Jack Corbett explores the interiors of England’s finest country houses and uncovers the game of playing by the rules – the rule of the perfect pair.
As a nation we have long been captivated with the institution of the English Country House. Dramatic and commanding within our landscapes they are the enduring matriarchs of Britain’s architectural language. Within Britain there are hundreds of these spectacular estates, and like all the vices of good living one is never far away. Whilst best known for their external grander, the interiors display a subtle refinement and authority in the curation and arrangement of furniture and decorative objects. Taking inspiration from this opulent world offers much to the modern day interior designer.
Indeed, television programming from Grand Designs, restoration documentaries and period dramas such as Downton Abbey have engaged many on this aesthetic, leading to an unprecedented interest not only in Britain but a reinvigorated intrigue across the world for the grander of this uniquely British style.
The volume of engagement is a certain indicator that the country house style represents a significant and increasing area of the interiors market today. To focus on a universal element of these spaces that can used in any home, big or small is the rule of the perfect pair.
If it is said that two is company, then the style of arrangement of objects within pairs in country houses is a testament to the validity of this statement. Gilded candelabras, decorative sculptures, and commanding vases are all objects that are often seen as pairs. To assess the merit of this method of display and arrangement is to understand the effect this creates and how it is still relevant to sophisticated interiors today.
The experience of being awestruck by an interior it is an experience that is seldom forgotten. However, this is not solely through visual opulence but meticulous configuration of prized objects and furniture and a game of playing by the rules. Classical balance and proportion is pleasing to the eye but also develops a considered formality to a space that is universally acknowledged.
The visual of a pair of objects is a subconscious aesthetic that we find appealing. When arranging in pairs balancing and framing qualities can be achieved. The same rules can be applied to a period or modern interior. Irrespective of style or personal taste, period or space, the classical interior rule of the pair is a powerful aesthetic force to deploy in any interior.
A classic example of the perfect pair would be a mantle clock framed with a pair of candelabra or vases. Be this exuberant rococo or structural art deco, a clock with matching or complementing side ornaments is a perfect pairing. The rule of the pair is never more appropriate then when framing a central object that carries a significant visual weight. The smaller flanking pair balance the central object and focus the attention to its significance through its framing. Clock or vase arrangements are statement pieces to consider when planning your interior. Traditional settings for a clock arrangement are often the mantelpiece however this can be just as effective when displayed along a sideboard or alcove.
The considered arrangement and pairing of chairs mark a space for entertaining friends and socialising, the basis of any sophisticated residence. However, when placed as a pair chairs are an ideal classical duo that is consistently seen as an unmistakable rule of the country house. Placed either side of a doorway or to zone a space chairs can be not only decorative but offer more creative benefits than the overtly practical.
A method of zoning a space with chairs can be to place them at the back of a sofa with a side table or ottoman between them. When positioning furniture such as sofas and tables away from the edges of a room to define a space pairs of chairs can add feature and intrigue to what otherwise would only be a display of the backs of furniture pieces.
Chairs placed for aesthetic effect are ideal locations within an interior to display books of pictorial and literary interest. Utilising occasional chairs for this purpose is an unexpected and modern approach to the display of books within a space, often adding colour to areas of a room as well as displaying matters of personal interest expressing individual personality to one’s home.
Classical porcelain urns, vases, planters and lamps are also well suited to the perfect pair rule. Often placed either side of a table or focal point the visual appeal is derived from composition, be it structural or colour orientated. Bold oriental and chinoiserie designs are the overseas visitor adopted by many country houses. Pale shades of porcelain and bright detailing add welcome colour and lightness to dark backdrops of mahogany, tapestry or crimson, lifting what may otherwise appear subdued interiors.
Large vases or planters can provide decorative flair but also compositional benefits. For example, when planted with ferns or palms, the bold and deliberate statements made by paired items can be softened, melding objects within a room together via texture, symmetry and height.
Upon review of these splendid spaces the rules of symmetry and composition are clear. This is a rule that has been applied to interiors as well as outside architecture for thousands of years. Applying this tried and tested formula to your own interior can offer many benefits, however much you indulge. Undoubtedly the English country house is a fountain of inspiration that when used correctly can offer immense visual impact to any Space.
With thanks to Alexi Labomirski/Courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar and Jonathan Hordle/REX for image sources.
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