Spotlight on the UK

August 15, 2012 by Iris Interiors LLC | 6 Comments

As we all stared at our television screens enthralled by the Olympic Games, London really took center stage . We decided to venture across the pond (well at least look at some British interior design magazines) to see what design trends are all the rage in the U.K. Here’s what we found:

1. Distressed Luxe: This trend consists of luxurious fabrics, typically with a sheen, paired with old or cheap materials. Distressed walls are a plus. Antiques, family heirlooms, threadbare rugs, and lots of mismatched, but complementary, framed antique or antique looking pictures add to the look. Inspired in part by the film Grey Gardens, it’s about opulence fading into to decay:

Photo via Instagram user Natasia.

Photo via Mi Casa es Su Casa.

2. Foxes: The fox is to the U.K. what the owl is to the U.S. It’s one trendy animal. But we’re not talking about your average fox. Most of the designs are funky, sassy, and well, foxy foxes. Here is a sleek, stoneware fox from Jonathan Adler’s Menagerie collection:

Photo via Heal’s.

3. British Nostalgia: Traditional elements of the U.K. have been brought back with a contemporary twist. For example, Andrew Tanner created this bone china that is mostly white and has a more modern look. However, he decorated the bottoms of plates and tea cups, the inside of handles, and underneath the spouts of teapots with traditional British patterns:

Photo via Trend Bible.

This tongue-in-cheek wallpaper featuring crowns and coronets by Graham & Brown is another contemporary take on British nostalgia:

Photo via Graham & Brown.

4. Bauhaus: The Bauhaus School, founded in Germany (my native country) in 1919, had a major influence on modern design. This style is marked by strong geometric shapes in bold, flat color, minimal ornamentation, and true harmony between form and function. It is minimalist, yet bright. It might not be my favorite, but the style has come back to the U.K. and young trendsetters have embraced it. The room below features Wassily Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer, which he created when he was at the Bauhaus:

Photo via the Lollipop Shoppe.

5. Casual Bohemian: Casual bohemian lends itself to a mismatched style with rustic elements, including weather-beaten wood and wicker and handcrafted items, such as rugs, pillows, and headboards. Native American influence in prints, and a love of tactile qualities define this style. A multi-colored palette and cozy fabrics, such as mohair, wool, and hand-knits, add a warm touch:

Photo via Bohemian Treehouse.

Photo via Bohemian Treehouse.

6. Whimsical Fun: Funky elements and pieces that make you smile create an unconventional space filled with humor and beauty. Mix flea market finds with items that express your taste or remind you of childhood, along with pieces from friends and family that are soaked in good memories. Pop in elements that are anything but sophisticated to add edge to romantic decor or a bit of quirky charm to a fairly neutral space:

Photo via Abigail Ahern.

Photo via Abigail Ahern.

7. Color: Experts are predicting a wide range of UK color trends for fall and winter. There is a new depth to hues and homeowners often opt for neutrals paired with deeper shades or go all out with vibrant brights. Here are some of the images of the fall and winter color trends from UK-based color consulting firm, Color World by DyStar and CSI:

Do any of these trends look familiar to you? Which would you like to incorporate into your decor?

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