Photo by Nick Fewings for Unsplash
Although we have long since declared our independence from the King and Crown of Great Britain, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make note of some of their more steal-able design trends when we see them. Here are what we would like to call, our “fab five.”
Courtesy of The London Home
Pattern-on-Pattern Play
This is something the Brits are famous for because they see the interplay of colors and pattern as a device that adds energy to a space. Look into an English country house or urban abode and you will often see a pattern-on-pattern aspect that you probably would never think to curate. But curate they do! Whether it’s upholstery, drapery, wall, or floor coverings (or a combo of all of them) the experts say you can start small with fabrics by just using a trim or border and add from there.
With upholstery, you can also consider using a pattern that is more unique or bold not on an entire chair, but perhaps on just the back and sides of a chair. This approach not only creates a visually interesting piece, it’s also economical as these parts of an upholstered chair experience less wear.
Our regional location already provides us with some quintessential concepts such as stripes, stars, and other nautical elements that we can enhance by adding complementary florals and/or even abstract patterns to lend an unexpected aspect to your design scheme.
Courtesy of thebritishhome.co.uk
Botanical Inclinations
The very King of England, himself, is a huge fan of the natural world which is clearly seen in his country home interiors at Highgrove. Before being green was at all cool, the then ‘Prince’ Charles often championed the beauty and simplicity of plants as not only essential to our ecosystem, but as decorative elements to be coveted an enjoyed.
The natural beauty of England’s indigenous plants and blooms represented as floral patterns, botanical prints, and artworks are often used as decorative elements inside the home; cultivating a sense of the gardens they so love whether they are indoors or out.
Courtesy of Pooky.com
Layered & Bespoke Lighting
When we think of British interiors, often times we think of a sense of richness and luxury. One way this is achieved is through the use of a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting that is layered throughout a room scheme.
Oftentimes a room collectively incorporates a mix of fixtures that are modern, antique, and traditional and yet they all blend together “swimmingly.” A hallmark of English Country homes: no harsh lighting, as that would run counter to their sensibilities for comfort, charm, and abundance. Sensibilities many of us share, here on the other side of the pond.
Photo by Super Snapper for Unsplash
Passion for Hardware
What goes better with the soft, cozy, charming environs of the English country home? The juxtaposition of weighty, statement-making hardware. Classy, toney, and brassy make for a bold look in this British look.
Top designers in the UK are all about the advent of architectural design in hardware because it takes what can be considered mundane elements and can them turn into works of art, elevating that important connection to home we create through everyday items.
And while styles can vary widely from industrial, to vintage to contemporary, Brits have an appreciation for transformational aspect that hardware can bring to a room.
Courtesy of pooky.com
A Deep Love of “Colour”
Intense, deep color in all aspects of interior design is another hallmark of historical British design. This affinity for bold, rich color is associated with various cultural and artistic movements throughout its history. The reign of Queen Victoria, for instance, ushered in an era that was opulent and rich in designs that incorporated vibrant colors. Experts note that the nation’s long-standing history of cultural diversity and their climate, which can be a wee bit dreary, are additional potential influences for this passion surrounding color.
Should you choose to embrace Britain’s love of intense color, start with small elements such as lampshades, pillows, or an upholstered chair in a rich, saturated velvet. Certainly, just the furnishing in which to curl up with some Shakespeare and the quintessential “proper cuppa.” Cheers!
