Things You'll Need:
- English Collectibles
- Area Rugs
- Curtains
- Lamps
- Throw Pillows
- Wood And Upholstered Furniture As Needed
- China
- Silver Plated Pieces
-
Step 1
Examine the mix of styles and periods, which may include some Asian influences, wicker pieces and an occasional French or Italian antique. Pieces should look as though they've been collected for generations, not bought off a showroom floor.
-
Step 2
Notice that collectibles are displayed in abundance. "Pleasantly cluttered" would be an accurate description of the English country interior.
-
Step 3
Sink down in sofas and easy chairs that tend to be generously stuffed and upholstered in classic fabrics such as floral chintzes. Sun-faded fabrics are great too, and slipcovers are a mainstay.
-
Step 4
Take note of generously gathered curtains that may match the chintz on the sofa, chair or bedspread. Or you may find complementary fabrics - stripes, or a calico with tiny bouquets.
-
Step 5
Examine the wood pieces, which are likely to include spindled or ladder-back chairs; Chippendale lowboys, highboys, secretaries and sofas; Queen Anne dining tables and wingback chairs; and Sheraton sofas and tables. Most prized are woods that have developed the patina that comes with decades of dusting and polishing.
-
Step 6
Look at woods used in furnishings and you'll find dark-stained mahogany and walnut. Oak and pine may be dark, light or painted.
-
Step 7
Notice the Oriental rugs (faded and worn ones, especially), antique china and silver, horse-and-hound pictures and traditional-style table lamps.
