English Country style: What it is and how to get it

What is English Country style?

English Country style is a design aesthetic that is inspired by the British countryside and representative of the slow, quiet hum of rural life. Through a tasteful blending of colors, patterns, and textures, charming elegance exudes.

Source: Country Life

How to add English Country home decor to your home

Layered, quality pieces that will stand the test of time comprise the hallmark of English country style: checks, florals, and warm wood tones. When I think of heritage British textiles that I’m constantly inspired by, I think of Colefax & Fowler and Lee Jofa. (I have Colefax and Fowler’s Marchwood wallpaper in my daughter’s nursery and I love it more and more each day.)

Go vintage

Whether it’s from an Estate sale or you’ve found a gem on Facebook Marketplace, re-purposing vintage furniture and decor is one of the best ways to get quality pieces at an affordable price. I find so many unique items on Etsy and knowing you’re supporting small is an added bonus.

Source: The Glam Pad

Embrace natural elements

Bring the outside in with natural fiber rugs for a casual but sophisticated look, and add artisan vases for style as well as function.

Source: The Glam Pad

Pattern play

Nothing is ever too matchy-matchy in English cottage style but yet it all goes together in a cohesive way. One way to do this is with scale - if you have a large-scale patterned wallpaper, you could mix in some small-scale patterns in your pillows.

Photo: Jackie Clair, Jennifer Hunter

Add florals

Whether it’s just an accent or the centerpiece of the room, you can’t have too much or too little when it comes to florals. Incorporate them into your pillow fabrics or on the walls (or both) to get the look.

Photo: Sims Hilditch Interiors