11 Laura Ashley Living Rooms That Inspire: Designer Spotlight
Few design styles feel as instantly comforting, and unmistakably nostalgic, as a Laura Ashley interior. Rooted in romantic English countryside living, the look blends soft florals, gentle color palettes, and traditional furnishings into spaces that feel both elegant and inviting. It’s a style that doesn’t chase trends but instead creates a sense of home that feels timeless, layered, and deeply personal. For today’s designer spotlight, I’m featuring 11 living rooms by this renowned designer.
A Brief History of Laura Ashley
The artist began her design journey in the 1950s, working from her kitchen table in London alongside her husband, Bernard Ashley. Inspired by Victorian prints and traditional Welsh textiles, she started by hand-printing fabrics using simple woodblock techniques. What began as a small-scale operation quickly grew into an internationally recognized brand known for its romantic dresses, home furnishings, and signature floral prints.
By the 1970s and ’80s, Laura Ashley had become synonymous with a certain kind of English country aesthetic—soft, feminine, and rooted in heritage. Even today, her influence continues to shape interiors that prioritize comfort, charm, and a connection to nature.
What Defines Laura Ashley Style?
At its core, her design is about creating a cohesive, serene environment using a few key elements:
- Soft florals and botanical prints – Often layered across wallpaper, upholstery, and textiles
- Muted, nature-inspired colors – Think dusty blues, sage greens, buttery yellows, and warm creams
- Traditional furniture – Rolled arms, skirted sofas, turned wood legs, and classic silhouettes
- Layered textiles – Cushions, curtains, throws, and rugs that add softness and depth
- A collected, lived-in feel – Nothing too perfect; everything feels gently curated over time
The result is a space that feels light, airy, and welcoming, like stepping into a countryside cottage where time slows down.
Living Rooms That Capture the Look
The first living room perfectly captures the airy side of Laura Ashley style, with soft blue accents layered against creamy upholstery and delicate botanical valances. The mix of slipcovered seating and natural wood adds that relaxed, countryside elegance the brand is known for.
A neutral sofa becomes the anchor in this space, brought to life with softly patterned pillows and understated floral wallpaper. It’s a perfect example of how the designer’s interiors balance simplicity with gentle pattern.
This space leans into the more traditional side of the style, pairing a deep red plaid chair with intricate floral wallpaper. The look feels warm, collected, and slightly nostalgic—especially with the layered mantel décor.
A structured sectional and ottoman are softened by patterned textiles and a mix of wallpaper and exposed brick. It shows how the designer’s style can evolve while still holding onto its signature warmth and texture.
This living room embodies understated elegance, with creamy tones, subtle pattern, and a beautifully detailed mantel. The overall effect is calm and timeless, with just enough layering to feel cozy.
Light green walls and leafy curtains bring a fresh, garden-inspired feel indoors. This space highlights a connection to nature, creating a room that feels bright, cheerful, and effortlessly pretty.
Stripes and florals work together beautifully here, adding energy without overwhelming the space. The soft yellow palette keeps everything warm and inviting, a hallmark of the brand’s approachable style.
This traditional room leans into classic blue-and-white, with floral drapery and striped upholstery working in harmony. The layered patterns feel polished yet relaxed, never overly formal.
A soothing mix of aqua and green creates a tranquil, lived-in feel. The layered cushions and textured fabrics are quintessential Laura Ashley, adding depth without heaviness.
Here, the designer’s wallpaper defines the entire room, with a soft leafy print setting a gentle backdrop. Paired with traditional furniture and warm wood tones, it feels both grounded and graceful.
This light-filled living room beautifully captures the airy, garden-inspired side of the designer’s style. The soft blue and green palette, paired with delicate floral upholstery and coordinating window treatments, creates a seamless connection between indoors and out.
Why This Style Still Resonates
In a world of ever-changing trends, Laura Ashley interiors offer something steady: comfort, beauty, and a sense of nostalgia. They invite you to sit down, stay awhile, and enjoy the quiet charm of a home that tells a story. Are you a fan of her design style?
While I loved the Laura Ashley of the 1980s, this new iteration falls flat to me. The colors are too “one note,” and the patterns kind of blah. Too much matching of curtains, upholstery and pillows. In genuine English country there would be many more patterns and colors. The furniture is also much too mass-produced looking, doesn’t look like it was curated over time from antique or second-hand shops, the way English interiors are decorated. It looks like everything was bought all at once from online retailers that specialize in faux painting and distressing. Unfortunately, Laura Ashley is not what it used to be. Not for me anymore.
Her style has certainly “evolved.” A little too sterile for me considering it’s Laura Ashley. I hate to say it, but sadly, not a fan of any of the spaces.
This is definitely a new version of Laura Ashley style. I always think of Laura Ashley style as more eclectic and collected looking with more patterns and lots of florals, but maybe this is a version that appeals to younger generations??? It will be interesting to see how much influence this will have on decorating styles.
Although I don’t like the match window coverings/ upholstery, I love the colors. Thank you for this post!
I really enjoyed seeing these rooms. I think the older style with several mixed patterns in one room is too heavy handed for today’s style. I used to like it, still do, but think the newer version of styling is lovely. The patterns they have used in these rooms are refreshing. Seems like just enough pattern without going overboard. I could happily live with any of these living rooms!
I LOVED Laura Ashley in the early 80’s! My sister-in-law worked at a LA shop then. She gifted me with a LA book, which was full of photos of the old English style rooms. But it also had pages and pages of sewing instructions for home decor projects, many of which I made. I guess everything does have to evolve, but I do prefer the vintage, collected, mix and match patterns look to what Laura Ashley is showing today.
I love a lot of what Laura Ashley does, she has a style you never tire of.