Are You English Country Style?

A long time ago, back in the ’90’s, I dabbled in Laura Ashley. I say dabbled because basically, we could not afford to deck out our entire house in everything Laura. But believe me, if I could have, I would have. If there had been the remotest possibility of matching cushions, curtains, wallpaper and couches, I WOULD have been there! One of the things I admired most about devotees of English Country style was the fact they went all in. Laura Ashley did that in spades. Right down to those floral country style dresses I saved for and wore relentlessly. Sadly, I had to temper my English Country style choices with things I could afford such as wallpaper borders (Eek. I had Fuschia borders!) and some fabric I made into curtains.

Layering, colour and pattern with such effortless style is the hallmark of English Country style. Which is possibly why I lean toward it. But how far down English Country lane do you go?

Read on and see what resonates with your decorating style.

What is English Country Style?

“Of all the styles of decoration that have flourished over the past 50 years, none has been as enduring as that associated with the English country house. . .Its decorative tropes are instantly recognisable: a mix of antique furnishings, at least one capacious sofa with a generous serving of cushions, rugs, table lamps with fabric shades, and flowers both fresh and recreated in prints and paintings. Antique textiles, a dash of modernity, a flourish of the oriental, and a couple of dogs can be added for extra flavour..”

House and Garden UK

For me, this is the epitome of English Country style. It’s a more formal than cottage style because it’s about the bigger, grander home. But this style is still about the pattern, colour and casual elegance that is lived in. The English country home is one to be lived in. It’s the up-market version of its Cottagecore cousin.

English Country Style is Not Afraid of Colour

This is what I love about this style (and cottage style). Colour is a thing! If you want coloured walls you have them.

I’ve said this a thousand times but I will repeat myself. IT IS ONLY PAINT. People are very scared of paint. They think it has to be forever, like a sofa and thus you should choose the safest colour on the spectrum. What they fail to understand is paint can be changed in a weekend. And for under $100.

(My parents fall into this category. Despite the fact my father is very creative they have had the same colour scheme for over twenty years. In fact, when they moved house they got the builders to replicate the colours and carpet of their old home.)

I’ve tried neutral twice in my life and it lasted about a month both times. If you like colour, use the paint!

English Country Style LOVES Pattern

And so do I! Mixing patterns is something I love to do. I don’t care if it’s a stripe and a blousy floral, I’m there! In the English Country style, pattern on pattern is a common theme. The look is layered and eclectic.

It’s Not Afraid of Maximalism

I’m certainly not afraid of maximalism and judging by the comments you write on my socials, a lot of you love your things on display too. What I am adverse to is clutter because you want think you have to ‘show it off’. Not everything needs to be on display. That’s a bit too much sensory overload and dusting for me. I have nothing against clutter though, as long as it’s organised!

The English Country Style loves Layers

The art of layering went OTT with the advent of Farmhouse style.

Someone heard Joanna Gaines utter the word ‘layering’ and instantly every farmhouse lover decided they should add so many layers to their mantels and hutches they were barely visible.

Liz Marie showed off her white on white and people took it to the enth degree. Nobody actually realised that the way she was displaying her accessories was to showcase the pieces (like in a shop). I’m pretty sure if you went to her home you would not find a basket of cushions sitting next to her couch.

But I digress.

Layering is typical English Country style. Here the layering is how it’s meant to be. It appears collected over time. It’s stacked with a purpose, not just stuck there because ‘I need to layer.’

Quirky is Cool

English Country Style loves the out of the ordinary mixed with traditional. A taxidermied rabbit in a dress might be sat next to a marble bust. A stag’s head might feature over a rangehood (like in our kitchen). To be quintessentially English you have to bring out your inner quirky.