Interior design has always been impacted by fashion trends – both historically and in the modern day. In this write-up series, “Designing in Style,” I explore the meaning of style for interior designers. I draw on my experience working alongside quite a few of London’s best-recognized interior design teams. This fourth write-up in my series moves on from historic standard/period styles to the country style – a timeless interior design classic.

The country styles are also sometimes known as the pastoral or rustic styles. The most prominent example is the cottage/farmhouse. Ask most interior designers to imagine being far away from London and they will envision an earthy farmhouse kitchen with rustic tones, wooden enclaves, solid and wholesome meals, and a welcoming brick fireplace. Pastoral styles in interior design contexts are as much practical as they are stylish. The restful comfort and lack of ostentation is appreciated not only by country folk but also by city dwellers. London interior design consultancies often work with clients who have big residences with expansive grounds in require of a rustic feel that harks back to quieter times.

The country interior design style relies on sturdy natural supplies such as wood, brick, stone and textured or weathered fabrics. Floorboards are typically left exposed to wear down over time, prior to being stained or varnished and softened with mats or rugged coverings. In general, furniture ought to be plump and inviting, with natural unvarnished wood frames or homely patterned upholstery. The fireplace is typically a centrepiece of this interior design style, and hearths of stone or brick are typically used together with copper or brass fireplace accessories. In London mansions that incorporate the country style, walls are typically left rough and natural in appearance.

The English country home is a variant of the pastoral interior design style that is extremely English yet still well-recognized abroad. Interior designers in London will typically be referred to as upon to generate designs in this style for the quite wealthiest clients. The English country house style relies heavily on patterns. Interior design teams will focus on floral, significant-scale motifs, perhaps based on historic designs from the eighteenth century. These patterns will be employed not only for window treatments, but also on upholstery, loose covers, bedspreads, table frills, etc. Typical English country home interior design schemes use colours such as pink, white, cream, and highlights in green. Other alternatives incorporate yellow and blue, or muted shades of gold and brown.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, British rustic interior design became increasingly influenced by the so-called “American country” style. Although not typically a focus of London interior designers, this style can incorporate Shaker furniture and Amish quilts, together with stripped-pine cupboards, dressers and chests. Folk stencils are crucial to attain the correct look.

In my next article for this “Designing in Style” series, I will look at something that is a significant feature of London’s interior design landscape right now, namely the modern/contemporary style.