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Decorating Around the World: British Style Charms Any Home
Whether you want country home style or the look of a luxurious loft, something British might be just your cup of tea
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/),... More »
I'm reeling from Downton Abbey withdrawal, so I'm going to indulge in a bit of British real estate spying to ease the pain. From sprawling country estates to tiny but hip mews houses in the city, there are plenty of style ideas to take away, even if a trip to England isn't in the cards anytime soon.
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| Bath with a view. A gloriously deep tub with a view of a verdant meadow certainly fits with the British country house fantasy I harbor. You can up the luxury in your own bath by treating it more like a real room. For example:
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| Stone and greenery. For most of us, an actual country estate may have to remain in the realm of fantasy. But we can pull an idea or two from these inspiring homes. You might:
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Master the mix. Take a cue from this British flat and blend classic pieces with fresh, modern accessories. Pale taupe walls, dark floors and a tailored window shade provide a sophisticated backdrop, while the hot pink desk lamp and modern pendant light add a bit of fun. The built-in shelving and desk really make the tight space work to its full advantage.
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Play up the architecture. Tall ceilings and intricate moldings are common in older buildings in the United Kingdom. If you are lucky enough to live in a home with great architectural detail, highlight it by painting the trim a contrasting color. Tall mirrors and low furniture further emphasize the deliciously high ceilings.
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| Take it outside. Get the British country look at home with a crisp black and white paint job, a gravel courtyard, and neatly trimmed hedges. Working with a small space or city lot? A few stately urns planted with fresh herbs, a bit of pea gravel, a simple wooden bench, and dwarf fruit trees in pots would be a great start. |
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by Chris Snook
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| Hotel luxury. Steal the style of fancy London hotels by creating a cushy retreat in your own bedroom. Rich, dark wood furniture and pale, creamy linens come together in this quietly luxurious look. A silk-shade lamp, a modern pendant light and linen shades provide the finishing touch. |
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by Chris Snook
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| Comfortable elegance. Gorgeous plush chairs with nailhead trim exude taste and would still be comfy even after you've been sitting for hours at the table. Soft dove-gray walls, a simple parsons-style table and just-floor-length drapes pull together this elegant look. |
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Fresh colors and pattern. Textiles are a great way to bring a bit of British style home. The United Kingdom is home to a wealth of fabulous textile designers, ranging from traditional to Pop Art and modern. This Orla Kiely bedding is a fun choice.
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A second life for old furniture. Another trend popping up a lot in British design is to take a classic furniture shape, like this wingback chair, and have it re-covered in bright colors or modern floral prints. The result is unexpected and totally unique — I want to try this with my next thrift shop find.
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Modern loft. To get that chic London loft look, try pairing clean-lined modern basics like a white couch and low coffee table with an ornate mirror, sleek arc lamp and eye-catching pottery.
Tell us: What aspects of British style appeal to you? Would you rather live in a sprawling country estate à la Downton Abbey or a townhouse in a cool London neighborhood? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
More:
Add a Dash of Downton Abbey Style
Guest Picks: Inspired by Downtown Abbey
Wedding Fever: Brit Design on the Mind
Tell us: What aspects of British style appeal to you? Would you rather live in a sprawling country estate à la Downton Abbey or a townhouse in a cool London neighborhood? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
More:
Add a Dash of Downton Abbey Style
Guest Picks: Inspired by Downtown Abbey
Wedding Fever: Brit Design on the Mind
Comments
jeanettchka I have always like the furnishings and style of the rooms in the PBS British series As Time Goes By. The style is warm and cozy without being too casual or too formal and would be well suited to small rooms and spaces.
15 months ago · Like
ladymojo I like those furnishings in As Time Goes By, too. I still laugh at least once every episode, no matter how many times I've seen it. Judy Dench has a very classic way of dressing as well.
15 months ago · Like
everybodyhasone Orla Kiely is an Irish fashion designer based in London. Just had to say that, we love her too.
15 months ago · Like
pinekiwi i love decorating wth the ethan allen british classic look !
15 months ago · Like
kittybomb This feature's made my day, I'm English and there are so many things in here that I already have in my flat (dove grey walls, recovered antique armchair, arco lamp) I always envy all the gorgeous American houses on Houzz, it's good to know it works the other way round!
15 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on Feb. 23, 2012.
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