Love the interiors in Rivals? Here's how to nail the look in your home
Hulu's smash-hit TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals returns this November for the much-anticipated second part of season 2.
And one of the things that's making us even more excited to dive back into the sexy, hedonistic lives of the elite in 1980s England is seeing the luxurious interiors on our screens again.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cotswolds, the wealth and beauty are reflected indoors with deliciously rich tones, glossy dark woods and plenty of chintz that characterised this era.
The stunning country-house aesthetic is all about opulence and a more-is-more approach, with bold wallpapers and elegant, deluxe furnishings. It's a world away from overly minimalist schemes that lack soul and offers a sophisticated, maximalist aesthetic that makes the world even more enticing.
And with this trending aesthetic expected to continue into 2027, now's the time to embrace the nostalgic look with a modern twist that makes it feel fresh and new.
Plus, with its gorgeously sumptuous feel, it's especially perfect for this time of year and will make your home feel like a high-end country retreat you never want to leave.
Read on for tips from interior designers and experts on how to create the look, plus the hottest pieces to buy that promise to give your home a fabulous 1980s upgrade.
Add rich colour
Jim Evans of UBER Interiors – an online luxury furniture, lighting and accessories retailer – says the secret to achieving the glamorous Rivals' country-house aesthetic is decorating your space with a 'warm and luxurious colour palette'.
He recommends incorporating rich, earthy shades like burgundy, dark brown, hunter green and olive, which are really having a moment right now and have taken the place of the cool neutrals we've seen for so many years.
Plus, using these luxurious hues will not only make your home feel like a cosy Cotswolds retreat, but as one of the hottest decor trends right now, they'll also make any space look super magazine-worthy.
So if you're tempted to experiment with colour but don't want to overwhelm your space, a Rivals-inspired scheme will let you make a statement while still feeling sophisticated and expensive.
If you prefer a more subtle scheme, Jim reveals how to keep the signature 80s look feeling lighter and less dramatic: 'For a nod to the decade’s softer side without breaking the country aesthetic, muted coral and peach bring a lovely, warm layer of retro nostalgia,' he says.
Incorporate pattern too
With Rivals' aesthetic of luxurious maximalism, colour isn't the only thing you should go big with; be bold with pattern too. 'Traditional chintz florals, classic damasks, and bold geometric prints are equally vital to the 1980s country-house feel,' says Jim.
Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village, agrees that chintz is at the heart of this aesthetic, bringing 'a sense of heritage, charm, and unabashed floral exuberance' to interiors. And according to her, chintz is having a major comeback right now.
'Once a country house staple, it's now gracing contemporary interiors with renewed confidence for a look that is layered, lived-in, and effortlessly elegant. Today, chintz is less about nostalgia and more about storytelling: a romantic thread that ties past to present with colour, pattern, and quiet drama,' says Shelley.
Furniture and soft furnishings
An instant way to add character to your home without redecorating is through furniture and soft furnishings – just one key piece with a striking print can make a huge impact. 'Lean confidently into statement pieces like a rich printed armchair, heavily draped curtains, or a traditional patterned rug to act as a dramatic focal point that exudes personality and character.' explains Jim.
But Jim recommends not overlooking the details: 'Bold decorative details from the era such as fringing, tassels, and scalloped trims on cushions and soft furnishings can add softness, tactility and a touch of decadence without feeling too formal,' he adds.
Additionally, carefully curated accessories will show that extra bit of thought and can be easily swapped out for new items when you want a fresh look, or if they're not quite working.
According to Donna Taylor, colour and design manager at Johnstone’s Paint, the secret to nailing the look is getting the balance right. Like Jim, she recommends investing in a couple of signature elements authentic to the era, such as a sleek, dark-wood side table or 'layered cushions and lamps'.
However, she also suggests including some contemporary items to keep your space feeling modern: 'This allows you to embrace the elegance and glamour of the Rivals aesthetic while creating a home that still feels fresh and relevant today,' she says.
Stuart Murray, Founder of Retrovintage, also advises against going all-retro with your furnishings, as mixing styles helps a space feel ‘collected over themed’.
‘Let older furniture show a bit of wear and don’t over-coordinate everything,’ he explains. ‘If every cushion, curtain and lampshade looks chosen from the same collection, you lose the charm.’
To give your home that lavish Cotswold country-home aesthetic, add gold elements like mirrors, photo frames, candle holders and other decorative pieces to make any space feel elegant and expensive.
To achieve the look without breaking the bank, we recommend shopping secondhand. Digging out preloved treasures and snagging a bargain is not only super satisfying, but it will help create the authentic, cosy vibe that Stuart says is key – and stop your space from feeling too much like a show home.
Ultimately, it's all about adding plenty of texture. Layering rich, sumptuous materials through the soft furnishings will add that wonderful, tactile feel, characteristic of 1980s schemes and grand country manor homes.
Plush, velvet sofas work perfectly as they ooze opulence, and as stunning pieces that promise to stand the test of time, they're certainly worth the investment. Also think thick, luxurious curtains, patterned rugs, and beautiful upholstered pieces. Also include polished dark wood and mahogany furniture, such as sideboards, coffee tables and drinks cabinets, for the traditional, glamorous country-house look.
Lighting
And last but certainly not least, another quick and easy way to inject some Rivals glamour into your home is by upgrading your lighting, which, according to Stuart Murray, Founder of Retrovintage, makes a big difference.
'Table lamps with fabric shades immediately make a room feel warmer and more intimate than relying on ceiling lights, and that’s something the show uses really well.' he says.
In our opinion, table lamps with fabric shades are a total win-win: they're a signature 80s decor piece and set the right ambience, recreating the warm glow of Cotswold manor fireplaces. Plus, they help capture the comforting, nostalgic feeling of the show – making snuggling down and watching the brand-new series all the more enjoyable.
To get the look just right, opt for pleated lampshades (or ones with fringe, as noted above) in shades such as cream, peach, and soft pink, and choose bases in brass, chrome, or ceramic with a decorative chintz design.
Read more:
