English country house design actually goes back centuries. According to Wikipedia, “It was during the second half of the reign of Elizabeth I, and under her successor, James I, that the first architect-designed mansions, thought of today as epitomizing the English country house, began to make their appearance.”
However, in the 1980s through the late 90s, the English country house look simply burst onto the American interior design scene. Regardless of whether a home was a New York City penthouse, a Nashville farmhouse, or a California ranch, equestrian prints, dark wood furniture, cut crystal, damask tablecloths, and Laura Ashley patterns dominated. The rise of such stores as The Bombay Company in shopping malls across the country made pieces accessible at all price points. (Sadly, The Bombay Company closed all of its US stores in 2007.)
And although interior design styles come and go (minimalism, modern farmhouse, Scandi, MCM revival, and too many “cores” to count), some classics steedfastly remain, albeit in the background. For example, I’ve been an avid read of The English Home magazine since the early 2000s. And, much to my family’s chagrin, I’ve kept all of my copies, which I still occasionally peruse for inspiration! One inescapable truth I’ve discovered is that the traditional English country home design aesthetic (whether it’s a charming cottage or more formal manor home) has not really changed much! In fact, the majority of the images from 2008, for example, are virtually interchangeable with my most recent issue.
I believe that the English country house design aesthetic is really one of the most timeless of all design “trends.” Why? This style is so forgiving and can absorb furnishings from multiple eras, charity shop finds, inherited heirlooms, as well as a variety of sentimental bric-a-brac.
What is the English Country Home style?
According to the recent Martha Stewart article “All About the English Country Design Trend—and How It’s Different From Farmhouse,” it’s is about coziness, layering, and a lived-in feel. Shannon Claire Smith, founder and principal of Shannon Claire Interiors explains,”English country design emphasizes accessible but elevated living.” This comfortable style is inviting and warm. Spaces are meant to be lived in and enjoyed by the whole family (including pets!).
Although the Cottagecore trend, which began in 2018 and exploded during the pandemic lockdowns, is an adjacent style, English country house is a bit less twee. Think overstuffed couches piled with mismatched needlepoint pillows, an inherited hutch laden with English transferware, an oil painting landscape inherited from a great auntie, all surrounded by soft, muted colors. It’s a style that can easily absorb your unique personal style – more maximalist, more formal, more sweet – whatever you choose.
This décor feels as if it’s been organically curated over decades (maybe even centuries!). Heirloom pieces co-mingle with new finds, multiple furniture periods are showcased, and no two end tables match, yet the disparate elements all harmonizes. Nothing is perfect and the result is a casual look that is far less Downton Abbey and more realistic for today’s living.
The Elements of the English Country Look
Architecture Can be Added. A lovely English country house might contain multiple fireplace mantles, chair rail and deep cornicing, rustic beams, built in bookcases and cupboards, or pocket doors… or maybe all of these! If your home is more bland-box-suburban (like mine) these details can be added with a little ingenuity and a visit to your local architectural salvage yard. For example, using architectural salvage bits above doorways or creating built-in bookcases using inexpensive Ikea Billy versions can create a backdrop that is pure English country home.
Comfort is Essential. No furniture is off limits. After all, you live here. Counches and chairs are generous and encourage lounging. Fabrics are sturdy and chosen to withstand guests, children, dogs, and whatever else life throws your way. A cozy throw is always within reach. Coffee tables are covered with oversized trays to avoid worrying rings and stains. An open hutch in the kitchen houses everyday china so kids can easily grab and go. And the boot room is a veritable hive of activity, stuffed with lacrosse sticks and tennis racquets, backpacks, wellies, gloves (in my house, usually without mates), and dog leashes.
Floral Motifs Reign Supreme. Using the quintessential English country garden as inspriation, colorful florals can be found everywhere from whimsical china patterns, to Waverly chintz footstools, to framed botanical prints. Floral patterns are one of the easiest elements to source inexpensively, as chairty shops are full to bursting with bits and bobs such as flowery porcelain trinket dishes, one-off floral patterned cushions, and stunning etched crystal vases and bowls. Or, add you own floral stamp by handpainting the border of mirrors, the drawer faces of a dresser, or a wooden photo frame.
Vintage Finds Make a Space Unique. Charity shop finds can happily coexist with pricier antiques. And personal collections add layers of history. From vintage milk glass, to patinaed brass candlesticks, to delicate Royal Doulton horse figurines, put your personal style on display!
A Riot of Patterned Fabric Adds Charm. Ticking stipe, chintz, and check may all be found in the same room. The key to success is scale (some large, some small) and keeping all patterns in the same color family. So, oversized cabbage roses in the palest pink and green can easily complement a narrow ticking stripe and a small gingham check, so long as the colors all blend.
International Influence. Your space isn’t static, so add a whimsical element of surprise – Murano glass picked up on holiday in Italy, a French cache pot found at the local flea market, or carved wooden elephants from India.
Making it Personal with Inherited Pieces. If you are drawn to grandmillennial style or granny chic, this is oh-so-simple. Your grandmother’s piano, your great uncle’s legal bookcase, a pair of silver candlesticks from your in-laws all combine to create a space that is uniquely yours with a nod to the past.
Thanks so much for visiting! While you are here, please take a moment to enter one of our new style giveaways. And, if you enjoyed this The English Country House: Is Timelessness a Trend? post, please visit Fabulous Interiors for even more inspiration.
NEED A PRODUCT REVIEW? Have a fashion, beauty or style product line and want an honest evaluation? Want to create a giveaway or promotion? Please contact us!
DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this The English Country House: Is Timelessness a Trend? post. However, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be good for my readers.
Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.