How to Select Accessories for Your English Country Style Home
Knickknacks and accessories are scattered freely throughout most English country style interiors. The soft-focus, old-money look gives a glimpse of Britain’s glorious past with accessories that are subdued and comforting.
Steps:
- Choose window treatments that are gathered and full, possibly ruffled. Valances and tiebacks are prominent accents.
- Display china collectibles prominently. Blue-and-white dishes, Staffordshire dogs and other figurines, and china vases are all good choices.
- Select toss pillows of muted-tone velvets, florals and tapestry. Cover sofas, easy chairs and beds with embellished pillows.
- Add a bit of sparkle to the cozy ambience with silver (tea services, candlesticks and compotes) and brass (andirons, candleholders or chandeliers).
- Display lead crystal, especially liquor decanters and tumblers. Waterford crystal is especially desirable.
- Place wood boxes, perhaps with marquetry or other inlays, on tabletops and desktops.
- Decorate the walls with an abundance of pictures (horse-and-hound hunting scenes are popular) and mirrors – choose ornate wood or gilt frames. Groupings of oils, prints and even photos are popular.
- Cover floors with rugs such as antique Persians or Aubussons. More recent kilims or dhurries are also fine choices.
- Select stately wood-case and porcelain clocks.
- Choose brass-base, candlestick and ginger-jar lamps.
Tips:
Most rooms decorated in English country style include arrangements of fresh and dried flowers. Or, for a pared-down look, try a bowl of fruit or a spare display of a few pieces of fruit on a platter.
