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I’ve been enthralled with English culture, literature, tea, history and architecture since I was a little girl, and that has informed my development as an interior designer. It seems that English interiors are certainly having their moment here in the US—and I can see why. Gone are the days of gray and white homes and here is all the comfort, homey-ness (or homely-ness as the Brits would say) and self-expression of more maximalist, lively interiors. And the English do that so well.
Our recent trip to the UK was work-induced (in the best way). We spent our time hopping from showroom to showroom and familiarizing ourselves with British brands, meeting designers and artists we’ve admired, and soaking in inspiration everywhere we could. We had the most delightful conversations and experiences, and I’m so grateful to all of the people who took time to chat with two small business owners from good ole’ Tennessee.
But as I reflect on my camera roll and a week of inspo, here is my short list of six things I love about English interiors. Maybe they will inform your home as well.
**A note: obviously English homes, designers, and interiors vary widely. There isn’t just one singular style, of course. But this list pertains to so much of the inspiration and design that we saw in the homes, showrooms, and studios that we love and admire.
- A focus on craftsmanship. We can sometimes feel like skilled workmanship is a dying art, but we saw it so alive and well in so many of the British brands we encountered. We had the chance to meet with and tour the shop of Alfred Newall. We watched Alfred’s team making their signature pieces, and we were so impressed by the fine workmanship. We chatted with Alfred about the trade schools in the UK and all of the talented craftspeople he works with and employs. We spent time with his wife, Tess Newall and watched skilled artists hand painting pieces to ship all over the world. We toured the factory of Fermoie where attention to detail, quality, and environmental consciousness are built into the fibers of their fabrics. Then there are the well known kitchen cabinetry brands like Plain English, DeVol, and (a new discovery for us) Inglis Hall. The bespoke details and quality in every piece of woodwork take my breath away. Then we visited Beata Heuman’s appointment only showroom, 188, and I was absolutely gobsmacked by the attention to craftsmanship and detail in every piece of their collection—all of which are made by small makers and high quality craftspeople. The art of fine craftsmanship is everywhere.
- Pattern mixing that looks effortless (although it certainly isn’t). I feel like this speaks for itself. The English are known for their spaces that feel collected overtime. Stripes and plaids alongside florals and whimsical toiles. There’s such an art to pattern mixing, and the Brits know how to do it well.
- A genuine respect for history. As we all know, our history here in the US is quite short compared to most other nations around the world. And we often don’t respect it in the same way others do. The English countryside is dotted with historic properties owned by the National Trust which can be toured by the public. There is a respect and care for the stories that are told through architecture and interiors. We saw so many new construction homes being built to model the old homes surrounding them. Even as we drove through small villages, most often the new construction is designed to look like the old. Nashville could take a cue. I’m looking at you, tall skinnies.
- Smaller square footage with higher quality finishes. You can afford to invest more in quality and beauty when your square footage is more manageable. I had several conversations on this trip with people who said “your houses in America are just so much bigger than ours.” And honestly, I don’t think that’s a compliment. We are square footage obsessed in the US, and sometimes that comes at the cost of quality materials and beautiful finishes.
- Practicality. When I think English interiors, I think boot rooms, larders and creative storage solutions. When you have smaller square footage, you have to be intentional with every inch. Practicality IS chic when done the right way.
- An embracing of individual style. I love seeing personality come through in design. With antiques, patterned textiles, and bespoke designs, every room can tell a story.
Let us know in the comments if you agree with our assessment of English interiors! What do you love about British design?
