![Room service](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5132/884709/62221286ddc56/Room-service.jpg)
There was a time when country house hotels were a humbler proposition. Often family run, they provided their guests with simple pleasures: newspapers by the fire, good food, a comfortable bed in a grand setting. They were homely and definitely not setting the style zeitgeist as they do today.
Their shift to modernity didn’t happen overnight, but gained momentum when the doors opened to Babington House about 20 years ago. A Georgian property near Frome in Somerset, Babington ushered in a sense of cool. In came the leather club chairs, velvets and ikat prints – influencing the way so many of us decorate today – and exciting interiors became a prerequisite to success. ‘English country houses, even smart ones, were rarely buzzy or glamorous, and they’ve had to reinvent themselves,’ says Fiona Duncan, hotel expert for Telegraph Travel. As the market for weekend breaks expanded and the clientele became younger, the experience had to change to match.
Fast-forward two decades and the scene is unrecognisable. Gone are the mahogany-panelled temples to chintz, with a new breed of sleek lifestyle destinations taking their place. New ventures over the past few years have moved the look on – greens, teals and geometrics now abound. This has influenced decorating as a whole, as hotel guests take the trends back home.
This story is from the April 2022 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2022 edition of Country Homes & Interiors.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![A day in the country](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/QQTiL0lX91704355618551/A-DAY-IN-THE-COUNTRY.jpg)
A day in the country
The TV presenter and author stays close to home in the Wye Valley, walking at dawn and ending the day making supper for friends
![MINIATURE MARVELS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/iDgasjour1704355472889/MINIATURE-MARVELS.jpg)
MINIATURE MARVELS
Tiny but mighty mini bulbs bring sparks of colour to springtime garden borders and containers
![UP THE GARDEN PATH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/QjHHwXZwl1704355297508/UP-THE-GARDEN-PATH.jpg)
UP THE GARDEN PATH
Affordable and easy to lay, these DIY path ideas will add form and purpose to your garden, providing a fast track to planting, focal points and outdoor rooms
![Bring the family](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/5IoNtWSOR1704354884216/BRING-THE-FAMILY.jpg)
Bring the family
Rediscover the simple life with these gloriously back to nature staycations that kids and adults will adore
!['Handmade glass looks watery and beautiful'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/3z0PP61bB1704354677339/HANDMADE-GLASS-LOOKS-WATERY-AND-BEAUTIFUL.jpg)
'Handmade glass looks watery and beautiful'
As anyone who surfs will know, despite the crash, chaos and roar of the ocean, there is a strange moment of peacefulness when you ride a wave.
![Knock on wood](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/cay2uHpvD1704354028281/KNOCK-ON-WOOD.jpg)
Knock on wood
Transform damaged and dingy wooden flooring with expert techniques to return its structure and shine
![COLOUR CONFIDENT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/7S9gcQjeu1704353949931/COLOUR-CONFIDENT.jpg)
COLOUR CONFIDENT
Breathe new life into your kitchen with a colourful design from Magnet
![STOCK UP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/vB4Y809o81704353820236/STOCK-UP.jpg)
STOCK UP
The best ideas for maximising food storage in the kitchen, from walk in pantries to woven baskets-and everything in between
![STORAGE STORIES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/_p6n_ItPA1704353585711/STORAGE-STORIES.jpg)
STORAGE STORIES
Faced with cluttered rooms and overflowing cupboards, four homeowners found smart solutions to help them get more organised
![Installing fitted wardrobes](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1557541/wEzLBtVIZ1704353368105/INSTALLING-FITTED-WARDROBES.jpg)
Installing fitted wardrobes
Everything you need to know about integrating built-in storage into your bedroom