Guest Picks: ‘Downton Abbey’ Looks That Look Great Today

Finally it’s January and time for new Downton Abbey episodes. Why is it that we just can’t get enough of it? Well, of course, the story draws us right in, but let’s face it — we think the clothing, the house, the furniture and accessories are pretty special too. Even the furnishings in the servants’ areas are eye candy. And although the way we live now is quite different from the way people lived back in the day, we can still add some pieces to our homes that have a Downton influence. We hope you enjoy our selection. — Jordan and Janette from The 2 Seasons

Azure Sectional Furniture Set - $2,559.99 If you check out the sofas in Downton, you will see a lot of tufting. This one has its fair share but with a modern spin. And as a bonus, there’s a chaise.


The Emily + Meritt Denim Chaise - $799 Speaking of chaises, how do you like this one? It would be perfect in a teen’s room or master bedroom. It looks perfect for swooning.


Morgan Tufted Armchair, Ivory - $479 Wouldn’t you love to sip some afternoon tea in the comfort of this tufted chair?


Avenue Six Curves Tufted Chair, Coffee Fabric - $367.77 If you love tufted chairs but think they can be stuffy, then check out this one. It’s a good mix of traditional and modern, and we think Lady Edith would agree.


Trans Globe Lighting Victorian Tea Glass 8-Light Pendant, Rubbed Oil Bronze - $572.50 Modern and Victorian are combined in this fixture that belongs over a dining room table. The light shines upward, providing a soft glow in the room and on your lovely face.


Vienna Full Spectrum Manhattan Wall Sconce - $99.99 Sconces were all the rage back then. And we still love sconces today, especially this one. It has a very traditional look with a modern twist, and it would look great in a bath, dining room or hallway.


Essex Indigo Wool Tufted/Carved Rug - $116 Grand houses like Downton Abbey were very drafty, and the floors were cold — the main reason for using rugs in them was for warmth. Today we pick rugs that will accessorize the room. If you want a modern twist on the traditional, this Dash & Albert wool rug fills the bill.


Vine Platinum Wool Tufted Rug - $116 This rug, also from Dash & Albert, is tufted and traditional but still modern. You could decorate a room around it, or it could be the final touch that completes a room. And we bet the servants (or you) wouldn’t even mind cleaning it.


Lauren Ralph Lauren Dinnerware, Mandarin Blue Collection - $16 If anyone knows how to master the English country look, it’s Ralph Lauren. We even think that Carson would be thrilled to serve the Crawley family with this china. Even better, this traditional design is dishwasher safe, thank goodness. After all, not many of us have a staff.


Autumn Teapot - $329.95 We think this teapot is the perfect combination of historic and contemporary. It would blend right in with the surroundings of Downton Abbey, and yet it has a modern design.


Old Dutch Oblong Cast Brass Handles Antique Copper Tray - $63.99 Downton Abbey has its fair share of silver, but who has the time to polish it? Remember: Most modern-day folks don’t have the staff. We thought the style of this tray would be perfect for carrying the afternoon tea goodies — and it won’t tarnish.


Crochet Napkins, Set of 12 - $39.90 Making choices that are environmentally friendly is important, so using cotton napkins makes a lot of sense. It was the only option for the Downton-era gang, and even though we have other choices these days, cotton napkins can make a humdrum meal or tea a little more special.


Black and White Polka Dot Tea-for-One - $19.95 If you want to enjoy some afternoon tea solo, this is the perfect way to go. You’ll still go through the ritual of teatime but in a fun and modern way.


Lauren Ralph Lauren Home Georgica Gardens Pique Bedding Collection - $57 Do you have a bed jacket? We know — neither of us does, either. But that doesn’t mean we can’t sleep in pure Downton Abbey luxury! We think Lady Mary would feel right at home getting some z’s in this bedding.


Sophie Vanity - $999 Although we don’t have maids to do our hair, we can certainly raise the elegance factor with this vanity table in our bedrooms. We feel a little more special just thinking about it.


Powell Pennfield Kitchen Island in Black and Natural - $1,069.95 Now let’s move to the servants’ area. Don’t you just love the kitchen island where all of those scrumptious-looking meals are prepared? If you don’t have a built-in island, something like this one might work. We bet you could whip up some English pudding fit for a king on it. Buy on Houzz


Montana Log 4-Post Square Dining Table - $699.99 If you want a kitchen island that does double duty and still fits both your kitchen and Downton’s kitchen, this rustic table just might work. If it’s too low to use as a worktable, you could add some casters to make it higher.


Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set - $399.99 Mrs. Patmore makes some pretty elaborate meals without the benefits of modern appliances. She does, however, have a great set of pots and pans. We think she would like this copper-clad set and could cook up anything with them.


Martha Stewart Collection Belle Mead 4-Piece Place Setting, White - $55 Clearly, the staff is relegated to plain white china, but that’s OK. Food looks better on a white background, so we’ve been told. This modern white design would add a Downton touch but still look so 2014.


KitchenAid KSM150PS Stand Mixer, Artisan, Cornflower - $499.99 We’re not sure how Mrs. Patmore would feel about this baby-blue beauty, but we think Daisy would love it. It’s the right choice for making meringues, then and now.

Next: Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

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