From Nancy Lancaster to rustic cottages: a potted history of English country style

Of all the styles of decoration that have flourished over the past 50 years, none has been as enduring as that associated with the English country house. Though 'English country house style' has never been exclusively English, was perfected by an American, and pops up in Clapham nearly as often as in the Cotswolds, its decorative tropes are instantly recognisable: a mix of antique furnishings, at least one capacious sofa with a generous serving of cushions, rugs, table lamps with fabric shades, and flowers both fresh and recreated in prints and paintings. Antique textiles, a dash of modernity, a flourish of the oriental, and a couple of dogs can be added for extra flavour.

Part of the success of this style is its tolerance and flexibility. Unlike minimalism, which demands straight-edged perfection, or rough luxe with its ban on prettiness, English country house style embraces wear and tear, and doesn't take itself too seriously. Shabby can be chic, and a bit of silliness – sunglasses perched on the nose of a marble bust – is allowed, even welcomed.

MAY WE SUGGEST: The converted stable block of Sibyl Colefax designer Emma Burns

Nancy Lancaster, the American credited with crystalising, if not exactly inventing, the look after buying Colefax and Fowler in the Forties, and teaming up with John Fowler, introduced American luxury to the small stately homes she decorated for herself – heating, carpeted bathrooms – ensuring that comfort became another characteristic. She famously advocated having 'something a little bit ugly' in every room, and described decorating as 'a bit like mixing a salad', recognising that a degree of informality promotes relaxation – no one enjoys feeling that their presence is a blot on the immaculate landscape.

As a new century progresses, English country house style is as popular as ever, and evolving. At the grander, more traditional end is Robert Kime, who has worked on many houses of historical importance, including Clarence House for Prince Charles, and who is a master at creating rooms with that layered, timeless look. Decorators such as David Mlinaric and Hugh Henry also have the understanding of period architecture that is important for a style that often seems a natural choice for an old house.

The best practitioners, from Wendy Nicholls, Emma Burns and Roger Jones of Sybil Colefax & John Fowler – still going strong – to Nicky Haslam with his glitzy, witty take on it, to Paolo Moschino and Caroline Holdaway, have their own particular version of the style, while being equally adept at interpreting the wishes of their clients. Max Rollitt, Edward Hurst and Ben Pentreath lead a younger generation who are adding strong colour into the mix, and creating rooms with a more graphic, architectural feel. Tellingly, the first two are also antique dealers. Buying and selling antiques is how Robert Kime began his decorating career, and is a well-trodden path for many working in a style of which antiques are such a key element.

MAY WE SUGGEST: A modern country house packed with unexpected colour by Nicola Harding

Contemporary English country house style features less in the way of blousy chintz, sprigged wallpapers and draped tables. Instead there are stripes and suzani cushions, matt emulsion on the walls and exposed furniture legs. Minimalism has left its mark and helped to control the clutter. Rough luxe has encouraged scrubbed floorboards and the stripping of later layers of paint and paper back to mottled sub-strata with the texture of history and use. This is a style that can flex with fashion and fit around lifestyles. It doesn't seem likely to fade away any time soon.