Do It Like Downton

Calling all Downton fans - are you in mourning at this week's announcement that Downton Abbey series six is going to be the last one? Even with the sweetener of the mention of a film, it's a sad day. Take solace in the fact that you can get that traditional country-house look at home so your world can be forever Downton

Ditch plain-painted walls and go for damask

This is not a look for magnolia emulsion. A stalwart of grand country houses, damask is the perfect choice when it comes to what to put on your living room walls. Be bold and add warmth with a stately looking gold on red paper or put a more subtle, modern slant on your scheme with this refined design, Josette Dove Grey/White wallpaper, £33 per roll, Laura Ashley. Include some weathered-wood furniture to create an English eclectic feel and stick to plain-upholstered sofas in tactile fabrics for comfort. Try the Chesterfied from SofaSofa.

Chuck in a bit of chintz


If you're lucky enough to have a big room with high ceilings, a thick-striped wallpaper is timeless. Try the Aliona Stripe Neutral, £16.99 per roll, Layla by Arthouse range, Wallpaperdirect. With this more simple paper, you can go for a floral-upholstered sofa for classic English stately-home style. Blowsy blooms, such as roses, are perfect. Try the Ektorp two-seater sofa in Byvik multicolour, £395, Ikea.

Live like a lord in your own ‘library'

Perfect for a study, special-effect wallpaper can give you an impressive library look without the hefty investment you'd need for shelves of leather-bound first editions. Try Book Shelf/Bookcase-effect wallpaper (ILW9009), £11.99 per roll (yes, you read that right, £11.99!), I Love Wallpaper, for a low-cost way of creating a cosy retreat where you can escape the rigours of running your estate. Add an oversize wall clock to continue the idea, such as the Battersby, £115, Newgate.

Are you a fan of the grey used on Mr Carson's pantry walls? Find out the exact paints used to paint the sets on Downton Abbey

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