Tips to Achieving a English Country Garden Theme to Your Home

English country garden themes continue to be one of the most popular choices of house styles as they are relatively easy to achieve and suit both traditionally styled and modern homes.

With the recession still affecting many people across the UK the vintage or 'shabby chic' style of interior design is an easy and relaxed style which enables people to mix old with new and still having stunning interiors without having to spend a fortune on either decorating or furnishings.

Quintessential country styles are those which revolve around soft cottage garden flowers, lazy days spent in the country, as well as replicating the styles of manor houses of the wealthy in gentle pastels or more intense deep colours which were popular in large proportioned rooms.

Light and airy rooms filled with wafts of summer flowers brings peace and tranquillity to many people's hectic lifestyles. Having 'bolt holes' in the countryside are also becoming more and more trendy as people try to address their work-home balance.

The country cottage theme incorporates a mix of floral fabrics with stripes and checks, usually with pastel colours. The latest trends also include an eclectic mix of more vibrant colours which are more typically associated with the Mediterranean, Azure blues, terracotta and sunflower yellows offer warm tomes which also invigorate the senses as well as providing a peaceful reflection of lazy Tuscany days filled with warm sunshine which help people to relax and de-stress once they arrive home.

One great advantage to the English country home theme is the ability to have each room slightly different with an overall cottage feel which brings a sense of balance and cohesion to a home. However, this style of interior design does not mean you can a jumble of mess and untidiness! It is certainly not an excuse not to plan each room carefully to achieve the desired look. Living in a cottage obviously gives people a great advantage as to the overall design scheme, however the colour combinations and mixes of textures and styles of fabrics used for curtains and soft furnishings allows for experimentation and a relaxed way of achieving a stunning interior.

Stripped floorboards are another feature along with stripped antique pine bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobes, along with doors. Floorboards and furniture which is too shabby can easily be painted with a white wash style of coating and adds to the overall charm of this style of interior.

Bedrooms are a great way to express the country theme by using crisps white bedding which has a rose or floral print. Quilt covers, curtains and plump cushions add to the overall look and are usually coordinated or matching. Vases filled with fresh seasonal flowers, picked from your own garden whenever possible, adds the essential finishing touches to all rooms, including the bedroom.

Opt for duvet sets which have a white or ivory main colour and choose from gorgeous pinks hues of English roses or the lilac of English lavender to instance bring romanticism to a bedroom.