An English manor is a type of landed estate or country house historically associated with agriculturally based wealth. The English manor was integral to the feudal system and their organizational structure in the Middle Ages.
Generally, a manor was made up of a manor house, its demesne, land held by the lord or the governing authority of the manor, and cultivated by a resident population of tenants and serfs, who provided labour and services in exchange for the right to farm land.
Other structures on a manor included peasant dwellings, often grouped in a village and other buildings for horses, cattle, sheep and poultry. Depending on the size of the manor, there may also have been schools, churches, manorial courts and barns, outbuildings and occasionally a mill.
A manor’s economy may have been predominantly agricultural or horticultural, focused on the production of grain or other crops, or it may have encompassed a range of activities such as metal working and mining.
What is English country house style?
English country house style is a traditional, refined approach to decorating that often evokes the true spirit of a country home. It’s a classic, yet timeless look that typically incorporates a warm, inviting palette of neutral colours, a mix of both formal and relaxed furnishings, and plentiful decorative elements in a variety of textures.
Areas of focus include linens, curtains, cushions and throws, as well as furniture and floor coverings such as rugs, carpets and wood floors. Accessories like ceramics, photographs, books and light fixtures often provide added texture and visual interest to the overall look.
These include period pieces, rustic antiques, and vintage-inspired touches blended with current trends, making it easy to incorporate the style into any home. Lighting is also important, offering both practical and decorative appeal, as well as opportunities for zone changing and mood setting.
Finally, a generous addition of plants, flowers, and nature-inspired elements add a touch of softness, as well as life, to the décor.
How can I decorate my house like an English cottage?
Decorating a home to look like an English cottage is a great way to add a sense of traditional style to your space. To achieve this look, start by introducing color to your decor. Traditionally, English cottages have a cozy, inviting and comforting homey feel, often with a color palette that includes muted blues and greens, along with pops of richer colors like deep rose, burgundy, and royal purple.
Consider introducing furniture with classic cottage charm, such as distressed tables, slipcovered armchairs, and tufted headboards. Incorporate classic patterns, like stripes, gingham, and floral motifs, in your upholstery and curtains.
Add lovely accents like rugs and textiles with traditional patterns and colors. Use vintage-inspired fixtures, like classic wall sconces, exposed Edison light bulbs, and wrought iron accents to complete the English cottage look.
Finally, use natural materials like wood, stone, and metal to evoke a sense of timeless style. With these classic design elements, your home can look like an English country cottage.
What is Victorian interior design?
Victorian interior design is a style of interior design that emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria in England, which spanned from 1837 to 1901. The Victorian era was a time of ornate design, grandiose style, and elaborate ornamentation.
Victorian interior design is characterized by opulent elements, sumptuous drapery, and intricate patterns. Furniture pieces usually made of dark wood and accented with decorative fabrics and accents like fringes, tassels, and buttons.
Upholstery in rich colors and textures were popular for sofas and chairs, particularly velvet. Smaller details such as patterned wallpaper and chandeliers were popular and often used to create a grand, stately atmosphere.
Accessories like sculptures, clocks, plants and paintings were also common. Overall, the style of Victorian interior design is grand, luxurious, and timeless.
How can I decorate like the British?
Decorating like the British can be a fun, elegant, and relatively inexpensive way to instantly update your home. To achieve the typical British look in your home, you should focus on a few key elements.
You can start by selecting pieces of furniture and home décor with an eye for classic English design, such as chintz floral upholstery, velvet sofas, Chesterfields, traditional arm chairs, and four-poster beds.
Paired with classic English trinkets such as vintage tea sets, silver cutlery, and polished marble, these pieces will make any room look instantly British.
Additionally, when decorating in the style of the British, be sure to keep things neat and organized. Embrace good planning, tidy shelves and drawers, and a crisp, minimalist approach. Also, add color to your palette by selecting muted, traditional hues like dusty pink, warm taupe, and even a light teal.
Finally, personalize your space in true British style. Fill your shelves with antique books, framed family photos, and cherished knick-knacks. Leather trunks, elegant statement vases, and heavy metal hanging lanterns are also good options for adding uniqueness and flair to your home.
With just a few smart additions, you can easily bring a little bit of British charm into your space.
What is colonial decorating style?
Colonial decorating style is a traditional style that pays homage to the various American colonies of the past. It traces its roots back to the 17th and 18th century when the colonies were first being established in the New World.
This style combines elements of the original styles of the settlers with sophisticated, modern touches. Colonial decorating includes bold colors, like red, yellow, and blue, as well as classic motifs, like stars and stripes.
For furniture, colonial styles often choose items with large, straight lines and a lot of natural wood finishes. To achieve this look, mix traditional patterns with modern prints in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Additionally, rustic elements, like baskets, stoneware crocks, and worn-looking furniture, are often included in colonial decor. Mirrors with gilded frames are also a common feature of this style. Lastly, prints of nature scenes, like snowfall and mountain ranges, also work well with Colonial decorating.
How do you decorate like Ralph Lauren?
When decorating like Ralph Lauren, it’s important to bring a sense of timeless style, luxurious colors, and classic design into your home. Start by considering a neutral color palette with soft touches of navy, teal, and taupe, as well as occasional splashes of vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green.
Opt for natural fibers like leather, wool, and seagrass, which will add texture and interest to any room. Other staples in the Ralph Lauren style include antique artifacts, tailored upholstery, leather-bound books, and wooden furnishings.
Look for accent pieces like Americana photos, pheasant feathers, and taxidermy animals to fill in the look. Fabrics like herringbone, houndstooth, plaid, and ticking will create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.
Polished metals with lacquered finishes, such as copper, silver, and gold, are also great for adding a touch of polish. Finally, don’t forget about the Ralph Lauren lifestyle – no room is complete without luxurious cashmere blankets, plump pillows, and extra-large armchairs for relaxing in front of a roaring fire.
What is the difference between farmhouse and cottage style?
Farmhouse and cottage style are two popular home decor trends that have a lot of overlap. Both styles create a cozy and inviting home atmosphere, often evoking the feeling of a quiet retreat into a natural landscape.
However, there are some core differences that go beyond the stylistic elements.
The Farmhouse style is often marked by an emphasis on natural and weathered materials such as shiplap, exposed beams and worn-in furniture. The furniture might be antique pieces that have been passed down or contemporary pieces that mimic the rustic look.
Farmhouse décor also often includes a neutral color palette, incorporating colors like beige, white, and ivory. Additionally, the use of galvanized metal accents, shaker-style cabinets, and sliding barn doors are also typical.
Cottage style is often more colorful, bright, and whimsical than the Farmhouse style. Cottage style offers the flexibility of mixing up different color schemes and creating an eclectic look. Typical cottage décor incorporates bold colors like blues, yellows, oranges, and reds, giving a lively and cheerful feel to the space.
Additionally, floral patterns on fabrics and furniture, exposed brick, and lots of painted wood are common. Cottage style furniture also tends to be lightweight, with wicker furniture typical. Lastly, wall hangings, plants, and plenty of colorful textiles offer another tool to bring the inviting and cozy feel to the home.
How do I get the country cottage look?
Creating a country cottage look can be a fun and rewarding way to bring a unique feeling of warmth to any home. It can be achieved through incorporating rustic elements, such as distressed woods and worn fabrics, into your decorating scheme.
Begin by incorporating natural elements, such as wood and stone, into your design. For the walls, choose warm colors, such as sage greens and light yellows, to invoke a cozy feeling. Hang simple white window treatments to give a light and airy feel.
The key to achieving the country cottage look is adding charm and character to your decor. Distressed furniture pieces and antiques are an easy way to bring a sense of history and nostalgia to a room.
Wicker chairs, armoires, and dressers are all great pieces that contribute to the country cottage look. Choose vintage bedding and linens in a floral or paisley pattern to add a touch of soft elegance.
For the finishing touches, choose accessories that exude a cottage charm. Vintage tins, ballot boxes, or dishes add a personalized touch to your space. Add fresh or faux flowers to complete the look.
Mirrors, framed prints and wall signs also help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Using a variety of textures and colors will make your space come alive. With a few simple touches, you can achieve a beautiful country cottage look.
What makes a house a cottage?
A cottage typically has a cozy and inviting look, with warm and inviting details both inside and out. Inside, a cottage typically has a rustic feel, with natural wood furniture, exposed beams, and country-style decor.
It also often has an open floor plan that creates a sense of flow and connectedness. Cottages are often small in size with one or two bedrooms. Outside, cottages often evoke a more homey aesthetic, with inviting front porches, bright flower gardens, stone paths, and white picket fences.
The overall look is one of warmth and comfort, making cottages great for private retreats or for outdoor living.
