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Perhaps Americans focus too much on how a room looks versus how it feels to be inside that room. Homes should tell a story and be collected, that’s what the Brits have done well. It’s also much more rainy and dreary more often so they probably incorporate more color and pattern to make the interiors as welcoming and cozy as possible.
One of the reasons they're able to incorporate color in their designs (and we're stuck in this neutral bland gray/beige desert) is because they have walls. They don't live in these HGTV inspired boxes where every room is open to every other space. They have walls that close off rooms so that rooms can be warm, cozy and yes, colorful. This is just one of the MANY reasons I hate the open concept. Bring back our walls, halls, color storage, quiet little hideaways and nooks!
Lmaooo no .. American houses have walls too.. just cause your house is open spaced that’s you. Many of us have very cozy cottages in America like she says in this video it’s literally because brits aren’t afraid of charm and color and Americans are just bland and basic boring.. that’s a FACT. As a Brit who lives in the USA I can confirm. So no..... incorrect ... rubbish.
I've noticed that Americans seem to change their style seasonally, so my guess would be that white is a blank canvas and it's easier to change the tone of your home without having to completely redecorate. Over here ain't nobody got time or cash for that, so you redecorate once every few years when you finally get sick of it. Your culture is highly commercialised and you are encouraged to switch things up to drive consumption, whereas we generally invest in pieces we love. Our homes are kind of curated to say something about ourselves. The other reason may be that the weather is crap most of the time so we generally spend much more time indoors and appreciate all the cosies.
I would argue that the majority of the styles and elements here are much more wealthy English countryside than London! I've lived in London pretty much all of my life and most people lean towards quite a different interior style, still with colour here and there but definitely not as eclectic as your examples. It's also worth noting the massive class divides, particularly in London, where the designers you mention come from very wealthy backgrounds and often grew up in large fancy or even stately homes in the countryside, so their style does have much more of that traditionalist vibe. If you were able to go to any National Trust properties or Buckingham Palace or anything similar while you were here, you would see loads in common there with the designers you mention - maximalism was always a statement of wealth and opulence. Gallery walls were basically begun here by having every square inch of a stately home covered in paintings, wallpapers were incredibly expensive to produce, and all the trimmings and colour was just a demonstration of how rich a family were. From the houses I've seen here in London, middle and working class people tend towards more of a scandinavian style, of course very much lead by IKEA! I would say it's far more modernist, with pops of pattern and colour in the curtains and cushions and bedspreads. Basically - anything and everything in the UK is best understood by class!
Pretty anything everywhere can be understood by class, I'd argue, especially when it comes to interior design--trends are set by the affluent. In the US, the shift toward minimalism (especially the really stark, black/white interiors that were everywhere a while back) was definitely also driven by the wealthy. As less wealthy classes chased the styles of the affluent by going for that opulent maximalism you're describing, it got considered gaudy and old-fashioned, so upper classes distinguished themselves by going for modern, sleek minimalism (like stuff from Knoll is expensive & a class signifier even if it isn't considered "maximalist" design). As for the IKEA Scandinavian style being common, that's b/c IKEA is an industry disrupter that provides nice-looking furniture at lower price points, so pretty much middle-class people worldwide (in countries with a thriving middle class, at least) all use IKEA. (In China, for example, many homes in cities are straight-up IKEA.)
I think if anyone were to watch any of our soaps (Emmerdale, Coronation street) you may also see glimpses of what a lot of houses look like by certain generations or class members. Of course it's exaggerated but whenever I see traditional takes being used anyway more often than not they exude clashes or outdated ness rather than timelessness. But maybe I just see it too often.
Yes! This speaks to our financial brackets here in America too. Yes. As where’s my comment here a minute ago: we in America are afraid to mimic bad taste however, in America that taste usually is mixing colors into decor and especially mixing patterns. So it’s quite the opposite. No income means less resources which equates to putting together whatever you can get your hands on, and nothing goes nicely together but at least you have things you need. Whereas people who have more money can use color by purchasing more things that will create cohesiveness because they have the means to buy more and do more with it. Many times no, because Americans are constantly working. They don’t have much time for home, and therefore a lot of simplicity goes into their elegant decor. I suppose also in the need and desperation of simplicity and soothing, calm ambience comes from having a very chaotic life in America. An example, perhaps could be like Kim Kardashian and her home.
This is exactly what I think (a Brit) - most British homes aren't anything like this - these are all interiors obsessives and many are from the upper classes, born into a lot of wealth. Perhaps we are better with colour but I wouldn't just go by these designers alone to back that claim up.
thank you for touching on the lack of color in the american interior!!! i think this is all tied to the immense amount of inequality in the us, and how our homes are considered an asset or a place to hold wealth before they are considered a home. before you make any decision (paint color, tile, couch fabric) we must consider how it will hold its value when we decide to sell it. what ends up happening is catering to the lowest common denominator of design-- beiges and whites, so that a basic future buyer isn't offended by our taste, and our wealth is not put in jeopardy. its sad!!! an ugly symptom of a terrible problem.
Piggie back on your insight... Americans seem very transitional/transient and move across the states often. living in a "forever" home is no longer the norm. So, as a result it could be that making a house re-sell ready is more important than making it your own. Also, these British homes take years to curate and source. American people in general are all about the fast and the now. Maybe??? Just a thought.
@@sivane.2485 totally agree. all about upward mobility! your first house isn't your home, it's your "starter home." (if you can afford a home in the first place). so it must remain ready to go back on the market
Yes it drives me insane how every decision is based on "what about when we sell it?" and ALSO how buyers expect to buy homes which are "move-in ready". Shouldn't it be the other way around, where maybe the house isn't kept beige and up to date, but the new owners can renovate according to their tastes?? It's super backwards and that's how we end up with the beige-y and more recently white/gray homes.
The average home owner only lives in his house for 5 years. The thing I hate the most are these real estate shows where people FREAK OUT at walls that aren’t painted white.
@@sivane.2485 I agree. We also delude ourselves about having endless upward mobility in our futures. We're always waiting for something better to happen to us. It started out as that great American optimism that propelled people to work hard and be creative. Then it turned into chronic contempt for what we have. When you feel that way, you don't celebrate your stuff, you don't add color, paint, pillows, wallpaper, or bring in old things. You slap white on the walls, get a grey sectional and a gigantic TV and dream of the next thing. The years go by either way. It's sad, in my opinion.
Yes thank God! I’m so sick of so many on youtube pushing this limited color pallet “cohesive” and “sophisticated” homes. Thank you for showing us good taste and interesting spaces.
I think you would appreciate Beata Heuman, a Swedish anglophile interior designer working in London. She has a great mix of British and Swedish traditions - and I'm not talking about some idealized US notion of "modern Scandinavian design" but the colorful arts & crafts spirit of Carl & Karin Larsson or Josef Frank.
I would describe your design style (and my own) as "Curated Eclectic". You're pulling from a lot of sources, but thoughtfully, and without it becoming kitsch or too much.
I think one of the the best tips that I've heard to decorate your home with color is to just pull out the clothes in your closet that make you feel your best and use them as a color palette. If you feel good in it you'll probably like living in it.
I have been obsessed with this style of interiors for the past few years. I think the Brits do a great job of compensating for their lack of sun with their interiors. Either making them warm, dark and cozy or bright and cheery. And it all feels intensely comfortable, these homes aren’t supposed to be cold or stark at all.
I think this Posh Old English cottage vibe is definetly a section of British interiors. However, I find that from my time living in the UK + the wealth of knowledge from a dear British friend who was interior designer and wrote for interior publications that British interiors have a lot of different styles. Especially when you go to places like Brighton or Bath, there is actually a lot of neutral interiors but they do it WAY better because they know how to work with textures and tonality. That being said, I do appreciate this aesthetic and I think it most definitely highlights Britian history and appreciation of Craft which is so undervalued in the states. Hope you were able to hit up some Carboot sales while you were in London!
dude u read my mind the past few months i’ve been obsessed with this British design style but haven’t really been able to pinpoint exactly why i’m into it, you’re totally right about it having so much character!! and i’m so done with all the whites grays and beiges so i’m definitely looking to add more color into my life hahaha
I have a theory. I think it is the result of all the Covid lockdowns and socially isolating at home. English items manage to create the feeling of motherly love in the home, somehow making my place feel more like an authentic home instead of a curated space.
As a Londoner who lives in a country cottage (read: little house outside of zone 4) I find that look is so charming. Brits do love kitsch, colour & pattern but I don’t think most Brits lean into this style enough as the Uk like many other places has been subject to the IKEAification of interiors. That said Brits are famous for taking risks with fashion and winning and it seems to track with these interiors for sure. So excited to see how you mix your love of English country style with your love of the deep city aesthetic and curated thrift treasures. It will definitely stand out in LÀ.
I thought all this stuff was normal! I clearly need to travel more… Btw, it’s “the Cotswolds”…and we have to use colour because the sky is usually so grey, and we embrace maximalism because our rooms are so tiny. I think this design style works best in a study or a hallway or a little sitting room, but you may prefer something “cleaner” in a kitchen…
This is true, our homes are so tiny. Unless you own a handful of items and have no hobbies or children you have to embrace some level of maximalism and clutter
As a Brit with limited income, it takes time to find items at a good price, but well worth the wait. I think the gift is “ visualisation “ being able to see in your mind, colours or items working together before you actually create it in reality. Not overcrowding is helpful too, if you have small rooms. Living in a cold climate means rugs, cocoa, porridge, wool socks, cashmere blankets, furry cats, tea and marmite on toast
Most of the people in these videos are extremely posh. Interestingly, it's common for working-class Brits to also have very colourful homes. I see the neutral palette as something adopted by the middle classes / rentals of young professionals. It's like a temporary, unrooted thing that I am very much looking forward to moving away from when I move into a home I own
Ur style: the color GREEN! CHROME stuff! Random unique lamps! Balance of Vintage and modern! Weird Knick backs displayed in a stylish way! Mixing patterns!😎
I had the same realization recently with Paige's videos. She's really trying to teach people how to bring individualism and personality to your space by not relying on big-box pieces (although some of course are okay!) or social media trends. I think she also demonstrates the value of investing in timeless items that you'll love for years, either from stooping, thrifting, antiquing or getting something handed down to you. Also, I love how she laughs at herself sometimes. 😂
i love you and your taste that’s totally helped me form mine!! i thought i’d ask- would you make a video showing how to incorporate photos of family and friends into your space, id love to see photos of them in my place but whenever i see homes with family pictures in them it’s usually overwhelming or creepy.. (like a shrine of children)… i just need advice to avoid that without avoiding pictures at all haha
This is a great idea. I made a gallery wall of old photos of loved ones long gones with frames I had, of course meaning to upgrade it, but I need some guidance.
In the 70s and 80s I remember lots of color and lots of varied design styles. My grandmother's house was totally different from my mom's and my aunts each different (one aunt collected Japanese artifacts - most interesting award). Every house had wallpaper. None of it looked like anything in a magazine and all of it had color. When I bought my house in the 90s I painted it a sunflower yellow in main areas. It was beautiful, but it didn't make any magazines. I think there is a lot of character out there, but the powers that be don't recognize them. Only the people that copy McGee and Co seem to be repeated. Sometimes we can be limited by what's available in furniture store although I have recovered 2 decades of chairs and sofas, with colorful prints, I might add. These design style are in America, they are just not in Kim Kardashian's house.
I'm an artist and love color but my home is full of natural calming colors otherwise I find myself getting overwhelmed. I think there is nothing wrong with a colorful home... it's just preference. I get tired of lot's going on and enjoy a more scandi calm feel to my space. People always tell me my home makes them feel calm and peaceful. I do love all these homes you shared full of so much vibrance and color!! Thanks for video:)
Agreed! Everyone should live in a space that makes them comfortable and happy! My living room and bathrooms have wallpaper and lots of color, but my bedroom is a calming monochromatic.
In America, a lot of people did the “English country” style in the 80s when Laura Ashley was big. It was a trend here and it looks like it’s gearing up to be trendy again. In Britain, it was just representative of a normal way of decorating houses for affluent people (see Colefax & Fowler who were doing it for decades before Laura Ashley came along), kind of like Danes use Danish modern whether it’s trendy elsewhere or not. It’s their furniture and it’s how they’ve been decorating for a long time. Chintz and wallpaper will get popular in America again, get cheap again, and get abandoned again and Brits will still be decorating that way. Just like everyone in America will throw out their fake Hans Wegner dining chairs and replace them with fake Chippendale dining chairs but Danes will keep their Wegners and Juhls and they’ll still have them when the U.S. “rediscovers” them. I’m an American who grew up in a very Laura Ashley-inflected house, so I’m not trying to bash Americans here. It’s just that we tend to make a trend out of everything and there’s a tendency to buy buy buy. Also a lot of Americans just don’t have any taste that I can see (ok, there’s a bit of American bashing!) so we have to borrow some from other countries. But then we get bored and we’re told to buy different stuff.
Idk why but the term “clean eclectic” came to mind when you asked how you would describe your style. Fun, characterful, colourful, but curated, not TOO cluttered, open to modernity.
also the brits took a lot of inspiration from, you know, the cultures they colonized, so the design, despite of being bold and loud is actually kind of universal - cause there are a lot of influences in terms of color, textures, patterns etc. They took the design highlights from all over the world, so it just feels very well rounded
This is very true and I couldn't agree more! From the days of the earliest East India Company to the British Raj, there is a long tradition of using it the textiles and patterns of India. By the same token, that influence also comes from early and extensive trade with China and Japan who, while not colonised, were to export beautifully decorated silks and china into Great Britain. 400 years of trade made the upper class share holders even more wealthy, and so we still see the effects today in pattern, colour and decor.
Yes yes yes!!! I love every single designer you've mentioned! The colours they use in their homes and designs make me so happy. They also aren't afraid to add some whimsical touches to their homes.
I’ve recently watched a few British home shows on Hulu and I’m so impressed by their daring color and pattern choices. It still can come off really modern with their bold choices and did make me think about how I can do that in my space.
A long time ago I found a huge stack of The English Home magazines in my library for sale. It changed my life. THIS! This is my design aesthetic. Brilliantly, colorful, eastern rugs, tertiery pastels on the walls, antiques, comfy sofas, wood, pattern, warmth. Gorgeousl I never looked back.
I would describe your design style as traditional eclectic, timeless and articulate. You appreciate architecture more than anything, which I also love. Great video.
Buy Rita Konig’s Create Academy course. I bought it 3 years ago and still watch her videos every week. I can’t articulate how important this course is to me. There are a lot of overwhelming and restrictive design rules in the USA. Rita’s course showed me the way out. Wes Anderson’s movie sets and the family home in the 2014 Paddington movie tipped me off as well. The Paddington home is colorful, full of activity and imperfect. That is good design IMO
It isn’t really my aesthetic but there are elements that I like and I LOVE seeing something different than what dominates our social media. I want to be challenged and inspired by all types of decor and it drives me crazy when algorithms get us stuck in a box. Thanks for sharing your travels with us ❤
Love how excentric Brits are. Their design TV shows are a must watch!!! The most extreme and hilarious for me was "love it or leave it", where amateur designers completely re-do "carte blanche" an actual room from someone's home or appartment, in their own style. Another great show is "The great Interior Design Challenge", where they make amateur designers compete against each other in real projects. The added bonus is architecture and design knowledge presented in every episode!
I think in this country people are afraid of many things, afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being different, afraid of taking a chance, afraid of being bold. We look at YT videos to find out what is the latest trend or how to make our home feel expensive and so on. Did you notice all these so call designers have white or black walls? And don't let me start with limewash walls... In my opinion, most of them shop in the same on line stores and instead of being "sophisticated and curated" they end up with the same cookie cutter home. Same vases, same lamps, light fixtures etc. Thank you Paige for your videos. You really encourage us to think out of our white box. Time to add some soul to our homes.
I'm so glad an American RU-vidr is talking about British interiors!! You have been including some of my favorites and it's giving me life!! When I started following you I thought you just hated what I hated and didn't think you really were gonna like what I like too.
I like the neutral home palettes in America and find them soothing. I find these rooms you've shown us to look fussy/full/cluttered. I don't mind adding color, but because color trends come and go, along with colors I love/don't love, I like to have my major pieces, walls, etc. neutral and to then add color in with things that are inexpensive--pillows, curtains, throw blankets, vases. These things are easy and (relatively) inexpensive to replace as my tastes change throughout the years. Meanwhile, furniture and rugs are much more costly, and I don't want to replace them as my tastes change. The rooms you showed us aren't in my taste and style. For you to say that "those who have good taste like these things," is really just saying they have YOUR taste in things. I love clean lines and light, neutral, airy colors because they are calming. Others find them sterile and cold. And that's okay. We all react differently to style. Personally, I feel like the mixed patterns are competing for attention and I find that distracting. I do think patterns can be mixed, but it's a bit of a delicate balance. Caroline Winkler is really good about mixing patterns well without it coming off "busy" looking.
This is a great point. When I first started incorporating contact paper/wallpaper in my house - I remember spending hours looking through different patterns and designs online. *HourS,* days, weeks, of looking at photos and reading reviews. I believe it requires a lot of time, effort and like you mentioned- skill. (It's a learning process obviously.) I really love it, and so does my husband. I find nice, textured contact paper far easier to manage than actual wallpaper.
I’m soooo inspired by this right now! The use of pattern and colors is opening a whole new world for me. However, I also like what you said about remembering what you love and mixing styles. Your channel has really elevated the way I look at home design - thank you!!
Just found your channel and so glad I did. Love your perspective and style-which seems to me to be a perfect balance between head and heart. Balance is always tricky. Kudos!
i can’t tell this enough but paige.. you elevated my perspective on design and branches of it! im basically motivated by your curations!! thank you so much for sharing with us ly xx
Paige your channel has helped me sooo much in decorating my (first, all to myself) apartment! I want to submit my place for you to see but it’s not quite ready yet!
I’m going to watch this 100x to try and desensitize myself, I am truly scared. Painters are coming tomorrow and I’m painting a vaulted ceiling a dark red brown. I love everyone of the rooms you featured, they feel happy.
British design has been my absolute favorite for the past year or so. I bought a home exactly two years ago now and am very happy that I waited to make it more my own. My style has matured so much in a good way. I'm currently painting the trim and built in bookcase in my office the color colonial brick my behr. Its like a dusty coral-y red color. I painted the beadboard covered bathroom Brooklyn by behr (it's like a dark turquoise dusty blue, it's so beautiful) and have a william morris shower curtain and a pink vintage Persian rug in there... I would have never chosen these colors a few years ago 😊
Great video, Paige! I really love the samples you used from the Sunday Times Style home tours and look forward to watching the full videos. I think a big aspect of these spaces are that they feel both cozy and playful, which is a feeling that I look forward to bringing into my new home when I move in (although, unfortunately, we can't paint for a year- BOO!) I also love that you spoke about wallpaper, as there's a Canadian artist with an amazing line of wallpaper that I REALLY want to use in my bedroom and possibly a bathroom as well. Her name is Kate Golding and her work is both fun and lovely. Thanks so much for encouraging us to think beyond what we see on Instagram or from any of the popular internet retailers we constantly get ads for. I think it will help people tap into the type of home and style they really want/like.
Thank you for sharing your love for British design! I wasn't specifically aware of it. Also, thank you for taking us along on your European tour. Welcome back to the states. I can't wait to see your plans next.
I LOVE this style of design because it makes you feel cozy and comfortable when you’re there. One thing I really took away was mixing patterns is a lot about just what you like, and using patterns with different scales (one large next to one small and dainty). If you want to really dive into this style, I highly recommend Rita Konig’s Create Academy courses - she has 2 of them and you can see her go start to finish with the layout, wallpaper, finishes, etc. ❤
i am so glad u see the value in adding color to a space. i grew up in a bedroom that was entirely brown except for the ceiling & bedsheets, so now that i’m finally getting to pick the furniture & walls for myself, everything is colorful! lots of pink, white, and green, and i’m not opposed to incorporating more colors once i’m sure i know what i’m doing lol. i think color really needs to be more common in homes!
wow, this came at the perfect time for me hahah - I live in Copenhagen and wouldn't normally describe my personal style as very traditional British in line with the homes shown in the video (I do like lots of elements from the style though such as the colors and the coziness), but it's the very interior design style I've started exploring more just this past week. I just watched all the same house tours as you mentioned this past few days before you posted this video! as you mentioned, I love their use of color as well, especially richer jewel tones and primary colors rather than the more muted, dusty tones/colors that are really popular here in Denmark at the moment (although I see candy colored interior elements being trendy as well online). I do find that I gravitate towards certain types of colors but that color mixing in interior design is something I'm trying to understand better so as to be able to put things together in a way that's both cohesive and complimentary but which also makes individual items stand out and pop. I've also become inspired by the British interiors to look for more patterned textiles as well - not to use a whole lot at the same time but a few good ones!
I would say your style is real, it encumcompasses all the things you love and surely that's a real home that evolves over time. Love from Hertfordshire uk ♥️
I enjoy your focus on British interiors. We don't have many RU-vid interior creators/commenters, at least that I'm aware of, so I greatly appreciate your appreciation.
My suspicion is that the white/pine/grey/black aesthetic is cheap and the goal of the marketing is to convince the consumers it's actually expensive looking. It's also more foolproof for influencers who have little design knowledge to make look good.
YES ALSO: white/beige/gray items and furniture get scuffed and dirty much quicker. It fuels the cycle of overconsumption and capitalism. Someone is more likely to keep their floral printed blue sofa for many more years than someone is going to keep their white sofa.
I loved this video! I am also a big fan of English design. I would add to everything you said, the fabric lamps! They seem to be the experts in fabric lamps in different shapes and prints. Greetings from Argentina! I love your videos.
Just redid my room as a 1800’s cottage theme and omg it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve matured so much when it comes to decor & I personally feel I’m at my peak with interior design!! adding a gallery wall is absolutely the cherry on top!
You’re so on it. I’m American. Been living in UK for 13 yrs now. Working on a project now to take this vibe to the US. Would love to catch up with you when I’m free to talk about it. Great vid, as ever. Next time you’re here, you can stay in my Airbnb for a few days out in the Surrey foothills. Would be my pleasure to host you.❤️
Dude, this was so inspiring! I’ve been wanting to paint my trim baby blue in my living room for so long but was too shy! I’m doing it! And I know you wouldn’t condone linoleum but it is actually very eco friendly and durable for a home with children and it comes in all sorts of colors like chartreuse and lime yellow and I think I’m going to go for a super funky color now! Thank you for posting this, you are a doll ❤️
I’ve yet to watch I just got back from England. The interior design, colors and comfort blew me away!!! Wow.. I could have traveled elsewhere but chose to stay in England!! Can not wait to watch!!! 🫶
Love love! I love specifically this decoration gives a lot of life. wallpaper is the most beautiful thing my eyes have ever seen. I love the green colors and how they mix the colors. only my mind explodes and it is difficult for me to do that my apt
Girrrrll!!! We are on the same page. All my faves house tours! This is my favorite video of yours. I highly recommend Luke Edward Hall's book, great inspo and gorgeous coffee table book.
I think good design choices are made in response to light and temperature. So it makes sense in England to have cosy spaces, layers of thick fabric. It may make a bit less sense when you're in hot place (California?). I'm from Australia, it's hot in many places so I really get the large-window-indoor-outdoor aesthetic that really celebrates the sunlight and the warmth, walking around in swimwear etc. Those places lend to different pops of colour and colour palettes that make sense for the place. I think Chicago is cold? Maybe that's why your latest stuff leans towards the cosy character. Please give us tips for mixing patterns! But the part of Australia I'm in gets snow so I'm all for the cosy wallpaper European style for my place!
I appreciate your taking a stab at Btitish Design. It has such a long history it's hard to get it into a neat little package. I think the use of color and pattern reflects the fact that the weather is often rainy and/or cold and they like the cozy look for that reason. They also inherit pieces that need to be incorporated into their homes so they tend to unify with color and pattern. It's fun to hear what stood out to you and what you like about it!
The thing that stands out for me about British decoration is that comfort comes first. It's also in their DNA to be able to combine different patterns together and have it look warm and cozy instead of mismatched.
Personally, I had a color palette that I loved for 2 decades. A mix of cream, burgundy and orange. But when I moved last winter, I wanted something 'calm'. And yes, I went with white, brown and beige. For now it suits me.
*Layering Patterns and Colors* . Point of design growth, (thank you Paige), was bringing in more pattern. I feel like I've done fairly well with textural elements but pattern has been more challenging. Thankfully, my designs no longer feel so "flat" because of playing with pattern. I enjoy seeing something "unexpected" in a space, that's what makes the look interesting.
I feel the same as you. I love all different types of design. My trouble comes in that I love decorating my place, so I get the itch to be creative with it but I already love what I have. I don't necessarily want to change it but I want that creative outlet... maybe I need a new career path.
Just from my own experience, the British side of my family are much more interested in keepsakes than North Americans tend to be and I think it stems from a culture of throwing less away. My grandmother was in London through the blitz and my grandfather grew up poor in Edinburgh, so they both saved everything and were very house proud. My friends who are third or fourth generation Canadian, their grandparents tend to have homes furnished entirely with stuff they bought in the 90s because they were “updating”, so the colour palette is limited to what they thought was fashionable at the time, and now today, people are afraid of colour because they feel like when fashions change, they “have to” get rid of anything that doesn’t fit with that. I feel really lucky to, as a 24 year old, have an apartment with lots of beautiful traditional furniture that i took from my grandparents’ house after they died, but I naturally have a mix of new and old because some things, like their couch, their coffee table, etc, were just too big or too worn out to keep. However, I also think that orientalist and colonialism play into the British affinity for colour, too - things that came from far away were made available to Brits largely through colonialism and my grandparents loved chinoiserie and Japanese enamel because it was exotic and a status symbol. I feel like American Art Deco echoed that, and then then next big wave of colour in American decor was after the rise of synthetics, which were super customizable (I.e. you can have a whole room in the same shade of orange) and seen as more American. But now those big overwhelming colour statements are gauche, so everyone is afraid of colour.
We stayed two weeks with family in THE cutest flat in South London, complete with a giant picture window with a doggie door to the garden that had such an organic vibe with a pond, native bee reeds and just the coolest look... I've been picking and choosing elements to add to my 1900s house in Philly ❤️❤️❤️🙌🏽🙌🏽 also jelly of their on demand hot water tap in the kitchen for tea/French press
This is an old video but I’m here for it. I was born and raised in Chicago, like actually in the city and not the burbs, and the very first video of yours I ever saw before I even knew who you were I thought “she sounds like she’s from Chicago” and when you said you were I just laughed and it made me like you more 😅it’s not like I thought you had an accent it was your whole vibe. You have a Chicago vibe and I don’t know how else to explain it. Also I appreciate your blunt honesty it’s refreshing lol
To quote one of my favorite youtubers, "is it ugly, or is it cool?" For someone who lacks confidence (like me) there is NO WAY I could embrace these colors and patterns, lol.
I appreciate what you said at the end.... you love British design, the meaning behind the collections, but not going overboard with it. I like bits of it too, but I really hate a cluttered look or so many old antiques that it takes on a museum look. I'm really enjoying your videos. New subscriber.
You’re spot on about how safe we tend to be. I was looking at interior designers’ websites yesterday and was struck by how similar and safe their designs were. I’m also not quite at the maximalist and pattern everywhere point, but greige can’t be all there is!
Hey Paige! Your style is definitely Eclecticism. It became popular between the World Wars when some were reviving historical styles like baroque rococo and regency, some were focused on Art Moderne, and some just didn’t want to choose. Eclecticists weren’t pure about form and material, they could take a chair frame from one era and upholster it in fabric from another. Great examples are Syrie Maugham, Dorothy Draper and Carlo Mollino. They also incorporated wit and humor, like in Salvador Dali’s home.
Love this video and your breakdown of what a more English aesthetic constitutes, and the interplay of colour and pattern and influences. Would love to see a video on Danish design, Dutch design...if that makes sense?
I've been doing this for a few years now. Got myself a fab lampbase at Goodwill for $15 and then spent a while finding the right shade for it. Ultimately found it in Laura Ashley and the lamp is just *chef's kiss* Funny how these English items manage to add the feeling of Home to my otherwise original 60's apartment.
I think people need to be more adventurous to add items from previous eras in their style. People didn't throw out their old furniture back in the day, they incorperated the modern style into whatever they had before. That is the missing element many stylists fail on, they think they need to have everything mid-century or brutalist when the key to an authentic look is to not be bound by one style.
After living in London for five years, I had a hard time coming back to the Typical American aesthetic where Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware are the gold standard. My bedroom is navy at the moment. I’ve had a red striped bedroom and an olive green kitchen. Embrace color, people! I think British style is alluring because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And don’t let me get started on the sumptuous curtains!!! So.Much.To.Love.
I think many Brits feel freer to express their style and color preferences because they are not constantly worried about “resale”. I think RE agents cramp American style potential.
I couldn't agree more. Every agent always tells you to paint your house white or grey for resale so it appeals to the broadest audience, but all that does is make your house one more sheep in the flock. I don't go crazy, but I like for my house to stand out a little.
