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What to Know About: English Design

March 26, 2023

What to Know

Traditional English interior design focuses on muted colors, natural materials and simple, comfortable shapes. It’s common to see traditional English interiors dotted with antiques or other vintage items that have been passed down through generations – in the style of the ancestral ‘manor house.’

Colors

The colors used in English interiors are muted, but not boring. The palette is dominated by shades of brown, gold and green. These colors create a warm atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing after a long jaunt on the moor. Farrow & Ball is one brand that is known for their quintessentially English color palette.

Furniture

Chair with an English roll arm

The hallmarks of English design when it comes to furniture are comfort and character. Think. over-stuffed sofas with rolled arms paired with rich wood toned antiques.

Fabrics

Fabric is a big part of the traditional English interior design aesthetic. Textiles are used generously in. drapes aand upholstery, and often feature floral patterns or other ornate designs.

Eras & Styles

English design encompasses several different architectural styles. Although each oof these styles originated in a particular time period they have all continued to iterated upon up to the present day.

Some of the more well-known of these styles are:

  • Medieval (11th – 15th century)
  • Tudor (15th – 17th century)
  • Jacobean (17th century – early 18th century)
  • Georgian and Regency (mid-18th century to early 19th century)
  • Victorian (mid to late 19th century)
  • Edwardian (early 20th century)
  • Modern/Post War (mid-20th century)

Conclusion

A traditional English interior design is defined by its attention to detail, use of quality materials and craftsmanship, and a sense of history. It’s also characterized by an emphasis on comfort and warmth over ostentatious displays of wealth.

Interested in adding English warmth to your home? Get in touch with us to get started.

Filed under:

Designer, toddler-wrangler, professional decision-maker

liberty riggs

2

  1. Meagan G. says:

    LOVE English design and am always looking for ways to update it to achieve a more crisp, modern-yet-homey take on it. Like the classic Tudor vs. modern Tudor that you shared!

    • Liberty Riggs says:

      Thanks, Meagan! Yes, I love to see some of these design elements paired with more modern and crisp pieces!