Learn how to embrace the classic British Colonial style and bring elegance into your home. This timeless interior design style combines cultural influences from across the British Empire during the 18th-19th centuries. With its polished wooden furniture, rich colors, and exotic accents, the British Colonial look evokes a sense of faraway lands. Read on for our tips on achieving this refined aesthetic in your own home.
Overview of the British Colonial Decor Style
The British Colonial style arose during the peak of the British Empire and blends influences from across the continents. It combines dignified, polished dark wooden furniture with vivid colors and handcrafted accents from India, Africa and the Far East.
The look often features items from the colonies like bamboo or rattan furniture and colored silks. British Colonial style aims to capture exotic elegance. Interiors have an orderly, symmetrical feel but with lavish ornate details.
This globally-inspired style creates rooms that feel worldly yet sophisticated. It continues to be a popular interior design choice today for those looking to add an opulent international flair.
Key Elements of British Colonial Decor
Here are some of the defining features of authentic British Colonial style:
Polished Dark Wood Furnishings
The foundation of the look is wood furniture in rich finishes like mahogany, ebony or walnut. Pieces often have carved details or inlaid designs. Styles include Georgian, Regency and campaign furniture as well as rattan and bamboo.
Elaborate Fans and Shutters
Rooms will incorporate wood shutters and paddle fans, often with intricately carved details. These are both functional and add to the exotic ambiance.
Vivid Colors and Patterns
Walls use vivid hues like jewel tones, mustard or grassy greens. Patterned wallpaper or chintz fabrics featuring florals, animal prints and Oriental motifs add vibrancy.
Antique Maps and Globes
These pay homage to British naval exploration and distant outposts of the Empire. Group them with leather-bound books for a study feel.
Carved Masks and Sculptures
Masks, busts or figurines representing African or Pacific islander art bring in tribal influences. Display them on shelves or tables.
Handcrafted Rugs and Textiles
Intricately woven rugs from India or the Middle East lend an exotic flair underfoot. Richly colored and patterned cushions and curtains also invite far-off lands into the space.
How to Incorporate British Colonial Style in Your Home
Looking to try out the British Colonial look in your own home? Here are some tips for stylishly pulling it all together:
Choose a Rich Color Palette
Stick to deep jewel-tones like ruby red, emerald or sapphire blue. Accent with neutral tones like ivory or tan. Gold accents add glamour. Avoid pale hues – this style is all about saturated color.
Source Ornate Wood Furniture
Invest in a few exquisite carved wood furniture pieces to anchor the space, like a dining table or four-poster bed. Then add in rattan chairs, bamboo side tables or campaign chests.
Include an Oriental Rug
Choose a hand-knotted rug with elaborate patterning. Vintage Persian or Turkish rugs work perfectly to add exotic flair.
Add Carved Decor Touches
Display exotic carved busts, masks or statues atop shelves and sideboards. Seek out antiques or quality reproductions for authenticity.
Use Patterned Fabrics
Upholster furniture in vivid floral chintzes, stripes or animal prints. Use matching patterns for curtains and cushion covers to create a cohesive feel.
Install Shutters and Fans
Source decorative wooden shutters and paddle ceiling fans. Opt for carving or grillwork to complement ornate furnishings. These elements amplify the colonial ambiance.
Group Collections of Maps, Books and Globes
Create intriguing vignettes by grouping antique maps or naval charts along with leather-bound books and terrestrial or celestial globes.
Dos and Don’ts
When designing a space in the British Colonial style, keep these key dos and don’ts in mind:
DO
- Use a rich color scheme with jewel tones
- Incorporate ornate wood furniture and carved details
- Add vintage rugs, chintz fabrics and exotic patterns
- Display unique maps, globes and travel souvenirs
- Use shutters, paddle fans and other authentic touches
DON’T
- Forget to include ornate wooden elements – these anchor the look
- Overdo bright white walls or pale colors
- Use sparse Scandinavian style wood furniture
- Add too many modern pieces that clash with the period vibe
- Neglect the global cultural influences that are central to this style
Bring Timeless Refinement into Your Home
The British Colonial look has maintained popularity through the centuries because of its exotic sophistication. This globally-inspired style allows you to surround yourself with treasures from around the world, from intricate Turkish rugs to carved African masks.
Embrace rich colors, elaborate wood furnishings, and handcrafted details from faraway lands. You’ll create a polished space with an alluring sense of exploration and adventure.
With its cultured blend of influences, the British Colonial style infuses interior spaces with enduring, romantic elegance. So embark on your own exotic decorating journey – your home will radiate refined, worldly charm.
