Country house style is a warm, classic English look that is about layering and being playful. The best country homes have evolved over centuries, as their various owners have added layers of history with antiques. It\u2019s all about solid pieces and timeless appeal, but it\u2019s not precious. In a room with a roaring fire you might find a late 19th-century velvet upholstered Howard sofa that\u2019s worn and slightly threadbare, alongside really good gothic revival English oak furniture.<\/p>\n
You might also like<\/strong> Nikki Tibbles\u2019 flower-filled country house<\/a><\/p>\n There may also be Grand Tour finds nestling beside ammonites and fossils from the Victorian era when natural history was all the rage. There could be art and mirrors<\/a> on the walls, some oriental touches and the air that everything in the room is an heirloom. My favourite country house is Highgrove for its quintessential look.<\/p>\n The country house style aesthetic has been around for a long time and is set to remain, so it\u2019s a great look to invest in. Think of the work of Colefax & Fowler or more recent interior decorators like Robert Kime, who execute the style brilliantly. Many of my clients also snap up the books of Christopher Gibbs \u2013 a designer, antiques dealer<\/a> and collector, prolific in the 1960s \u2013 for inspiration. Country house style is a difficult scheme to pull off, but it doesn\u2019t have to be expensive \u2013 if you\u2019re clever. This is mostly down to the fact that what you put into a room can be incomplete, unpolished and worn. That\u2019s all part of its charm. You can add a unique stamp to it, as I do, with industrial pieces.<\/p>\n You might also like<\/strong> how to create a country kitchen<\/a><\/p>\n Yet there are some essential elements you will need to evoke the mood. You\u2019ll find my tips for these key pieces, as well as how to achieve country house style on a budget, below. But before you take a peek, here\u2019s a final word of advice. This isn\u2019t ideal for every type of home. Generally, if you want to adopt country house style, you\u2019ll have a sympathetic environment such as a cottage<\/a> or house with some age. Don\u2019t try it in a modernist 1970s flat. The best country homes have developed over decades, so if you put in a great piece now, you\u2019re adding to its history.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be tempted to add modern pieces that aren\u2019t examples of good design \u2013 if you\u2019re on a budget, look for antique bargains<\/a>. This was a cool avant-garde look for many years, so be brave, bold and a bit mad. Buy what you love, but remember \u2013 in the case of design periods such as art nouveau or art deco<\/a> \u2013 because they are so specific, they are complete looks on their own. Finally, don\u2019t rush. As you look for items to add over time, think about what will work and where. Once you start, you\u2019ll be hooked!<\/p>\n Choose wonderful patterned fabrics \u2013 the brighter and more floral the better. Wear, patches and repairs really don\u2019t matter \u2013 it will only make these pieces more of a bargain. Layer with cushions and a blanket or throw over the back of a sofa.<\/p>\n Layer small ones over large ones, pattern on pattern. Faded Aubussons and antique carpets work and are cheaper than those in pristine condition.<\/p>\n You might also like<\/strong> where to buy antique and vintage rugs online<\/a><\/p>\n Dot them around the room from little antique tripod-leg gypsy tables, which can be bought cheaply, to a big sofa table. For the latter, use a console behind a comfy sofa with a couple of reading lights positioned on top.<\/p>\n Replace wall and ceiling lights with standard lamps, table lamps<\/a> (such as brass column lights) on your side tables. Mix styles, eras and shades.<\/p>\n You might also like<\/strong> a Regency home mixing styles and eras<\/a><\/p>\n Add a club fender, if you can find one.<\/p>\n Mix and match them \u2013 this is a cheaper option than buying a pair.<\/p>\n Pile it high with magazines or books you\u2019ve thumbed through and place in the middle of the room.<\/p>\n A great addition, if you have space. Team with a nice old desk chair, a lamp, vintage pens, books, pictures or lots of little photographs. It makes a great surface for displaying a collection of curios.<\/p>\n Inside Drew Pritchard\u2019s converted Methodist chapel<\/a><\/p>\n Drew Pritchard\u2019s sofa collection with Barker & Stonehouse<\/a><\/p>\n How I became an antiques dealer<\/a><\/p>\n How to be a successful antiques dealer<\/a><\/p>\n How to add colour to your home<\/a><\/p>\n Why patina is king<\/a><\/p>\n The antique that got away<\/a><\/p>\n Why I love industrial design<\/a><\/p>\n The thrill of an unexpected find<\/a><\/p>\n Must find garden antiques<\/a><\/p>\n![\""Country\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/19\/2017\/01\/1-e85c257.jpg?quality=90&resize=999%2C1200"\" "\\"\"1\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nKey elements of country house style<\/h2>\n
Upholstered furniture<\/h3>\n
Rugs<\/h3>\n
Tables<\/h3>\n
Lighting<\/h3>\n
A fireplace<\/h3>\n
A pair of club chairs<\/h3>\n
An ottoman<\/h3>\n
A desk<\/h3>\n
More from Drew Pritchard:<\/h2>\n