How to recreate English country style |

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How to recreate English country style |

Having been born and bred in the heart of the Cotswolds, English country style is in my blood. As a child, I grew up in a chocolate box thatched cottage with a wrap-around garden that looked out onto rolling hills and fields.

As a young adult and a student of Art History, I spent my days exploring the historic homes and gardens of the Cotswolds, captivated by the beauty of the picturesque honeyed stone facades and the timeless interiors within, brimming with characterful features.

Now that I’ve managed to get onto the property ladder, I’m keen to infuse my love of country style into my small home in the Cotswolds. To help refine my country decorating ideas I reached out to my favorite British interior designers for their tips on embracing quintessential English country style and have gathered a selection of inspiring projects which will be going straight on my mood board.

White kitchen with antiques

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

Achieving a beautiful country interior centers around a few key principles. Perhaps the most important is to draw inspiration from the rural setting and decorate with natural materials.

‘Firstly, it’s crucial to decorate with natural materials; think stone, wood, and woven textures that bring the outdoors in,’ says Cotswold-based interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe. ‘Layering warmth and texture through textiles such as wool, linen, and cotton adds depth and comfort, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.’

Country sitting room by Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors

(Image credit: Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors)

The same advice can extend to color choices, too – think about using shades that pay homage to nature’s palette, say the experts.

‘Nature is always a good source of inspiration for a color palette, looking at the garden or landscape around there are so many different tones and hues of green that all work beautifully together so don’t get too hung up about which greens work with others,’ says Emma Sims Hilditch, a master of timeless country style and founder of Sims Hilditch.

Shaker kitchen in Lichen by Farrow & Ball

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

If you’re lucky enough to have a period property or one with beautiful vernacular features, then ensure these are restored and showcased as part of your design. Often these can make a great starting point.

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