English Elegance: Crafting a Countryside Retreat in the Cotswolds

1. The essence of ‘English elegance’

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‘English elegance’ embodies the quintessential charm of the English country home – sophistication, cosiness and just a touch of splendour. The inspiration for our Cotswolds country pile in the delightfully named Wyck Rissington, English elegance is a deft blend of classic furniture, soft colours highlighted with rich accents, juxtaposing patterns and textiles, and nostalgic design details.

2. A timeless palette to instil ambience

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English countryside decor draws inspiration from the lush landscapes, celebrated wildlife and storied heritage of Great Britain – a narrative carried through the palette. A foundation of white, ecru and clotted cream pulls focus to flashes of peacock-blue highlighting the door frames, staircase, kitchen carpentry and panelling of our Cotswold barn renovation. Sages and forest greens accentuate the patterned wallpaper and soft furnishings of the guest bedroom, and brighter accents of russet and red punctuate the master suit, alcoves and drapery.     

The key to enhancing your own home with English elegance is not to overpower a space with too much colour or pattern. Use deeper hues and bolder prints to embellish a softer background.  

3. Classically elegant furniture & fixtures

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Richly coloured hardwoods like mahogany, oak and walnut characterise classic English countryside decor. No Cotswold retreat would be complete without a peppering of antiques and vintage-inspired pieces – note the Belfast sink and roll-top bathtub in our Premium home.

The centrepiece of the family dining room – a generous hardwood table – mirrors the traditional exposed beams interjecting the property. The antique writing desk, side tables and imposing bathroom vanity unit follow the same nostalgic handwriting. The centrepiece for the master suite, meanwhile, is a contemporary, wrought-iron take on the four-poster beds of old.       

Embrace English elegance by discerningly blending antique pieces with plush modern furnishings for an idyllic marriage of comfort and tradition. 

4. A considered clash of patterns

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From wallpaper to cushions to bedspreads, English elegance celebrates the layering of textures and patterns. The trick to getting this right is the careful consideration of scale and application. Juxtapose big, bold patterns with smaller, more delicate motifs, give prints room to breathe by interspersing them with solid colour, and explore a playful mix of tradition and modernity in the designs.

Amplifying the peacock-blue of the carpentry in our Cotswolds cottage, we chose vibrantly patterned drapes to frame the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining and living rooms – the botanical print picking out the rich teal shade. In the master suite, intricately patterned floral wallpaper echoes the same shade, complemented by tones of deep red and slate. The unifying element should be the flow of colour throughout your country-style home. Use pattern to highlight or contrast your core palette, but embrace consistency.

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5. Understatedly sumptuous details

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Velvets, silks and gilded flourishes are the epitome of English elegance but, as ever, the key is to scatter them throughout your countryside home sparingly. Velveteen cushions in vibrant blue and racing green dress comfortable beds and cosy armchairs in our Premium Collection home. Silken lamp shades and flashes of brushed brass and marbled tiling bring an element of subtle polish to the spaces. Always, however, there is a thoughtful balance of rustic wood, cotton, raffia, jute and stonework to underline the now enviable barn’s humble heritage.

Creating an English elegance-inspired home in the Cotswolds was, for the August Design Team, a weaving together of sophistication, comfort and archetypal English modesty. Follow our five tips to create a luxurious countryside retreat that embodies the essence of English elegance.

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You have never been closer to unlocking a new way of life. Schedule a call with an expert August Advisor today, and take the first step toward European multi-homeownership.