English Country Houses

A classic English Country Home on a lovely English Country road – Photo Courtesy: Mia Folkmann

Quaint cottages in the countryside, a large Georgian mansion in the woods, or a Victorian home in the suburbs, there are many different types of English country homes. All have one thing in common: a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a strong link to nature and Eco friendly living.

If you’re thinking of building an English style country home, then take into consideration the local building materials and aesthetics. Whether that’s timber framed homes or brick and flint, or perhaps Bath stone, it’s important to make your house feel like part of the local landscape. Employ local architects and builders on your project, and go to local craft shows and thrift stores to pick up traditional home decorations.

English Country Home Decor & Designs

If you are designing your English country home from scratch, start by hiring an architect with an excellent knowledge of the area, who will be able to make your dreams into a reality. Go to local, visitable old houses (e.g. National Trust properties in the UK) and take note of their unique and quirky characteristics.

Spend time trawling through books and websites on country home interior design, so you can find all sorts of ideas and inspiration for your own home. The finish and quality of your home is very important, so make sure to pick the right windows, doors, render and roofing. The little things matter too, so fixtures for light switches and door handles are also a crucial part of the decision making process.

Country Living Furniture

The best way to source country furniture is to find your local carpenters. New, but traditional style pieces can be found at good prices with excellent quality finishes. Each piece will be one-of-a-kind and handmade with care and attention. For a more affordable option, head to nearby garage sales, vintage stores and antique/flea markets.

Country Kitchen Decorating

The kitchen is the heart of any English country home, so make sure that you spend quality time choosing your kitchen furnishings and accessories. An Aga or range cooker is a particularly warming and inviting thing to have in any country kitchen, and is particularly useful for big family groups and special occasions.

Choose pretty and simple doors for your kitchen cupboards and cabinets, that won’t go out of style, and are easily paint-able if you want to change the look at any point. Choose local craftsmen and carpenters to create a unique, handmade kitchen to your own design, if you can’t find a style that you like.

Cottage Decorating

Cottages aren’t always just ‘cute’ and ‘quaint’ and ‘chintz’. You can create a modern cottage decor style in your home, by mixing contemporary textiles with vintage homeware. For example, twin large sheepskin rugs with thrifted throws and sleek glass tables and square block seats.

If you are after more traditional decorating ideas, then opt for pastel shades, and lots of comfortable textiles (rugs, cushions, throws, blankets). Make sure that no room feels empty by filling spaces with simple painted wooden furniture and creating a beautiful wall decor with pretty framed fabrics and paintings.

Decor emporiums and country style cottages can be found at:

English Country Homes with the National Trust – A vast array of historical buildings dating back hundreds of years, and filled with ancient antique furniture. If you live in the UK or a visiting England, be sure to find a local NT property.

Home Furnishings – Laura Ashley provide beautiful furniture and fittings for your cottage or country house, in a vast array of colors and finishes.