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| British Colonial dcor for the modern home |
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By GL ONEAL British Colonial dcor reflects a time in history when the British conquered and possessed areas of land all around the world. As the British took over new lands, they desired to explore these new places yet were hesitant to leave behind all that was familiar to them. To remedy this, the British literally brought pieces of home with them in the form of their home furnishings. As they learned to live in these new and exotic territories, they adapted their formal, Victorian-era styles to these new lands. Melding formal British styles with tropical and Asian motifs and designs created what is known today as British Colonial design.
British Colonial pieces of furniture and accessories are rich in color and textures. Wooden pieces are typically constructed in dark tones and made of hardwoods like mahogany and teak. Wooden furnishings are often etched or carved with beautiful designs of plants or animals. Scrolled armrests and legs are common features of British Colonial chairs as well as on the legs of standing mirrors, tables, chests, and dressers. Fabric pieces of British Colonial style vary from subdued neutrals to a deep browns and reds to splashes of animal prints and vivid tropical colors. Linens, pillows, blankets, and drapes often contrast with the dark woods that make up British Colonial design. During the adventures made by the British, they became especially interested in nature and animals and this is often reflected in their furnishings. Real animal skins were often used as rugs or bedcovers during this era; in modern times imitation fabrics are chosen that have realistic animal textures and prints. Leather is a material that is still widely used today, however, and varying kinds of animal hides may be used to accent a typical British Colonial-styled room. Some of the lands conquered and secured by the British were of tropical climates and current British Colonial dcor reflects this. Straw woven into rugs, reed mats, and rattan fan blades are some examples of classic British Colonial decor. People of the time often had large plants or bunches of flowers in their rooms, giving their spaces an air of organic elegance. Unusual or strange items were being discovered during their explorations and many of these items ended up as adornments in their homes. A small telescope, a faux elephant tusk, a leather table or a wooden candlestick are examples of such things that exemplify British Colonial dcor. British Colonial dcor reflects the time in history when proper Victorian design merged with exotic styles during a time of great exploration and discovery. By bringing British Colonial dcor into your home, you can experience the fascination of distant lands while never leaving your personal abode. Find out more about British Colonial Decor atGL ONEAL'S |