, the emphasis is on a vision of middle-class English comfort and homemaking.

If you have collectibles and souvenir items, bring them out and showcase them in glass-cased shelves or built-in cabinets.

For accessorizing, go for the comfortable-looking rather than the sophisticated. Sepia-colored picture frames, artworks about nature, brass candlesticks, vintage lamps, homey metals and such look great in an English Country theme.

Add more cozy elements like throw pillows, cushions and small area rugs strategically scattered throughout a room.

Unlike the uncluttered lines of Contemporary style, walls in English Country aren’t bare. They’re the background for a plethora of pictures, especially hunting scenes of horses and hounds displayed in ornate gilt frames. At the same time, clocks are either porcelain or good wood-encased timepieces. In a front entryway, place a hat tree with a lower frame for umbrellas and walking sticks. Add a vintage hat, and it will seem as though the local grand dame has just stopped in for tea.

While English Country decor can seem to be haphazard, there is still a harmony to the design. In particular make sure that the colors of walls, furniture, area rugs and accents coordinate well. The goal is to create rooms that bring nature inside while providing creature comforts.

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