Chequered love Tweeds, plaids and wool-mix fabrics have a natural affinity with the English rural interior, but here, by upscaling the size of the check and choosing a bold but sophisticated palette of greys, this rural scheme combines both rustic earthiness and country sophistication. Textured carpeting with a rib or herringbone effect in tight loops is much more fitting than smooth pile carpet, although distressed oak boards would, of course, suit, too. Cushions in air force blue add a touch of contrast. Chair in Malin Plaid; sofa in Malin Check, footstool and blue cushions in Malin Plain, all 69 a metre, Zoffany
Sculpted light Exquisitely tactile, these handcrafted pendant lights from porcelain specialists Lladró are designed to work as a decorative feature as well as illuminate a focused spot. A group of odd numbers magnifies the stylistic, botanical effect beautifully. Foresta lamp, 270, Lladró Country LUXE Rustic luxury would seem to be a contradiction in terms, and yet for interiors, a sophisticated take on rural style is undoubtedly one of the strongest new directions for country (and town) homes; used well, it is a style that offers considerable allure Whilst townhouse interiors particularly London ones seem to follow an increasingly expected streamlined aesthetic, choices for decorating a country home come in a far wider variety of guises: from vivacious retro charm, to colourfully classic to muted shabby chic. If rural sophistication is your aim, then the latest design direction has a great deal to inspire. A soothing palette of dirty neutrals teamed with dove, smoke and charcoal-grey accents or backdrops is one of the strongest current flavours for both paint companies and fabric brands. When used well, it sets such a soothing atmosphere that we suspect townhouse owners will be emulating this rustic yet elegant look with equal vigour to that of their country cousins. THE ENGLISH HOME 61
[I like] to preserve simplicity rather than over-polishing. Fashions are changeable. Taste is in realising the essence of a place. Nancy Lancaster, influential 20th-century taste maker and decorator (1897-1994) ABOVE LEFT Paw prints The vintage terrier motif, which adorns this tea-towel, was discovered in an old dictionary rescued from a bookshop and neatly commandeered for a charming new purpose. With tea towels so often visible in the busy kitchen, it pays to choose an attractive design or motif that complements the overall setting. Tea towel 10, Plum & Ashby ABOVE RIGHT Modern interpretation Fluted stoneware plates look as prettily textural on the wall as upon the table. Here, interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch has used a selection of different sizes in two tones to create a contemporary interpretation of the wall-hung display and catch subtleties of light. Placemats, napkins, cutlery, cups and candles, all from a selection at Neptune. Antique console table sourced by Sims Hilditch RIGHT Below stairs style Mrs Patmore s kitchen has spawned a fan base almost as fervant as the comings and goings of Downton Abbey itself. Its pleasing combination of substantial dresser (replete with stoneware), scrubbed pine table, tiled floor and heavy range have set many hearts aflutter. No wonder then that a sudden flurry of kitchen accessories has appeared in subtle homage; the ideal complement to a marble topped table the perfectly cool surface choice for pastry making. Cecile chair, 69; Downton tea towel, 12 for a set of three; porcelain pouring bowl, 20; Garden Trading egg run, 18; porcelain roaster, 23; marble rolling pin, 18; Atelier painted wood and carrara marble table, 599, all John Lewis 62 THE ENGLISH HOME
Ah! There is nothing like staying home for real comfort. Mrs Elton in Emma by Jane Austen ABOVE LEFT Soft underfoot Whilst the earthier rustic interior might feature rough grass flooring or bare boards, this more luxurious take on rural style demands a softer touch underfoot. These lovely monochromatic upcycled rugs, made from the discarded spools of yarns at Roger Oates mill, offer chunky rib weaves in 100 per cent wool in five colourways (Almond, Aubergine, Blueberry, Conker, Pistachio) and a touch of eco satisfaction. Rug, 80cm x 200cm, 175, Roger Oates ABOVE Contemporary country A quirky modern note can inject a little humour and avoid a sophisticated setting being too serious. This rather sweet Oksa Wall Hook designed by Hanna Francis is a neat and attractive solution for guests, coat storage in the hall. 59, Caroline McGrath LEFT Classic curves The sinuous lines of this reproduction of an original fireclay bath, found in the Grand Hotel in Aix Les Bains, are shown to best effect when offset against charcoal-grey panelled walls. Hanwell bath, manufactured in England from a stone and mineral composite, 183cm x 80cm x 57cm, 5,750, The Water Monopoly FEATURE KERRYN HARPER-CUSS FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK