English Country Sitting Room
If there’s one thing that truly “makes” the English country look, it’s this, says London interior designer William Yeoward, author of Blue & White and Other Stories: “Don’t try too hard.” To that end, this gathering space in an 18th-century Sussex farmhouse features a mix of “smart stripes” deployed with a whiff of British eccentricity. The trick to achieving a joyful mix rather than a jumble is to stay within a classic color palette, like the Union Jack hues here. “Blue and white are always happy together, but a dash of red is the deal-maker,” says the designer of his penchant for sharpening the cooler shades with rosy accents. The result? “Totally timeless.”
Up ahead, ideas for bringing the look to a room of your own.
Classic Fabrics
We’ve got no gripe with stripes—they cozy up a room, especially with select other patterns, like an ikat (or checks), peppered in. Sticking to soothing blues, whites, and off-whites, sharpened with red accents, guarantees a cohesive look.
$39 to $82 per yard; Calico
Patchwork Pride
Stitching together carpet castoffs into a boho rug would take forever. This hand-knotted indigo number strikes the same nonconformist note underfoot.
From $299; Crate&Barrel
Maidenhair Fern
These houseplants typically require estate-level pampering. A silk version rewards you with always-green leaves—as delicate as the Duchess of Sussex’s bridal veil.
$99; One Kings Lane
Global Table
A portable side table keeps your Earl Grey (or G&T) within easy reach; this hand-carved, solid-wood version is inspired by tribal ceremonial stools.
$198; Serena & Lily
Throw Pillow
The secret to making your reupholstered sofa that much more stylish? A lineup of comfy pillows in a variety of harmonious colors and patterns.
$29 to $42 each; Wayfair
Striped Wingback
Chrome nailhead trim and tailored flared arms lend a storied air to this snug armchair, constructed of solid wood with ash feet.
About $250; Joss & Main
Black Lamp
A dark silhouette adds a sophisticated, grounding dimension—without it, the room could look saccharine. This hammered-bronze-finish lamp does the job right, lightened up with a linen shade.
About $80; Lamps Plus
Rolled-Arm Chair
Settle in to this leggy club chair worthy of the Bloomsbury group. Hard-wearing polyester upholstery means it can take a spill.
Creamware Platter
The grannies of yore would have yearned for this chip-resistant porcelain—both microwave and dishwasher safe, despite its vintage appearance.
$90; Bed Bath & Beyond
Step-Back Dresser
Every country cottage needs a workhorse hutch—this solid-pine model has a prep area, display shelves, a nook for bulky serving pieces, and three raised-panel doors so you can hide away anything unsightly.
$529; Gothic Cabinet Craft
Modern Accent
Just 20 inches tall, this Queen Anne–style side table is modernized in sleek black acrylic. It’s also surprisingly solid, weighing a hefty 50 pounds.
$250; World Market
