English Country Home Decor

Do you love to curl up with an Agatha Christie or an Anita Brookner? Do you dream about a trip to the English countryside? Are your favorite foods tea and scones or fish and chips? If you answered yes to all of the above, then you need to indulge yourself in English country decor. You don't have to redecorate your whole house, or buy all new furniture. A few strategic touches here and there will give you the look you're after.

History

The English aristocracy established the English country decor style a few centuries back when they escaped to the country for weekend fox hunts and polo matches. But the aristocrats weren't alone. Their gardeners and the farmers who lived in the countryside lived in smaller cottages, and those houses and interiors have become part of the English country decor style as well.

Furniture

Furnishings typically found in English country homes are Queen Anne or Victorian, but one is not limited to these styles to create an English country look. Any furniture with similar lines in pine, oak or painted wood will work. Upholstered pieces are generally overstuffed and comfortable, covered in floral print fabrics.

Features

Curtains in English country homes are often either floral-printed chintz or lace. Floors are usually hardwoods covered with Oriental rugs. Prints or paintings on the walls are of English country gardens, croquet or polo matches, fox hunts, favorite horses or hunting dogs. Accent pieces include brass lamps, horse sculptures, brass or pewter pieces, pitchers or teapots filled with roses, vintage hats on hat stands and walking sticks.

Outdoors

English country roses are featured both outside and inside English country homes. Outside, they might wind around a trellis and up cottage walls. The interior roses are found more in bouquets and in the printed fabrics of pillows, table skirts, and sofas and chairs. English-style gardens are found adjacent to the larger English country homes. A croquet set that is all set up and ready to play adds to the effect.

Effects

The English country style can be as formal as that found inside English country manors or as casual as that found in the cottages of English farmers. Either is a correct interpretation of the style.