Create an English Country Sitting Room

Re-create the relaxed vibe of a British weekend house—and an ideal spot for sharing a cuppa—with delightfully mix-matched textiles

By Kathryn O'Shea-Evans

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.

About $250; Joss & Main

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