A Review: Perfect English Style By Ros B. Shaw; British Country House Interior Design & 1886 Garden

Music by EpidemicSound

Some styles of decorating have a longer shelf life than others. One of the most durable is what has come to be known as English Country Style, which works just as well in a city apartment or suburban home as it does in a rectory or manor house.

Many of us may recognize an interior as archetypally English, but putting a finger on exactly what makes it so can be tricky. One of the strengths of English style is that it isn’t prescriptive. In fact, quite the opposite. It is relaxed, laissez-faire, and endlessly adaptable—all reasons, no doubt, why it has enjoyed such longevity. You may know it when you see it, but what are its essential ingredients? In Perfect English Style, Ros Byam Shaw looks at a range of rooms with a strong English feel to them. As it happens, almost all are in England, although this is a look that travels the world, from the Americas to the Antipodes, still predominantly English in flavor even when spiced with foreign ingredients. She explores the main rooms of a house, their characteristics and furnishings, and how they achieve that mix of comfort, informality, and visual charm that is the hallmark of English style. Ros also homes in on specifics: the qualities of patina, the important role of fabrics, how to buy and include antique and vintage furnishings, and how a collection, whether of pebbles or 18th-century glass, adds individuality and character.
Interiors influenced by designs from Nancy Lancaster and John Fowler.

Airlie Gardens’ history dates back to the early 1700’s. The gardens you see today are the vision of Sarah and Pembroke Jones. The Jones purchased the property in 1884 and transformed it into a picturesque garden. In 1999, a commitment from the New Hanover County Commissioners, along with a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the support of local residents, made possible this county’s purchase and restoration of Airlie’s 67-acres of gardens.

[johnmyers]

My gosh, Mary, the work and effort you put into this video (all your videos) is so evident, and beautiful! You are so talented! Thank you!

[markdavis]

Not only are the pictures beautiful, but I love your background music . Really compliments your dialogue and create a comforting ambience..
Your jewelry is always fun to see . You have amazing rings and bracelets .

[theresabyrd]

So beautiful and peaceful, as always. Thank you Mary!

[Shmule]

Where was this book & such talent 60 years ago when I was young, lol. Thanks for sharing such beautiful homes and gardens

[cynthiagreen]

Thank you for the garden tour. It was so inspiring and so are you. You give wonderful book reviews. Give us a complete tour of your whole house. Everyone would love to see it.

[antoniaswift]

Mary, this is just delightful. I bought the book years ago this looks like a new printing, yes? Bit of nostalgia for me as my mothers house always smelt of flowers and beeswax furniture polish as did our beautiful old boarding school. When I was twelve my mother and I were invited to afternoon tea by the Mother Superior [as a form of introduction ] to the school parlor and I remember the smell of the beeswax furniture polish and flowers. I thought that it smelt just like home and relaxed thinking that I would be quite comfortable there. Years later, as was the custom as debutants before the ball we all lined up to show the nuns our wonderous gowns and as they fussed over us the scent of beeswax and flowers came wafting through the happy crowd! Lovely memories, thank you.

[dianeoneal]

Mary, I’m so thrilled when I see that you have a new posting. They are always so beautiful, calming and relaxing! And then at times, I just rewatch those that I’ve seen many times. You’re just my favorite! Thank you so much!!!

[susanhirsch]

Hello hope your well this video was truly my favorite just love your show thanks for such lovely design and decor.

[DiGrace]

Reminds me of Stamps and Stamps which is an American home designer but influenced by English country. What a beautiful book. Thank you for sharing it.

[TheFiown]

I have this book and several others by Shaw, I love this book and regularly go through it for ideas. xoxo

[maryschlotter]

English country style has such a comfortable, charming feel to it, I love the dog sleeping on the sofa and most likely a fireplace going. A lovely book. Thank you for the garden tour, how beautiful with the planted urns and garden statuary tucked in as an added surprise. The moss hanging and swaying in the breeze. The coastal location, just beautiful! I love the history of the French tutor. William K Vanderbilt has a summer home in our town I always find it intriguing to hear of the people who visited these historic homes. Thank you Mary for another peaceful, lovely video I look forward to them!

[suzieq]

Another lovely book. From what we've seen, I think your home has an English cottage vibe. Beautiful gardens too. I've always loved the moss covered trees

[elizabethlara]

What a beautiful garden walk! The oaks are unreal! I love the concrete.benches with the trellis on top, so architectural! The trellis path was also beautiful!...love, love, love!😊

The book was a delight!

Thank you for another fantastic review, so beautiful and calming video! ❤

[lianeabeyta]

I just love how you slowly leaf through the pages, teasing us into submission. I want every book you review! I think its your voice, which is almost hypnotic !!! You will buy this book... you will buy this book... you are getting sleepy... haha And the walk through that beautiful park, along with your story telling, was a tranquil getaway. I could almost feel my feet in the water at the end, sitting on the steps.

[jamesallison]

I visited this garden as a child with my mother. I’m looking around me now, and my studio screens English country. Haha! Enjoy your videos always. Thanks.

[pcrice-lrdn]

I must visit that Garden the next time we are at the coast , not sure how I didn’t know about it. Thank you 💚🍃🌿

[gwenewing]

Always enjoyable! You have such a talent for bringing us into the book you review as well as your personal touch at the end! Thank you!❤

[laurabyrd]

Thank you Mary I learned so much from your videos. Thank you for sharing and taking us with you to show us these beautiful gardens and all you do for us. Thank you, Mary.

[s.barlow]

What a lovely way to start my day. Thank you.

[ellengriffith]

Such beauty. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us all