Guest Picks: Cool Britannia
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com... More »
The Diamond Jubilee, and now the 2012 Olympics in London, have seen the nation plastered in Union Jacks, and even some lands outside of Old Blighty get in on the festivities. The goings on in Britain do not go unnoticed across the pond; the UK sets fashion trends through subcultures, such as punk, and pioneers music genres. Plus, the Royal Family continues to capture the fascination of people around the globe. All of this translates into a following of the Britannia style. And the cool look endures in its homeland, mainly through fashion and home decor, regardless of royal celebrations.
This ideabook offers ideas for adding a bit of British style to your home through the iconic graphic of the flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Jack. — Denise from The Swelle Life
This ideabook offers ideas for adding a bit of British style to your home through the iconic graphic of the flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Jack. — Denise from The Swelle Life
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Union Jack Bombe Chest - GBP 2,150.00 »
This cherry wood chest is so romantic and elegant, taking it well beyond the simple Union Jack–emblazoned piece. The elongated but short bombé style shapes the graphic perfectly and emphasizes the curves of the edges and the legs. And there's no harsh white; the natural wood and "bleed" look of the crimson red and muted navy are soft and calm. I would have it on a cherry plank floor slightly darker than the chest to let it quietly stand out.
by Andy Thornton
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Union Jack Industrial Coffee Table - GBP 180.00 »
I like the rawness of this hand-painted side table, which could be great for contrasting softer pieces. Its steel construction and rivet decorations give it an industrial feel and a bit of subtle toughness.
by Uber Interiors
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Pod Chair Union Jack Fudge Leather - GBP 4,554.00 »
This is such an unusual chair, made even more so by the Union Jack pattern that spans the back. The pod is upholstered by a hardy leather that combines modern design with a rustic look, making it a perfect complement to a traditionally styled room.
by Lathamshome
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Lathams Home Andrew Martin Rebel Union Jack Sofa »
I think you can have a large sofa with a Union Jack splashed across it and still maintain an elegant look — if it's done with subtlety and high-quality materials. This sofa illustrates how the look works best: on dark, distressed leathers with a faded graphic, as opposed to bright blues and reds. The stud detailing on the arms and quilted upholstery add to the classic, high-quality styling, making this a piece to keep for years.
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Illuminating Coffee Table, Union Jack »
If you're especially patriotic, you can beam your allegiance through the surface of this illuminated stainless steel coffee table. It's a great piece for a home bar for dimmed-light evening entertaining.
by John Lewis
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Union Jack Footstool, Blue - GBP 199.00 »
I love this footstool for two reasons: it's large enough to double as a small bench in a hallway or by a bay window, and its shape skews the Union Jack pattern, making the graphic more subtle. And if you grow tired of the theme, you can add a throw and still benefit from the comfort of the stool.
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Vintage Style Union Jack Throne Chair - $575.42 »
I love the idea of a throne in the home; you can reserve it for special guests and have good fun having them play Queen or King while you cater to their whims. If you're an ardent Anglophile, this silver chair would be the crowning glory to your themed room. A distressed finish gives the chair a subtle, aged look.
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Union Jack Butter Dish - GBP 9.90 »
This Union Jack–emblazoned ceramic butter dish is a great way to add a little Brit style without committing to a piece of furniture. I'd take it out for royal celebrations or the Olympics and have a guilt-free pat of English butter.
by Nigel Faulkner
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Union Jack Dining Table »
I love this colorful take on the Union Jack. The brights completely transform what could be seen as a dusty icon into a vibrant graphic treatment.
by electricshop
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50's Style Fridge in Union Jack Left Hand Hinged - GBP 998.00 »
I love the boldness of this fridge; it doesn't leave any doubt as to the patriotism of its owner! Good design is imperative in keeping a graphic-emblazoned piece in good taste, especially a large one, and Smeg is the perfect manufacturer with its sleek retro styling. This would look fantastic in a minimal, white, glossy kitchen.
by The Pole House
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Lounge Lizard Union Jack 4 Drawer Chest of Drawers - GBP 275.00 »
I think a teenage boy's room may just be the perfect home for this bold chest of drawers. Stylish and functional, it has clean, strong lines in both the design and the graphic, and the deep red and navy are great shades for introducing color.
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Old Vintage Union Jack Trunk Chest - GBP 349.00 »
I love the trunk features of this vintage-looking, leather-lined Union Jack chest. The top functions like a trunk with brass latches and a flip-open lid, while four drawers offer separate compartments for storage. The reinforced leather corners and brass studding finish the classic styling. It's a great-looking alternative to the usual chest of drawers for a boy's or man's room, and it would be right at home in a rustic cottage.
by Bertie & Jack
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Union Jack Horse - GBP 35.00 »
I like the clever use of the Union Jack to create this silhouette of a racing horse's head, another icon of Britishness. It's a more subtle way to display the flag in your home, and the simple graphic design makes it a nice piece of art for an older child's room.
by Kitchen Science
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Sagemcom Sixty Jack Home Phone - GBP 89.99 »
This is a cleverly designed phone. From straight on it looks like the chunky old-style rotary model, but the side view reveals that it's the sleek, cordless handset we know so well. Although it is a digital phone, the keypad is arranged in the rotary style, giving a bit of the old-school feel. And unlike the original, heavy, corded model, you can take this all over the house.
by Topps Tiles
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Kula Union Jack Red & Blue Splashback - GBP 169.99 »
There's something happy about this big, painterly Union Jack backsplash in toughened glass. It would be the perfect focal point in a small kitchen lacking strong design features. As it's one continuous sheet of glass, it would be easier to clean than tiles.
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Sorbet Floral Union Jack Wallpaper - GBP 79.00 »
I like this rethinking of the Union Jack, all softened up and pretty in pastels and florals. Unlike most pattered wallcoverings, the graphic creates a focal point in the room that can be left to stand on its own or added to with wall hangings for a busy, layered effect.
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Union Jack Trays - GBP 22.00 »
These Union Jack serving trays remind me of something you might find in an old English pub. During national celebrations, I might keep one on the sideboard filled with whiskey glasses. They would also make a great display for canapés and drinks set out on the table under matching bunting.
by Crest of London
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Union Jack Medium Alarm Clock - GBP 8.99 »
This is a fun little clock, a souvenir that you can keep around for a while without asking, "What am I going to do with this, now?" It features an alarm function complete with the twin bells, and when you decide to move on, it would be a great bedside companion in the guest bedroom.
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Union Jack Bookcase »
The appeal of this bookcase is the versatility of the painted Union Jack design. You can choose how much or how little of it you want revealed and play around with the arrangement of the books to create different background patterns. If you decide one day that understated is best, but you don't want to waste a good mahogany piece, you can paint over it!
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Union Jack Umbrella Stand - GBP 69.00 »
This piece made me smile. What's more fitting on an umbrella stand than the flag of the country known for its relentless rain? I'd love to see it in a front hall in whites, beside a shoe shelf holding a couple pairs of Wellingtons.
Next: Decorating Around the World: British Style Charms Any Home
Next: Decorating Around the World: British Style Charms Any Home
