At its peak, the British Empire controlled parts of India, Asia, Africa, the South Pacific and North America, and was a hundred times the size of Great Britain. British settlers posted overseas were inevitably exposed to a wealth of new experiences encompassing climate and culture, politics and people, décor and design.
Over time, new design inspirations and ideas came together to become what is known as British Colonial style. Neutral surroundings with dark furnishings, mixed with traditional British furniture of the new Empire set the tone. Admired for its simplicity and rich but subdued colours, British Colonial style emphasises dark, tropical woods alongside a wealth of other natural materials.
Whether rustic or formal, British Colonial interiors had a stylish, handcrafted look and feel. Elegantly carved wooden furniture, subtle textures, and a light and airy atmosphere suggested sophisticated spaces with a just a hint of formality.
If you’re looking to add a touch of British colonial style to your home, be sure to incorporate the following 9 design advised by Dakota Murphey, working together with Sussex based specialist The Window Shutter Company:
1. Portable furniture
The appeal and romance of travel resulted in British Colonial furniture being designed to be portable. ‘Campaign furniture’, as it became known, could be folded or collapsed into manageable, travel-ready pieces. Items like folding writing tables, mahogany chairs, liqueur cabinets and collapsible beds were easily stored in a steamer trunk, ready to be shipped off to the next exotic location.
2. Lightweight fabrics
Collectors travelled the world searching for authentic textiles from Africa, India, Asia, and the Caribbean. Bold animal prints, paisleys and botanical prints in lightweight cottons and linens were in vogue.
For an authentic British Colonial look, hang linen or flowing cotton fabrics on a bed frame or on a window for a soft, filtered light. Add a touch of mystery and romance with suspended lightweight fabrics from a bedroom ceiling.
3. Tropical inspired furnishings
Many designs of the time were adapted to accommodate tropical locales and climes. Ornate lattice work and carved pineapples were etched into woods and used alongside rattan, bamboo, and leatherwork.
Use one or two classic rattan chairs as an accent in a modern room, or else match a wicker chair with side, coffee and sofa tables.
4. Natural textures
Texture plays a big role in British Colonial design. Rattan, sisal, cane and reed were often used to add a touchy feely contrast to rooms where traditional dark furniture dominated.
Play around with rugs, wallpapers, woven windows and natural fibres, such as rattan, sisal, hessian or jute.
5. Traditional shutters
Apart from promoting a sense of peace and calm in a room, window shutters were used to keep the tropical heat at bay and shut out storms. Local wooden shutters were either painted or left in their natural wood finish.
For a British Colonial style at home, look for wood and vinyl shutters that come in a range of colours and finishes. Shutters positioned behind a sofa or used as a headboard can also look beautiful.
6. Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans were the epitome of British Colonial living, circulating cool air throughout the home in the hot months of the tropics. Whether in wood, brass, or a combination of the two, fans make a dramatic statement against the high white-painted ceilings.
7. Eclectic accessories
British travellers in Empire times loved to collect eclectic accessories and mementos which were often displayed in pride of place. Shelves groaned under the weight of expensive crystal, silver and fine china, together with gorgeous carved wood and ivory pieces. Maps, telescopes, globes, letter-writing boxes and an array of tortoise-patterned objects were also popular.
Accessories can give your home a look of the born traveller who’s visited the Empire’s far-flung lands to collect a myriad of interesting and varied pieces. For that old-world travel-inspired look, antique shops or car boot sales are the places to find all manner of collectable curios including telescopes, magnifying glasses, maps and globes.
8. Pewter
The soft glow of pewter, a classic British Colonial metal, is a wonderful alternative to silver or chrome. An assortment of pewter pieces grouped on a table behind a couch or on a fireplace mantle creates an interesting and stylish focal point.
Could British Colonial Style Interiors Benefit from Artificial Greenery?
British Colonial style interiors could greatly benefit from the introduction of artificial greenery. The benefits of artificial greenery include adding a touch of nature to indoor spaces, creating a tropical ambiance, and requiring minimal maintenance. Incorporating artificial greenery can enhance the overall aesthetic and bring a sense of tranquility to the space.
9. Flora and fauna
Colonial travellers, fascinated by the local flora and fauna in their exotic surroundings, would often bring these into their homes. Lush green ferns, unusual potted plants and striking tall palm trees, and even lovely tulip flower arrangements brought the drama of the tropics into their elegant houses.
Take a trip to your local nursery or garden centre and choose some beautiful greenery to complete the British Colonial look with a few well-place exotic houseplants.
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