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The key to creating an authentic English country home decor in your home is to generate a relaxed, rustic feel. Comfort is the order of the day, with eccentric pattern theming and a mix of classic and contemporary furnishings.
Historic notes should be added in the form of antique ornaments and feminine touches should be blended with complimentary colors for a true English country effect. Essentially, designs must flow with less contrast, although you can opt for a complete traditional look or simply an elegant classical twist to a modern room.
The quintessential English country house must evoke an air of timelessness. The atmosphere must capture the grandeur of aristocratic rural living but nevertheless remain friendly and livable. It can be a challenging look to replicate, bold patterns combining with strong carpets and duck-egg blue painted wood paneling to present a historical picture.
Large portraits, hung to perfection, contrast with delicate watercolors clustered around a period fireplace. All these details conjure up an image of English rural perfection and it can be a hard style to copy. This article shows you clever ways to adapt your modern home to this unique design and you will find that simply by changing a few key elements in your living space, you too could be enjoying the English country good life.
Overall Decor
To capture the essential English country style home decor, you must first look at your color palette, your fabrics and flooring. Opt for darker shades than you would find in a typical contemporary home – you are looking for browns and dark reds for flooring while wall coverings and fabrics should feature patterns.
Drapes, table and seat coverings should make the most of floral themes and those with an Autumnal feel are most appropriate to the style. Chintz fabrics are key to the look as are tassels, fringes, plaid and trimmings.
There is no room for minimalism in the English interior – the traditional look edges towards a cluttered feel. Don’t be afraid to display all your ornaments, souvenirs, photographs and decorations with pride. If you feel that you need more collectibles to showcase, pay a visit to antiques markets and scout for bargains as well as small tables or cabinets to be used for displaying your collection.
Essential accessories to liven up the English country room include framed dried flowers and landscapes, wall-mounted china, embroidered pillows, crystal candlesticks and vases. Arrange these in any manner that suits your taste.
Furnishings
In general, you are looking for wooden furniture with brass accessories and detailing rather than the more modern chrome. Pine and oak bookcases are perfect, alongside dark stained wooden cabinets and tables. Sofas and chairs are best when covered in velvet or leather – the stylish Chesterfield sofa being the ideal choice. Overstuffed comfort is the key and all furniture must be hard wearing and high quality.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home and a hive of productivity. This is the place where you cook, you eat and you work. You spend so much time in this room that it is vital to enjoy the space – loving the way your kitchen looks and feels is the best method to improve your cooking skills!
Although a rustic kitchen may be attractive and you may be attached to your old appliances, you may want to consider upgrading to a modern kitchen. The internet is full of ideas that you can adapt to your home’s individual style and your personal tastes to make your kitchen unique, beautiful and a wonderful place to be.
Living Spaces
The majority of your time at home is spent in your living room and it is truly the space where the whole family can get together and spend quality time. To this end, your living room furniture must be inviting and comfortable. Entertain your guests and help your family to feel at home by choosing the perfect furniture set – sofas, chairs, wall units, bookcases and entertainment center. Keep your choices in line with the look you want to create but ensure that lived-in comfort is paramount.
The Dining Room
The essential room to complete your home, a dining room is vital for any property that wishes to emulate the English style home decor. No English rural home would be complete without a stylish dining area with its matching table and chairs.
Choosing the correct dining furniture is vital to creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication that your family will enjoy every day, whether celebrating a special event or a simple family meal. Choose a design and material that complements your home’s decor and ensure that it is hard wearing and built to last.
The Bedroom
Of all the rooms in the home, the bedroom is the one that is subject most to personal taste. The place that you turn to for comfort and rest, your bedroom must promote restful sleep and sweet dreams. Loving your bedroom is key to getting a good night’s rest so choose your furniture wisely and in keeping with the style of your home.
A closet is vital in your bedroom – either a walk-in closet with room for an expansive wardrobe or a smaller unit, ideal for personal items.
Converting Existing Rooms To An English Country Theme
Here are some handy and simple tips for adapting your current home to give a hint of English country style:
Ensure each room has an air of warmth and comfort, appearing to be lived-in and homely. Resist the temptation to be too casual though – too casual is tantamount to messy, and that is not the look we are going for here.
Mix and match fabrics – add texture to each room through the use of cushions, throws and drapes in a selection of colors, styles and patterns. For an authentic look, opt for floral prints or hand-embroidered fabrics.
Avoid blinds and go for drapes instead. Those made from velvet or floral fabrics are most effective in recreating the look.
Cover coffee tables and ensure that the covering fabric reaches completely to the floor. On top, dress the tables with small ornaments or vases of flowers.
Add a fireplace and mantelpiece to your room. If you are lucky enough to already own a coal fire, you are in luck. Alternatively, simply scout antiques fairs and flea markets for a second hand mantelpieces made from carved wood to accentuate the quintessential English look. Decorate the fireplace area with horse brasses and candlesticks to boost the look further.
Decorate your room with antiques. Both furniture and ornaments from antiques fairs are the ideal accompaniment to the English country themed home.
Whatever you choose to do to add a hint of English country style to your modern property, make sure that you are comfortable with your choices. The most important aspect of English country living is comfort and homeliness. If your new design twist doesn’t match that expectation, it’s time to think again. When carried out to perfection, your newly adapted English country-style home will be a joy to live in.
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