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BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE FAVOURED BY CELEBRITIES
The British colonial style is a timeless classic. Favoured by celebrities such as Ralph Lauren, David Bowie and Jade Jagger, it has an adventurous spirit at heart. Well-travelled and exotic, yet elegant and sophisticated with a hint of formality this transglobal interior style stretches far and wide to the far east, India, the West Indies and Africa.
Think of crafted dark wood furniture sitting alongside tropical green foliage; romantic four poster beds with light cotton fabrics wafting in a warm breeze; crisp white high ceilinged rooms adorned with wooden shutters and see the British Colonial style come to life. It is no surprise that this is an interior style favoured by the rich and famous as well as many luxury five star hotels.
David Bowie's house on the island of Mustique
Credit architecturaldigest.com
Life in British Colonial India
THE ORIGINS OF THE STYLE
During the time of the British Empire the British colonists travelled far and wide. They wanted the traditional British furniture they were familiar with back home, but realised they needed to adapt it to suit the hotter climate and use materials native to the area, such as tropical hardwoods, cane and rattan. The local craftsmen would make the furniture and add their artistic flair in the form of carved details and motifs - a mix of the two cultural styles. Native, natural fabrics helped to keep the rooms cool and tropical plants provided much needed shade. Small possessions from home mixed with travelling paraphernalia and souvenirs adding to the eclectic nature of the interior decor.
BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE - THE SIGNATURE FURNITURE
British Colonial Style Signature Furniture
- Dreamy Four Poster Beds were draped with light, white cotton bedding to keep the occupant cool at night while mosquito nests were an essential in some countries. Handsome Campaign Chests of Drawers could be broken down into trunks with handles for carrying.
Credit Unawatuna Guest House - Sri Lanka
- Caned Easy Chairs were perfect to while away an afternoon on the veranda while keeping refreshed with a cool drink. Planter’s chairs had the addition of two long planks which could be rotated outwards to form leg rests.
Credit The Cotton House - Mustique
- Trunks and Chests were essential storage for life on the the open road and can be used as a coffee table, blanket box or for display purposes.
Credit Roundhill Hotel & Villas - Jamaica
- Colonial Hardwood Sofas which are often finely carved with floral motifs and filigree crest rails. Some are upholstered and feature flared, scrolled arms while others have a caned back and seat.
High ceiling, cooling fans and shutters in Ralph Lauren’s house in Jamaica.
Credit architecturaldigest.com
British Colonial Style Design Features.
BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE - THE ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN FEATURES
Airy high ceilings, often equipped with cooling fans helped to combat the heat as did large windows adorned with shutters to regulate airflow and protect against storms and harsh sunlight. Architectural features such as pillars, shaded verandahs and elegantly curved arches are typical of the British colonial style and create an open and soothing effect.
Ralph Lauren's Home in Jamaica
Credit architecturaldigest.com
THE COLOUR PALETTE
The foundations of the British colonial style start with the cooling white of the walls contrasting with the dark browns and blacks of the wooden furniture and timber floors. Added to this almost monochromatic palette are the rich, lush greens from tropical plants and foliage, both in their natural form in pots and also seen in the botanical prints hung on walls, which were popular of the time. Natural neutral tones from the cane used in easy chairs and planter’s chairs added texture and warmth.
THE DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES
A well-travelled and eclectic curation of accessories are essential elements of the British colonial style. Travelling paraphernalia such as globes, maps and telescopes work well, as do knickknacks picked up on far-flung travels. Asian accents, such as antique ginger jars and chinoiserie mirrors, contribute to an exotic feel evoking a globe trotting lifestyle.
TIMELESS ELEGANCE WITH AN ADVENTUROUS HEART
It is little wonder celebrities favour the British Colonial Style. It has a timeless elegance which is adventurous, well-travelled and unique. With a few well chosen pieces anyone can get the British Colonial style and bring some timeless elegance to any interior.
The Past Perfect Collection showroom in Singapore.
The Past Perfect Collection specialises in antique colonial furniture from India. View what is new in store or visit our showroom at 11-05 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road, Singapore.
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