The chirping of birds and buzzing of bees drifting in from ajar doors, along with the filtering of light from sash windows, make lazy summer afternoons something of a fantasy to dream about through the colder months. But now that the warmer weather is peering through the clouds, we can begin to accept it as a reality and look forward to a hybrid indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

This charming manor house is situated in the heart of England’s rural Hampshire, a county that’s home to the filming locations for Downton Abbey and scenes from The Crown. The area is hailed for its outstanding natural beauty and future champagne-brewing promise, so, of course, a house in this county deserved a fine eye for detail and a conscious celebration of its history and surroundings. Read on for tips on how to create the ultimate British summer escape.

A sitting room setting with embroidered armchairs, a yellow pleated lampshade and a jute rugA sitting room setting with embroidered armchairs, a yellow pleated lampshade and a jute rug
A linen armchair is decorated with a red printed pillow and orange throw. Next to it is a wooden side table and a blue lamp.A linen armchair is decorated with a red printed pillow and orange throw. Next to it is a wooden side table and a blue lamp.
  1. Riet Side Table - Weathered Oak

    Riet Side Table – Weathered Oak

    Now: $626.50 Was: $895
    Add to Wish List
  2. Tarma Armchair - Sheki Olive

    Tarma Armchair - Sheki Olive

    Now: $1,396.50 Was: $1,995
    Add to Wish List
  3. Flavian Coffee Table

    Flavian Coffee Table - Natural

    Now: $1,396.50 Was: $1,995
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With the British weather being as unpredictable as it is, we find it’s important to bring a little bit of summer indoors, and this can be a wonderful mood-boosting tip too. From bold embroidery in muted colors to bright ceramics and charming symmetry, this country-style sitting room offers an airy space with accents inspired by nature. A patterned lampshade here and a botanical print there gladly welcome in the hints of green spotted through the windows, so that the space feels connected to its location. A jute rug over original wood floors brings subtle warmth to the look while also keeping it understated. When it comes to accessorizing surfaces, look to faux stems—they’re picturesque when arranged in china vases and can create wonderful centerpieces for your coffee table. Plus, they’ll look as fresh as a daisy for the whole season. Textiles can be neglected in the summer, but adding a soft touch is just as important in the warmer months as the winter. Pillows in punchy patterns provide an easy seasonal update; our new silk designs were made to be mixed and matched.

A grey cabinet is decorated with a yellow lamp and colorful pleated shadeA grey cabinet is decorated with a yellow lamp and colorful pleated shade
Two green armchairs sit on top of a red printed rug. A gold side table sits between them, decorated with a blue potTwo green armchairs sit on top of a red printed rug. A gold side table sits between them, decorated with a blue pot

Playing with color is one of the great joys that comes with designing a room. Combinations you may not think would work in harmony can be pulled together through differing pattern sizes, such as the large print on our Hevsel Rug mixed with the delicacy of our Elemeri Pillows. Then bold pops of solid color, from the Sea Blue Liaodong Pot to the Paprika Grisewood Lamp, draw the eye around the room and bring balance.

A dining room setting with a round, stone table, four yellow velvet dining chairs and a red patterned rugA dining room setting with a round, stone table, four yellow velvet dining chairs and a red patterned rug
A sitting room setting with a blue printed rug, a linen upholstered bench, a wooden sideboard and yellow wall artA sitting room setting with a blue printed rug, a linen upholstered bench, a wooden sideboard and yellow wall art

Yellow is the forever happy shade; synonymous with the sun and zingy citrus fruits, though often overlooked when it comes to dressing our interiors—whether from fear of its vibrancy or uncertainty about how to include it. We recommend introducing it through your artwork and soft furnishings and marrying it with blue hues that perfectly complement its vitality. Yellow can be considered a modern shade in decorating, but if you would like to retain a certain rustic feel in your interiors, you can temper its verve with pieces of furniture crafted from weathered wood and carved stone features that lend classic style.

Your summer haven should bring you a dose of vitamin D whether you’re lounging inside or out, so color boldly and have fun with your decorating—it needn’t be a chore.