Swap out the chintz for corduroy: How to create a calming and characterful country retreat

The owners of this 19th century cottage turned to Studio Squire for a quick and comprehensive renovation.

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Pale yellow living room
(Image credit: Christopher Horwood)

Interior designer Angelica Squire combined natural textures and tones to create a characterful country retreat.

After buying a 19th-century cottage, deep in the woods on the edge of the South Downs in Sussex, the owners turned to Studio Squire to undertake a complete renovation.

Pale yellow living room

(Image credit: Christopher Horwood)

‘They wanted a country escape and to move in quickly,’ recalls interior designer Angelica Squire, who runs the studio with her husband Richie, a construction specialist. ‘Our job was to facilitate every detail, down to the knives and forks in the kitchen drawer.’

Reflecting the cottage’s rural setting, the colour palette is grounded in natural hues. The sitting room is painted in Bronte by Bauwerk Colour, a limewash that lends subtle texture and tonal variation. With a series of small windows lining both sides of the slender room, heavy, dark fabrics risked overwhelming the space. Instead, the windows are dressed in softly draping cream Milano linen by Claremont to lighten the atmosphere and echo the muted walls. ‘Together they create a serene backdrop,’ explains Angelica.

Pale yellow living room

(Image credit: Christopher Horwood)

An alcove beside the stove is stacked with logs and the floor is covered in natural sisal for added texture. At the centre of the room, a plain linen ottoman doubles as a surface on which to rest a tray of drinks or piles of books. It is surrounded by armchairs, side tables and lamps, arranged to create an inviting space for relaxation and conversation with friends. Two antique armchairs were re-upholstered — one in pink velvet, the other in Horizon Stripe by Vanrenen Hanbury — with sofas in a dark-yellow corduroy and gingham linen, rather than florals or chintz.

The result offers a warm, modern twist on classic country style. ‘The effect is cosy and layered, without being loud,’ she says.

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Pale yellow living room
(Image credit: Christopher Horwood)

This feature originally appeared in the March 18, 2026, issue of Country Life. Click here for more information on how to subscribe

Amelia Thorpe
Amelia Thorpe

Amelia Thorpe is a design and interiors journalist and regular contributor to Country Life. She spent the first half of her career book publishing, before jumping the fence to become a writer — a role that she adores. Amelia lives in London with her husband and two roguish dogs.