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The Evening Post - 'A nice little place in the country' - Interiors Column - Oct 2011
Whilst I love contemporary living and interior designs that reflect this modern lifestyle such as the combination of linear furniture with stark wall colours of white and black and even shades of grey, I still cannot help but feel that a sense of both comfort and character is sometimes lost, especially when a period property is given over to 'urban chic' styling. Of course, if it's planned well then the results can be fabulous, but it's easy for your efforts to fall between the two traditional and contemporary stalls with the overall look becoming a bit haphazard!
Personally, I feel the home should reflect the personality of those living within it and although contemporary styling suits many individuals, I fear that some homeowners may simply be adopting this look as they feel that it is easier to achieve than something that's more classic. However, this doesn't have to be the case; let me reassure you that styling your home in a traditional manner can be reasonably easy too, especially at a time when this style is becoming more popular again.
The move to more traditional interiors has coincided with homeowners seeking an alternative to bland neutral colours, with warmer, more cosy tones and wall-coverings again. As with fashion generally, home decoration modes also go full circle in the grandness of time; what's new to a younger generation now was probably enjoyed by their parents years ago, lava lamps, patterned wallpaper and chandeliers all being a case in point.
 A few years ago the style I label 'country house' would have probably been perceived as incredibly old-fashioned and outdated, but it is now making a welcomed return despite the market experiencing a recent tsunami of modern décor. For those who want to create a home with bundles of character, authenticity and personality then carry on reading for a few little tips on how to bring an essence of traditional grandeur and charm into your home.
The style 'country house' carries the perfect balance between luxury and comfort, making it one of my favourite themes to recreate. Many of the concepts can be related to the Georgian era, which traces back to the mid- eighteenth to early nineteenth century. Although a 'country house' scheme should boast sophistication, by no means let this put you off or make you wary of trying to create the look within your home, as this style is as much about comfort and familiarity as it is elegance. While order is a key part of creating this look and although each room should have an organised feel, ironically, the best way to achieve a sense of authentic charm is through mismatched furniture from a range of eras that has the impression of being collected over many years. To create a cosy and homely ambience, each piece should look loved and as though it has lived through many generations. It is important to think in terms of architecture when creating a specific style such as the country house theme and not just the addition of soft furnishings and accessories.
Thankfully, the colour range suitable for a country house interior is extremely broad and offers far more flexibility than you may imagine. This varies from soft shades of peach, apricot and cream, to bolder hues of greens, yellows and blues. Often the hardest part of creating this look is incorporating mismatched elements into the room and allowing each piece to remain in place and yet still complement the rest of the room. With this in mind, many stick to a plain background and incorporate colour and pattern in the choice of furniture or through dramatic curtains, rugs and cushions. Using a matt, eggshell finish of paint as opposed to gloss will help to create a 'worn' and traditional feel.
If you are brave enough to use patterned wallpaper then the end result can be fabulous, but do make sure that the room retains that all important feeling of elegance; remember, too many colours and patterns can leave the room feeling cluttered and closed in, rather than stylishly organised. So, if you are plucking up the courage and experimenting with wallpaper, just be aware that the soft furnishings may need to be of a simpler design, but vertical stripes and damask patterns are what you should be looking for. With so many colour options available it is possible to use this theme throughout the home, with each space following the same era but with a slightly different twist.
My favourite part of interior design is dressing the room with plenty of gorgeous fabrics and soft furnishings. It is these finishing touches that add real character to the room and determine the ambience that surrounds you. For the more sophisticated interior, smooth silks, damasks and brocades are perfect for an elegant touch. For a more informal, cosy feel, then floral patterns and cotton fabrics work beautifully and can bring a feeling of rustic beauty in to the space. In the same way that mismatched furniture works well, the same can be said for the fabrics and patterns selected. While it can be tricky to find a variety of different designs that still somehow manage to complement each other, if you pull it off, you will be amazed at just how lovely it looks! One extra little tip for you; you may be surprised at just how well stripes and floral's work together….
Another aspect of the room to be considered as part of the country house theme is the window. If you love window dressing as much as I do, then keep the colours and patterns throughout the rest of the room to a minimum, this way you can add drama and grandeur into the room, without the space feeling dated and as though you have stepped back into the 1980's! Draping, luxurious materials that flow to the floor should be used for a truly impressive finish.
Country house style is not just for stately homes; any home can experience the wonderful combination of luxury and comfort no matter how big or small the space is you have to work with. Just remember to keep the room organised and you won't go far wrong!
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By Lesley Taylor
Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk.
