If any garden has the potential to master a quaint English aesthetic, it's that of Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen, who recently relocated to the Cotswolds in southwestern England, owns an $18 million farmhouse surrounded by sprawling fields – the perfect canvas for achieving a country garden look. However, Ellen's pared-back furnishings offer a contemporary and surprisingly minimalist twist.
When planning English garden ideas, images of overflowing, rose-filled bushes, climbing ivy, and eclectic vintage furniture are likely to come to mind. After all, traditional country gardens are known for their colors, eccentricity, and rich sense of history. However, in Ellen's home, the setting is notably more pared-back. Instead of decorating with antiques, she has kept her outdoor furniture to a minimum.
The only furniture visible in Ellen's garden is a set of cream benches/ loungers, thoughtfully placed to provoke conversation. Her flowers are similarly minimalistic. The garden features a strong green and cream color scheme, with minimal interruptions from vibrant flora, upholding the English country garden style with a modern twist.
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This outdoor bench, complete with thickly padded cushion, offers a comfortable seating experience that's inspired by Ellen's garden. The seat cushion and pillows feature removable covers for easy washing, meaning it's so easy to care for, all summer long.
Minimalist and refined (just like Ellen's garden), this outdoor patio chaise lounge chair combines woven natural rope with a sleek silhouette and classic color palette. It has an interior aluminum frame for exceptional durability, and the cushions are foam-padded for lots of support
A lounge chair like this is the perfect finishing touch for a sunny spot. The acacia frame makes this sun lounger a lot more attractive than the usual polythene loungers, but it won't cost any more money. There's even a side table built in to hold your drinks.
The location of Ellen and Portia's home lends itself beautifully to this aesthetic, but you don't need a Cotswolds zip code to learn from their style. To follow suit, Philippa Thorp, the founder of design studio Thorp, emphasizes the importance of keeping things minimalist, especially when it comes to accessorizing.
'When crafting homes with a minimal yet characterful countryside feel, it's not just about the interiors – it’s about creating a cohesive sense of place that extends into the landscape,' Philippa comments.
'At Thorp, we design with the entire setting in mind, from terraces and gardens to the key vistas seen from within the house. These framed views – perhaps looking out towards a shimmering pond or a thoughtfully placed water feature – can bring a deep sense of calm and connection to nature.'
Plus, as Philippa explains, the features you introduce should complement the land around your property. This will ensure your garden feels natural, as nothing will look out of place.
'In my own previous home, we introduced a lake for wild swimming, enhancing the natural filtration with a carefully constructed tributary. We eventually joined two lakes with a rivulet that wound its way between soft, planted banks – a truly tranquil spot that captured the essence of quiet countryside living.'
When in doubt, introduce features that emphasize the beauty of the land you have, and keep furniture to a minimum. WIth Ellen and Portia's space as a blueprint, it's hard to go wrong.
