This month, design inspiration takes us to the English countryside, where the landscape is dotted with horses and quaint little houses. Home sweet home never looked so gorgeous. Characterized by a sense of warmth, homespun appeal, and aristocratic allure, English design is very distinct and memorable.
Our recent work in an Arden Oaks residence shows just how attractive and unique this interior style can be. Full of that masculine/feminine balance (a balance perfectly struck in the Cotswolds), this project seamlessly melds rustic materials and heirloom treasures with poised, elegant grandeur. Keep reading to learn more about how we incorporated elements of English design into this charming home.
Layered Palettes
One of the most notable elements of English design is a layered palette, as seen in the beautiful kitchen from our project. Our clients expressed a desire for neutral colors from the start, but we knew that this room offered so much more opportunity than a cookie cutter kitchen would allow.
We’re all for mixing materials and using them in an unconventional manner to achieve extraordinary style. This gorgeous custom cabinetry by Denton’s Custom Woodworks stays true to the white millwork that is common in English-inspired kitchens, but we also made a last-minute decision to incorporate rich natural wood tones on the island for warmth. Wood tones continue through the space with coordinating neutral counter stools from Global Views and gorgeous floor planks. The palette is further layered with heavy doses of different metals, including copper on the Currey & Company pendant over the sink and beautiful brass on the antique faucet from Rejuvenation. The rustic texture of the white tile backsplash rounds out the layered look, with high contrast against the polished quartzite countertops.
Victorian Furniture
Another element of English design can be seen in the sitting areas of this home. They are tastefully arranged with furniture in the distinctive style of the Victorian era. Each piece of decor is a conversation starter in its own right, including the tea set with hunting dogs, bold plaids layered on Persian geometric florals, and luxe materials scouted for one-of-a-kind upholstery.
Our clients often decide to furnish their spaces themselves, but what they don’t realize is that there is so much that goes into the art of furnishing. One must consider balance, scale, proportion, texture, and a curated mix of styles. We love to search for the perfect fabrics and break a few design rules along the way.
In the formal living room, we took an unexpected playful approach with European undertones. We injected color into the space with bold occasional chairs from Arteriors, and juxtaposed old and new with a modern lucite hippo sculpture from Jonathan Adler. The furniture is also presented at an angle to play off of the dramatic angularity of the antique centerpiece.
Antique Artwork
To add to the sense of sophistication, the walls of an English style interior are often sprinkled with sumptuous traditional paintings. With my extensive background in the art world, it’s no surprise that you’ll also find a curated collection of traditional paintings in this Sacramento home.
Our search for authentic antique artwork has led us into the auction world and around the globe. We believe that artwork is the most valuable when it tells a story that evokes emotion and causes a spectator to fall in love with it. These antique stirrups were sourced at a market in the oldest part of Buenos Aires. They make the perfect frame for this equestrian-inspired painting.
Eclectic Accessories
Last but not least, we come to accessories. Although they are a small part of the whole picture, they often make a design feel complete and should not be overlooked. This is where we like to have a little fun and make bold choices. We love the personal touch that English-inspired eclectic accessories bring to a design. Eclectic accessories also add interest and break up the monotony of using just one style in a room.
We were thrilled that our Sacramento clients trusted us to go bold with accessories! The end result is a distinguished mix of traditional and modern, with hints of playful references throughout. We included a traditional tea set in the sitting room off of the kitchen, which contrasts with a large lucite bunny from Jonathan Adler. But nothing conveys more cool, confident vibes than Currey & Company’s offbeat shrooms pottery on the living room mantel!
We would love to create the English design of your dreams, too. We offer full-scale concierge design services for both residential and commercial properties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and the Tahoe area. Reach out to us today for any of your design needs!
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