British Colonial Style
Takes You Places
Go almost anywhere in the
world and you’ll find evidence
of British influence, especially
in exotic locales such as
Kathmandu, South Africa, Kuala
Lumpur and Hong Kong. The look
in private bars and games rooms
with their botanical prints, dark
mahogany and teak furniture,
lush palms in the corner of the
room, and old maps speaks to
the unique British Colonial
decorating style. Although it’s
not as common as French Provencal,
English country, contemporary,
traditional, or the new Tuscan, there’s
no doubt that if you want to create
a dreamy, exotic, take-me-away
decor, British Colonial is the design
to transport you to the most remote
ports of call and time periods.
The British Influence
During the Victorian era, the British Empire spread
around the world. The English took their furnishings to foreign lands and adapted their Victorian belongings to their new homes whether the location was India, Africa, or the Malay Straits. Once there many British had their beloved Victorian furnishings hand-carved by local artisans in the local woods. They complemented their furnishings with the items found in the area and soon a design look formed out of this adaptation to the environment. The furniture exudes a rustic, hand-carved style rather than being precisely finished or highly polished.
The Campaign
A design fixture in the British Colonial style is campaign furniture. This furniture was often transported to camps by porters. The furnishings might include desks, chairs and small tables that folded up ready for transport or shipment to the next stop. Many of these pieces also had small niches and drawers and occasionally, like many Victorian pieces, contained hidden drawers and features.
Natural
Generous usage of natural elements such as cane, wicker, and bamboo are also signatures of the British Colonial style. Adding small tables in any of these textures gives rich interest in the room and stays true to the style. Artwork reflects nature and often centers on nature itself with botanical artwork prints and animal skin designs for rugs or upholstery fabric. Burnished brass elements contrast with the natural fabrics and elements. Accessories such as a brass magnifying glass set on old map create the feel of planning a safari or tiger hunt from a hundred years ago. Bulky wooden candlesticks with rustic candles create a romantic feel. Large plants, especially palms, were Victorian design fixtures and give the room a touch of the jungle when combined with mosquito netting over a bed.
Lighting
Rooms were generally kept dark to keep them cool in the warmer climates. Dark-stained wood plantation shutters or blinds and bamboo shades are good choices for window coverings. Fussy, frilly curtains were out and so were exotic prints. Instead, simple fabric panels on dark-stained rods paired with a roll shade are good choices and help maintain the exotic ambiance. Stained glass lamps are good choices as are any lamps with brass accents and colored glass shades.
British Colonial style can range, showing influences of Chinese design and elements to Victorian style with African art and influences. Because of the British influence in India, British Colonial style can often include Indian influences called Raj style, a particular favorite of mine. No matter the country or the continent, British Colonial style can adapt to a variety of international flavors and still be considered authentic and true to the style. Select the one that appeals to you most – whether that’s a Victoria marble-topped chest paired with a zebra-skin rug or a writing desk topped with Chinese vases or artwork – because the look is striking and exotic and will take you to another place and time no matter which locale you select.
© 2007 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
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©2001-2007 Kathryn Weber
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