Posted on April 22, 2022
Image Credit: Astman Taylor & Pooky Lights
The Cotswolds is home to more than just boundless countryside and picture-perfect cottages. Its abundance of nature and personality has inspired the world of interiors and among the hills you’ll find some of the most creative and inspiring indoor spaces.
From converted traditional barns to stunning manor houses and down-to-earth pubs, interior design lovers thrive in The Cotswolds and we’re sharing a few tips and awesome businesses that will help you bring a little of that Cotswolds chic into your home.
Decorate with rustic elements
The countryside brings out a rustic element to interiors in The Cotswolds. Think texture, neutrals and natural. Antiques are a great choice for finding rustic accents such as restored wooden furniture and vintage ceramics. We’d recommend popping by Station Mill Antiques, which is based in Chipping Norton and home to 80 antique dealers offering high quality items.
It’s an emporium for interiors lovers and you’re bound to come away with something truly special.
For beautiful candles that fill your home with tantalising scents but also look handsome on your tabletops, Pott Candles really embody that simple elegance we love in The Cotswolds. What makes these candles so special is that the pots are handcrafted by potters across the UK and each one is refillable.
An innovative, sustainable way to enjoy candles without the waste that goes hand in hand with empty candle pots, founder Ailis offers a refill subscription where you can refill your pot with seasonal scents to harmoniously match the blooms and scents of nature.
Create your own secret garden
Is there anything more charming than an English country garden? Think colourful flora including lavender, roses and hydrangea where bumble bees love to play and a secret garden, a private place where you can relax in serenity.
As we move into those warmer months, make the most of your outdoor spaces, whether that’s a balcony or you’re lucky to have an expanse of greenery outside your door, and create your own outdoor sanctuary.
For furniture, we love Bramblecrest. Not only is their furniture carefully designed and innovatively crafted, but it’s all made from responsibly sourced, recyclable materials. Environmental impact is hugely important for Bramblecrest. They take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and for every furniture set sold, a tree is planted.
Play with colour and light
Interior designers in The Cotswolds love a splash of colour. Think floral wallpaper, bright furnishings and accent pieces.
If you’re excited by the idea of adding more colour to your home but are a little nervous about where to begin, lighting is a great way to start experimenting. Pooky is a gorgeous Cotswolds brand who are all about decorative lighting. Think patterned shades and cleverly crafted lamps from wood, marble, glass and more!
You can filter their styles of lighting for every room in the home from “Traditional” all the way to “In yer face” to easily find something that works to your aesthetic. If you’d prefer to shop in person, we’d highly recommend popping into their showroom in Gloucester where you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of creative lighting to choose from.
Bring some history and a little quirk into your home
Those famous storybook cottages and honey-hued homes from the 16th century have come to define The Cotswolds and its English heritage look. However The Cotswolds has roots stemming back to the Ancient Romans, and you can find stunning mosaics and remnants from their settlements across the region. While countryside kitsch and elegant Roman architecture make for a surprising combination, they merge harmoniously in The Cotswolds.
Be inspired by The Cotswolds’ roots and bring a little history and unexpected finds into your home. Shop around for some antiques or retro pieces that match your interiors style, or find something that piques your interest that will add a unique touch to your interiors look.
We’d recommend checking out Domestic Science run by Libs Lewis, an antique dealer who hand picks every item available to buy both online and in her shops across Nailsworthy, Tetbury and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Japanese brand Peubco’s minimalist, utilitarian household goods sit comfortably alongside glassware from The Vintage List. Within the vintage range, choose from elegant textiles such as ruffled cushions and ornate lampshades to charming furniture including galvanised tubs, watering cans and jugs.
Support Cotswolds artists inspired by the region
Many artists look to the wilderness and calm of nature as a source of creative inspiration. For this reason, numerous talented artists can be found all across The Cotswolds. Art bring stories, personality and memories to a room, and there’s no better way of taking a little piece of The Cotswolds home than by picking up a piece inspired by the rolling hills.
Read our previous journal post 6 Cotswolds artists who will inspire your creative side to find some talented artists based here in The Cotswolds.
If you’re an art lover already and know the kind of pieces you love, explore Medium Room run by curator Natalie. Her love of vintage and antique art has led to her spending countless hours searching the country for truly special pieces.
Medium Room can be found just outside Cirencester or you can browse the collection online. Art can really add that finishing touch to a home and Natalie can help you find a piece to love, whether it’s a simple lithograph or sourcing portraits to adorn a gallery wall.