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The Gentlemen is back! 11 ways to steal its country-house style
If you spent most of the first series of The Gentlemen daydreaming about Theo James and imagining yourself wafting round his rather fabulous country pile, you certainly weren’t alone.
Guy Ritchie’s hit Netflix series delivered plenty of dodgy dealings and double-crossing, but it also gave us some seriously desirable interiors (overlooking the underground cannabis farm that is!). We’re talking Downton Abbey, but with a bad boy edge.
Think rich colour, dark wood, heritage pattern, antique furniture and just the right amount of gentlemen’s-club glamour.
The timing couldn’t be better from an interiors point of view, with the show’s distinctive country-house aesthetic tapping into our current love of spaces that feel richer, moodier and more lived-in.
This autumn designers are predicting a return to deep burgundy, brown and navy, velvet, layered pattern and antiques, while the move towards characterful, collected rooms shows little sign of slowing down.
“What I love about The Gentlemen aesthetic is that it takes traditional country house interiors and gives them a much more rebellious, contemporary edge,” explains Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys.
“It still embraces classic British design elements such as rich wood tones, heritage patterns and antique-style furnishings, but there’s a confidence and attitude to the look that stops it feeling overly formal or predictable.
“It’s a style that feels both sophisticated and a little bit undone, which is exactly why it’s proving so appealing.”
Of course, we’re not suggesting you recreate Halstead Manor room by room, particularly as your own abode is likely to be more three-bed semi than Grade I-listed mansion.
The trick is to borrow the mood rather than copy the design.
A lick of deep green paint here, a battered leather armchair there, some dark timber, a heritage check or a frivously fringed lampshade.
Balance traditional elements with more modern pieces and you’ll get a hint of The Gentlemen style without your home feeling like a film set.
We spoke to the interior experts to find out how to give your home a little Guy Ritchie swagger…
Give dark wood a starring role
Forget pale Scandi timbers, The Gentlemen puts rich, dark wood firmly in the spotlight. From grand panelling to antique furniture, the look is central to the show’s characterful country-house aesthetic.
“Dark wood brings an immediate sense of substance,” Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
“If full panelling feels ambitious, introduce a vintage walnut sideboard, a mahogany chest or a substantial second-hand coffee table.”
Kunal also suggests looking for attractive grain and a little wear when searching for an eclectic treasure.
“A room where every surface is immaculate loses some of that character,” he explains.
“Pair the wood with a contemporary lamp to keep the arrangement feeling fresh.”
Treat heritage prints like tailoring
When it comes to pattern, Kunal recommends taking a sartorial approach, borrowing the checks, herringbones and rich textures of classic country tailoring.
“Take your print cue from a beautifully cut country suit,” he says.
“A generous check, a fine herringbone and a plain fabric with real depth.
“A checked armchair beside a tobacco leather sofa feels assured, especially with a burgundy velvet cushion.”
To get the mix right, Kunal recommends varying the scale of the patterns and repeating a colour between them so the mix feels considered.
“Avoid buying every piece in the same tartan,” he adds.
Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Fitted Furniture suggests playing around with heritage prints on a feature wall or as a border.
“Subdued florals and patterns instantly capture attention without overwhelming the space,” she explains.
“You could even hang a vintage tapestry on one wall or frame some fabric for personality and texture.”
Build the palette around racing green and tobacco
To capture the show’s smart country-house feel, look to a palette of rich greens, warm browns and deep oxblood.
“Choose one dominant colour, then bring in two supporting shades,” Kunal suggests.
“Racing green walls, tobacco leather and small touches of oxblood make a particularly handsome combination.
“Chocolate brown also creates a beautiful backdrop for burgundy and aged brass.”
If dark drenching feels like a step too far, or you prefer your walls a little lighter, Kunal advises using these moody colours across upholstery, lampshades and a generously sized rug.
Embrace the unexpected burgundy theory
No Gentlemen-inspired scheme would be complete without a touch of burgundy, but you don’t need to splash it across all four walls.
Switch up last year’s unexpected red theory for a little burgundy instead.
“Burgundy has enough depth to feel luxurious without shouting for attention,” explains Kunal.
“Try it on the inside of a bookcase, a painted side table or a pleated lampshade.”
An oxblood leather ottoman is especially effective, he says, because it brings colour, texture and somewhere to put your feet up.
“These rooms should invite you to settle in,” Kunal adds.
Make maximalism personal
The Gentlemen’s rooms feel as though they’ve evolved over generations, so take a similarly personal approach to layering art, books and treasured finds.
“Country house rooms feel convincing when their contents suggest a life,” Kunal explains.
“Mix books you actually read with ceramics, framed photographs and art collected over time.”
He also suggests giving a few substantial pieces room to stand out rather than covering every surface with small accessories.
“An oversized contemporary artwork above an antique chest introduces exactly the kind of irreverence this look needs,” he adds.
Create a proper drinks corner
For a nod to the show’s gentlemen’s-club glamour, carve out a smart spot for mixing and serving drinks at home.
“A home bar can be as simple as dressing an existing sideboard with a handsome tray, good glasses and a small shaded lamp,” says Kunal.
“Keep bottles grouped together and leave enough clear space to make and serve a drink.”
A vintage mirror behind the arrangement adds depth and catches the lamplight.
“The luxury comes from making the ritual feel special,” Kunal adds.
If you like the idea of hiding everything away that’s not in use, Melissa says an elegant drinks trolley will keep your bar essentials organised while adding a vintage flair.
Keep equestrian references subtle
Nothing says sprawling country pile more than some equestrian references, but know when to rein (pun fully intended) it in.
Saddle leather, stitched detailing and an antique horse sketch can suggest the country estate without turning your sitting room into a tack room.
“Choose one clear equestrian reference and let the materials do the rest,” advises Kunal.
“A leather bench with beautiful buckles or straps can be far more interesting than a collection of horse ornaments.”
Layer the lighting
As the evenings draw in, channel the show’s shadowy vibe and layer table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights for a warm, welcoming glow.
“Avoid harsh overhead lights and use warm, ambient lighting instead,” suggests Melissa.
“In any country-style room, you should aim to give a gentle glow, creating an atmospheric and inviting space that’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding.”
Melissa says pendant lights or wall sconces can illuminate a space without overpowering it.
“Add an extra touch of luxury with dimmable lights so you can adjust the brightness depending on the mood,” she adds.
Introduce leather and vintage furniture
Country-style decor is all about charm and character, so don’t be afraid to incorporate antiques and versatile touches throughout the room.
“A leather armchair in a rich caramel or tan hue can add sophistication to your space, while still keeping the vibe relaxed and grounded,” Melissa explains.
“Look for natural leather than ages gracefully over time, adding character to your space as it develops its unique patina.”
Beyond your seating, coffee tables and side tables made from wood inject a rustic feel into your home.
“Vintage furniture helps define the interior and adds personality that feels authentic rather than overly styled,” Melissa adds.
Go tactile
Textiles play an important role in capturing a Gentlemen-style aesthetic.
“Velvet, wool, linen and leather can be layered throughout a room to create a sense of luxury and comfort,” Victoria explains.
“Think plush cushions, heavy curtains and upholstered furniture that feel inviting and lived-in.
“These tactile elements help soften the darker colour palette and make the space feel welcoming.”
Be brave
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from adopting a nod to the hit show in your home decor is confidence.
“The Gentleman look encourages people to move away from playing it safe and instead embrace bold choices,” explains Simon Browne, trend and product expert at Luxaflex.
“That could be statement piece of furniture, a gallery wall of eclectic artwork or a maximalist mix of patterns.
“The result is an interior that feels timeless, distinctive and full of character.”
Want more inspiration? Read: Greek chic: 10 ways to get The Odyssey look at home and Battle of the clashes – 11 ways to cohesively clash your interior decor. And check out Back-to-school interiors: 11 ways to reset your home for the new term
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