INTERIORS
THAT EXTRA SOMETHING
NON-ESSENTIALS BECOME IMPERATIVE FOR ACHIEVING A HARMONIOUS COUNTRY MAXIMALIST LOOK
t’s all in the detail with cottagecore, from exposed brick to flashes of oak wood, bursts of pattern to trinkets, ornaments and one-of-a-kind furniture. “Add plenty of texture and natural materials for depth and interest,” says Laura. “Introduce different woods and mix in other materials such as glass, metals and wicker. “My favourite item for creating a country interior is a wool or antique rug,” Laura continues. “Introducing a more relaxed linen fabric is great in curtains and cushions.”
statement hand-painted pieces sourced from local artisans – even bring some living herb boxes into the home.” “I have always loved brown furniture as a way to ground a scheme and make it feel less new,” shares Nicola. “It’s a useful, sober counterbalance to pattern and strong colour. Antique pieces are often less expensive than buying new. The shapes are better and the manufacture quality is invariably higher. Also, look for balance when decorating. Incorporating this aesthetic doesn’t have to mean filling your home with chintz.”
When making the old new, don’t fret about clashing styles of different eras – pairing seemingly opposing elements is the new modern. “Look for vintage items of fabric and furniture to build your scheme up. Try pattern on pattern – not a clash, but a tonal marrying of ideas!” says Louise. “I would suggest revamping existing items and looking in antique shops for chairs and tables,” asserts Katie. “Integrate knick-knacks and art from vintage and thrift stores, handcrafted ceramics, rough plaster sculptures,
WHILE IT’S EASY TO GET CARRIED AWAY, OUR EXPERTS SHARE HOW NOT TO OVERSTEP THE MARK BALANCING ACT
and stop the room feeling flat and dated. Keep styling simple and uncluttered for a more fresh, modern feel.” Ultimately, how you adapt the cottagecore look to the home is up to you. What has made the trend so widely appealing is that, at its core, the style is all about bringing together your favourite elements from across the ages – and giving you the freedom to mix and match to your heart’s content.
ountry maximalism is all about the fun of marrying new styles and tastes – but take care not to overdo it. “While thrift stores filled to the brim with cottagecore aesthetic potential are your friend, overflowing the space with them is to be avoided. Even maximalism has a science to it, and everything needs to flow well,” says Katie. “Don’t be afraid to mix new with the old,” Laura says. “This will create interest
EYE-CATCHING The Trifle footstool from Loaf (top); Chinoiserie Menagerie wallpaper in willow green from Catherine Rowe Designs (above)
78 JUNE 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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