English living style: between elegant & cozy

Our European island neighbors simply know how to bring out the best in interior design. There are precisely two styles of country living that could not be more different, but both transform a house into a home. We are talking about the furnishings found in English aristocratic houses and the cozy furnishings found in the countryside. Today we present the special features of the two styles.

English cottage: Furnishings? The main thing is comfort!

English nature is calling, as we know it from novels by Jane Austen or Emily Brontë. An integral part of the popular nature reserves in the Scottish Highlands or areas such as Essex or Dorset: the cottage. Loosely translated, these rural houses are cozy huts made of wood or stone. Used as simple houses in the old days, they are definitely not lacking in comfort today. But what makes these houses so British? Well, above all the cozy furnishings.

There is relatively little space in a cottage. But that doesn't stop you from making the most of the furniture. A cozy sofa and massive wooden chests of drawers trimmed to look like old furniture evoke the charm of the country house style. A wooden dining table in shabby chic supports the relaxed atmosphere. People like to relax here in the evenings and enjoy time together - especially in the colder months. Multifunctional furniture can be used to make up for the lack of space.

When it comes to the choice of color, you can dance wildly across the color palette. Delicate light blue and pink are just as popular as white. Strong colors such as green, yellow or a dark blue provide the necessary variety so that your eyes don't get bored. Courage for color also means courage for pattern in the cottage living style. A simple check pattern will be just as convincing as natural floral patterns and scenic scenes. There are no limits to your imagination.

English country house: furnishings from the nobility

Also located in the British countryside, but something completely different, are the manor houses and country estates of the English aristocracy. Many of them are several centuries old and are now partly inhabited and partly open to the public. As a rural counterpart to the town houses, they are firmly part of the English tradition. The manor houses are one thing above all: large. Several bedrooms, drawing rooms, dining rooms and many more rooms call for an appropriate "Downton Abbey" style interior.

As a seat, the Chesterfield sofa is probably THE furniture icon from England. The massive leather sofa is internationally renowned for its diamond pattern. This is created by the so-called capitoning. Buttons are firmly attached to the frame of the sofa and the leather is pulled taut. Today, sofas with textile upholstery and other pieces of furniture, such as a bed bench, also feature this pattern. Dark, solid wood furniture and other fine furniture are used to match. Very British!

As far as colors are concerned, dark shades are the most common in a country house - as long as you stick to classic English furnishings. A strong green or royal red are among the colorful eye-catchers in the manor house. These can be found in the form of curtains at the window or carpets on the elegant wooden parquet flooring. This creates a cozy atmosphere with a touch of luxury and seriousness.

British living style in your home too?

Now you've got to know some important styles in the UK - at least those in the countryside. Cosiness at its best, in our opinion. Would you prefer a similar interior in your home? Then contact us by email or phone and we'll talk about your options together. We have a few items in mind that we are sure you will like! We have already provided you with a selection below this article. Have a look through them. Perhaps you'll find something suitable.