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English Country
Cozy comfort meets ‘more is more’ styling epitomizes the English country look. You’ll find classic design accents, lots of colour (with a u), and prints on everything from walls to lampshades. All of these layers come together to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that beckons you to curl up with a cup of tea and read a good book.
Living Room Decor
An English Country living room is a cozy and inviting space. It might be full of precious treasures, and yet it feels relaxed and informal. It’s not heavily curated, but rather looks like it’s been collected and slowly arranged over years. There’s a warm embrace of color, texture and pattern.
Image: @thelandgardeners
How to style it
The trick to an English Country living room is layers, layers, layers! Layer objects on mantles and tabletops — create stacks of books next to each other; lean art against the walls with more stuff in front. Layer pillows on sofas and chairs and area rugs on the floor in front of key zones like a fireplace. Liberally arrange fresh flowers.
What objects to include
Stacks of books
Sculptural vases and planters, like urns
Chintz pillow or other bold print
Tall candle holders
Area carpet like a kilim rug
Image: House and Garden UK, photo by Simon Brown
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Bedroom Decor
Imagine the most cozy bedroom where you’d sleep late and enjoy breakfast in bed with tea, toast and papers strewn everywhere. The bed almost envelops you in a hug with its rich layers. Other small touches from bedside lamps to wall decor give it loads of character and warmth.
Image (right and below) of Glebe House Devon by Sense of Spencer
How to style it
The cozy feel comes from layering a bedspread and accent pillows that play off of each other delightfully — contrasting colors and print on print work great. The other accents can be minimal but should have uniqueness — for instance, hand-painted lamps and shades or gold framed botanical prints framing the bed.
What objects to include
Patterned accent pillows (ruffles optional)
Textile bedspread like a kantha or quilt
Delicate lamp with whimsical lampshades
Series of framed prints, like botanicals; an eclectic gallery wall; or a single framed piece of art
Optional: an area carpet like kilim or seagrass rug
Kitchen Decor
A cheerful kitchen draws you in to cook and so much more. With its inviting colors and interesting displays, the English Country kitchen beckons you to linger and have a cup of tea. The windows and doors are open to outside where fresh pickings are welcomed in and picnics are prepared to go out.
Image: @philamena._
How to style it
The kitchen style is all about collecting special things and putting them on display as part of your decor. Stock open shelves with glassware and pottery, or hang from hooks. Hang your favorite ceramic plates on the wall. Transform your kitchen table into a welcoming place by covering it with a tablecloth.
What objects to include
Patterned tablecloth
Hand-painted plates to eat off of and/or display
Colorful art such a prints as an alternative to hanging plates
Unique pitchers
Optional: wicker picnic basket on stand by
Image: home of Roger Jones; design by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler
