Get that English country house look correct

Your country house may come with gorgeous original features, but ultimately it is up to you how you decorate. The general feel should be warm, welcoming but ultimately lived-in without being overly messy or casual. Choose your furnishings carefully and make sure you get the country look right with a few handy pointers.

• Walls. English country houses are adorned in luxuriant floral wallpaper, failing this stay at the darker end of the colour spectrum. Only the servants' quarters would be covered in anything as simple as paint!
• Floors. In the main areas of the house, dark polished wood, buffed to an ambassadorial gleam, is the only thing that will do. In areas of high traffic such as the entrances to kitchens, dark coloured mosaic tiles should be used, not that you are going to have dozens of maids scurrying around but with any luck the tiles should still be there - if not, check scrap yards for second hand replacements.
• Furniture. Obviously wood not plastic! Opt for hardwood tables, chairs and cabinets with dark colours to match the overall autumnal theme of a classic English country house. Soft chairs, chaise longues and sofas should be ostentatiously overstuffed for that touch of Victorian grandeur. For the ultimate in country house lounging seek out a Chesterfield sofa but be prepared to pay the price for these sought after items. Ultimately, your furniture should be hard-wearing to endorse the lived-in look that comes with hardy country living.
• Drapes, curtains, cushions and table coverings. Like the walls, all fabrics should be either richly floral or dark and sombre. Cover small tables with floor length cloths and set fresh flowers on top. For the overall colour scheme of a country house, think dark, musty and autumnal - like the deep woods all around.
• Ornaments. Cram your country house to the hilt with brass and bone china. Remember, minimalism is a modern concept and as far removed from an English country house as can be. Search out antique markets and scrap yards for what could quickly become an enjoyable obsession.
• Picture Hanging. Rural scenes of hunting in the reception rooms and ancestors lining the hallways (adopt some if you don't know what yours looked like). In the reception rooms go for the Victorian ethic of hanging them all up and letting each one fight for itself amongst the competition.
• Fireplaces. Keep the fire roaring, peat is an excellent option for a slow-burn where available. Ornament your fireplace with brass candlesticks to finish off the look.

For further information on English country house style check out the biography on the very person who created the look, Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style, by Martin Wood

Or browse the online collection at Colefax and Fowler who stock a range of classic country house fabrics and furnishings.

Useful Links

Ready to make the next step and turn theory in practice? Below is a list of links to specialists working in the area of country homes and country home conversions.

• Beechcroft Developments Beechcroft develop country house conversions specifically for the over 55 market.
• Wilkinson Estate AgentsHave a specialist department that deals solely with the sale of country houses, farms, land and equestrian property throughout Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas.
• Churchods Estate Agents A no-nonsense property service based on heritage, integrity, honesty and outstanding customer care.
• Richard Saunders Estate Agents Richard Saunders and Company is an independent, professional estate agency for the sale of residential property over a wide area of the Surrey Downs, from studio flats to mansion apartments and from cottages to prestigious homes and country houses.
• Allen Briegel Estate Agents Established in 1988, Allen Briegel has grown to become one of the leading estate agents in southwest London.
• Featherstone Leigh Have a network of sales and lettings offices in Richmond, Chiswick, Battersea, Kew, East Sheen, Twickenham, Teddington and Kingston.