Country House and Interiors describes the furnishings, decoration and collecting traditions associated with the great houses of Britain and Europe. Over generations, these houses accumulated furniture, paintings, porcelain, silver, textiles, books and curiosities, creating richly layered rooms that reflected the tastes, travels and fortunes of successive owners.
The country house interior is defined by a series of rooms, each with its own furnishings: the entrance hall with lanterns, hall chairs and stands; the drawing room with upholstered seating, mirrors and porcelain; the library with bookcases, desks and globes; the dining room with sideboards and extending tables; and bedrooms, dressing rooms and service areas, each with practical and decorative pieces. The look combines quality and comfort with a relaxed mixture of periods and a respect for patina and wear. This style has had a lasting influence on interior design, and many people today seek antiques with a country house provenance or character to bring warmth, history and individuality to their own homes.
