The English Home August 2019

Country style is undoubtedly far removed from sleeker city style, although I’d argue that it can be as much about a state of mind and a way of living as it is about location. To me, country style is founded upon a welcoming informality and a certain nonchalance, with rooms designed to create an immediate sense of ease. It also echoes a close connection with nature and the seasons, not only in the choice of decorative details, colour palette and materials, but in the way in which rooms are used at different times of year. A country kitchen is likely to be designed with impromptu kitchen suppers or leisurely family breakfasts in mind, a country sitting room will almost certainly have a bar on a sideboard – the further away…

* Since my family and I adopted a rescue hound last summer, I have found myself even more aware of the changing of the natural landscape from week to week, let alone season to season. Walking our dog along river banks, through woodlands and across fields has become something to savour, even in drizzle – which is not something I thought I’d ever say. * Living in the Cotswolds means I can take full advantage of the great pubs, country-house hotels and market towns such as Tetbury, with its wonderful antiques shops. I love the inspiring gardens at Hidcote, Sudeley Castle and Abbey House, the wonderful country houses such as Sezincote, Buscot Park and Kelmscott Manor, and I still have many more on my list, including the gardens at Rousham…

PAULA SUTTON Founder of Hill House Vintage (turn to page 120 to read about her move from city to rural life) What was the best thing about writing the feature on your move to the country? Knowing that it might reassure someone else who may be thinking about making a similarly perceived ‘unlikely’ move. What is your favourite seasonal pursuit in August? I’m a National Trust house and garden addict and in August the children are roped in too. What do you love most about living in the country? The space, the peace and the slower pace. What makes your English home special to you? The sense of history – I love its Georgian architecture. CHARLOTTE COLVILLE Writer and stylist (turn to page 46 to see Charlotte’s feature about Fiona…

From church fetes and cider festivals to rural cinema in the hall and catching up on news at the village shop, life has a character and rhythm all of its own. Interior choices for a village home often echo this balance of rural and informal flavours in wood and painted-wood furniture, and include some nostalgic, romantic elements in the form of floral or bohemian prints and a soft colour palette.…

Practical yet pretty products are the order of the day for farmhouse chic. Choose classic forms with enduring appeal in natural materials, including an abundance of wood for both tactile and visual warmth. Opt for a gentle colour palette and motifs that celebrate the wildlife within and beyond the barn door. A splash of pleasing pattern brings additional charm to a rustic farmhouse look, where rural essentials should be a joy to use and display.…

Elegant details, luxurious finishes and a rich colour palette bring a sense of glamour to a timeless country look. The lady of the manor adds just the right elements of embellishment to a home where original features are prized and the wide oak floorboards and sweeping staircase have been preserved. Seek out beautifully designed accessories that are a pleasure to use, tableware emblazoned with florals and quirky pieces that pay homage to family pets.…