Six Ways to Bring Stately Home Character into Your Interior
Stately homes may belong to another era, but many of their most memorable design features can feel just as at home in a modern interior.
In this opinion piece, NDA tutor Stephen Matthewman-Knowles shares six ways to take inspiration from these grand spaces, including bold colour, rich woods, layered soft furnishings and decorative detailing.
Have any of these ideas inspired you? Let us know in the comments below.
1. Don’t be Afraid to Try Bold Colours
Many stately homes feature rooms with vibrantly painted walls and striking wallpaper designs.
When seeking to recreate this aesthetic, it is important not to be afraid of using rich, bold colours to create a sense of impact and drama. Rather than choosing overly garish shades, such as bright pink, consider deeper and more sophisticated tones. Rich shades of red and blue, for example, can be particularly effective in living rooms and dining rooms.
However, the same colour scheme should not necessarily be used throughout the entire house. In many stately homes, kitchens and service areas are decorated in more neutral tones, such as buttercream, ivory and parchment, creating a contrast with the more dramatic principal rooms.
In some cases, the colour scheme of a room is developed around a central theme. For instance, a room containing a collection of landscape paintings may feature paint colours or wallpaper that complement and reflect the shades found within the artwork.
2. The Use of Wood in a Room
Furniture is a central element of stately home design. Ideally, pieces should create the impression of having been passed down through generations or acquired during travels abroad, rather than appearing brand new or mass-produced.
Antique shops can therefore be an excellent source of distinctive pieces that contribute to this aesthetic. Furniture with a sense of history can add character and individuality to a room, particularly where it includes the unique details often associated with handcrafted items.
In addition, antique furniture can sometimes be more affordable than purchasing new, high-quality pieces. It is also a more sustainable choice and can help to achieve the desired traditional appearance.
Wooden furniture, staircases and wood-panelled walls are all prominent features of many stately homes. Timber introduces a sense of warmth, comfort and authenticity that is difficult to replicate with other materials. A carefully crafted and polished wooden piece can convey a strong sense of quality and refinement, and the natural beauty of the material should be allowed to remain a prominent feature.
3. Voluminous Curtains and Lots of Soft Furnishings
One of the most noticeable features of stately home interiors is often the use of large and elaborate curtains to frame the windows.
Floor-length curtains are particularly common and are typically made from rich, luxurious fabrics, sometimes held back with tasselled cords. In traditional interiors, curtains may hang from stained timber or gilded metal rods and be finished with decorative braids or tasselled fringes.
This style of window treatment is generally most appropriate for living areas and bedrooms, while bathrooms and service areas may benefit from simpler and more practical designs.
Soft furnishings can also be used to recreate the sense of luxury and comfort associated with stately homes. A selection of decorative cushions in a variety of fabrics, patterns and styles can add both visual interest and a feeling of richness to a room.
4. Ornate Furniture and Decorative Objects
Stately homes are typically furnished with an eclectic collection of classical and antique pieces, often characterised by polished wood and ornate detailing. Where possible, antique furniture can be used to establish this appearance.
Combining pieces from different historical periods, including Tudor, Georgian, Regency, Queen Anne, Victorian and Edwardian styles, can create the impression that the collection has developed gradually over several generations.
The furniture should be varied in both form and function and might include stools, coffee tables, small desks, drinks tables, card tables and vanities. Rather than relying on matching furniture sets, consider combining different pieces to achieve a more authentic and individually curated appearance.
Similarly, incorporating different types and finishes of wood can further reinforce the impression that the room has been assembled over time. Antique rugs and runners can also contribute a sense of history, authenticity and refinement.
Decorative objects are equally important in creating a luxurious environment. Items such as antique candelabras, vases, mirrors, clocks, decorative bowls and glassware can introduce visual richness and personality. Arranging selected objects symmetrically on furniture throughout the room can help to create a sense of balance and formality.
5. Use Decorative Mouldings
Stately homes frequently incorporate detailed architectural features to enhance the sophistication of their interiors. Feature-rich ceilings, for example, can significantly contribute to a room’s overall sense of grandeur.
Crown or cove cornice mouldings may be used to create a more impressive architectural appearance, while additional layers of moulding or decorative plasterwork can add further character and visual interest.
Similar attention can also be given to walls. Panelling and decorative mouldings can introduce depth and texture to an otherwise plain surface, while also enhancing the effect of the chosen paint colours. Combining wallpaper and paint within a panelled design can create additional contrast and complexity, contributing to a more refined and visually interesting interior.
6. Large Portraits
Whereas many modern homes favour large, minimally decorated walls, the interiors of stately homes are often characterised by an extensive use of artwork, including large-scale portraits.
One option is to commission an artist to produce portraits of family members. When displayed in an attractive and carefully chosen frame, such artwork can provide a strong focal point within a room.
Alternatively, landscapes depicting the local area can introduce a sense of regional identity, while a collection of personally meaningful artwork can contribute character and individuality. By displaying artwork with personal, historical or cultural significance, it is possible to create an interior that feels both luxurious and distinctive.
Interested in learning the principles behind interiors that work? Explore National Design Academy’s Interior Design courses, from short courses through to degree level.
Build Your Career with an Interior Design Degree
Turn your passion for design into a professional career with our flexible, accredited Bachelor’s degrees in interior design.
