A sprawling countryside drama is putting the Cotswolds back in the design spotlight.
The return of Disney+ drama Rivals, based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s glamorous ’80s-set novel, has sparked renewed interest in "Cotswold chic"—a style full of velvets, tartans, and country-house comforts.
It is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, in the Cotswolds.
Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds2Go and Curtains2Go, said: "Window dressings are one of the easiest ways to lean into Cotswold chic.
"They instantly transform a space and create a focal point without feeling overdone.
"A rich velvet curtain or a classic tartan print adds warmth and depth, making a statement that feels timeless and refined.
"It’s not about completely redoing your home — it’s about making thoughtful updates that capture the mood of the moment."
Ms Dacosta said velvet is central to the look.
She said: "If Rivals proves anything, it’s that country-house interiors should feel unapologetically luxurious.
"Velvet is the perfect starting point — its rich texture instantly adds warmth, depth, and quiet opulence.
"Deep, heritage shades like merlot, oxblood, and forest green feel effortlessly Cotswold."
Heritage prints are also key to the aesthetic.
Ms Dacosta said: "Classic tartans, checks and traditional prints are key to achieving that Rutshire look.
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"They bring warmth, character and a sense of history — like they’ve been part of a country estate for generations."
She said: "To keep the look elevated, pair statement prints with luxurious plains such as velvet or linen. It creates a space that feels curated, not crowded."
She said: "It’s those thoughtful layers of texture, colour and heritage detail that create interiors that feel luxurious, lived-in, and just dramatic enough to make Jilly Cooper proud."
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