Caring for home:
We had the opportunity to visit the English countryside in the summer of 2023. I’ve never been homesick for a place I’ve never lived before…until I visited the Cotswolds. There is something about the English countryside that takes your breath away; the rolling fields, the gray blue skies, the pastures filled with white fluffy sheep. There is also something remarkably comfortable and homey about Cotswolds decor. If you like the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, you’re going to love the charm of the English countryside.
01. Softness of light
If there was one thing I remember about the English countryside, it was the softness of light. Not only is the sky blue and the fields green, but the light has a softness about it like a gossamer veil. Inside the pubs and shops, it’s uncommon to see an overhead or fluorescent light. Instead, there are wall sconces and table lamps with soft pleated shades, and the rooms are warm with the glow of candlelight.
One of the foundations of Cotswolds decor is the softness of light. Even hotels opted for lamps and sconces in place of harsh lighting. Dining areas were softly lit and there was always a warm ambiance to common areas.
If you’re looking to add in the charm of the English countryside, start by softening your lighting.
02. Comfort of color
While there are many homes in the UK that are filled with many bright colors, there was definitely a noticeable color palette repeated throughout the English countryside. In fact, if I were to name the color palette of Cotswolds decor, it would be pale dusty blues and muted greens.
Maybe it’s the reflection of nature, or maybe it’s just a nod to the simplicity of life, but most of the shops and cottages had a common thread of color in their decor. There was a comfort to it. It felt softer, easier, homier. It felt like you could prop your feet up and enjoy a cup of tea while enjoying a nice evening fire.
03. Play on pattern
Another staple of Cotswold decor is definitely a play on pattern; specifically floral and gingham prints. Like the color palette, it may be a reflection of the English countryside. Or it may be the easy slowness of life. Either way, if you’re looking to add the charm of England by way of Cotswold decor, you must be willing to apply small florals in some form or fashion.
04. Add some antiques
The antique shops in the UK were unlike anything I’ve seen in the states. The country is just older, and it’s nothing out of the ordinary to see furniture pieces dating back to the 15th or 16th century.
In the US, we also have many amazing antique or vintage pieces. Places like garage sales, tag sales, Facebook marketplace, and eBay are great places to source good quality antiques. But don’t overlook sources closer to home; grandma’s attic, your uncle’s basement, a neighbor’s garage. You could be sitting on a goldmine, and many older people are willing to pass along items to a good, loving home.
05. Make it home
And speaking of good, loving homes, that is the most important piece of any decor, not just Cotswolds decor. You can add in all the soft colors, patterns, and antiques. You can light it all with beautifully stunning pleated lamps, but if your space doesn’t feel like home, you may have missed your target altogether.
If there was anything I learned during our time in the UK, it was that everywhere we went, it felt like home. Brighton, Canterbury, London, Southampton, or Cambridge – each place had a homeyness to it that welcomed us in with warm and open arms.
Maybe it was the all the things we’ve already talked about; the lighting, the patterns and colors, the antiques and sense of history. But mostly it was the people. They made us feel like we were welcome and I left feeling like I had finally found home.
xo, Billie
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