The gentry began to feel the need to separate town and country, to cling to differences between themselves and men made rich from trade and industry. This was manifested in house design and a search for country values such as the new fashions of decorating, and spending time at home.

The layout of country houses changed from large rooms of general use to many small rooms with specific purpose. Innovations in heating and water supply led to the installation of bathrooms and boiler rooms. Electricity also revolutionised lighting, spit mechanisms and even enabled the introduction of primitive dish washing machines. The kitchen was moved closer to the dining room so that food reaching the table was still hot.