In honor of the Royal Oak Foundation’s 40th anniversary, Lee Jofa has added to its current collection of fabrics that celebrates its British heritage. Patterns featuring rich depictions of English country life, multi-colored damasks & Jacobean florals were made in partnership with the non-profit organization that conserves historic houses and gardens in England.
Inspired by and named after the vibrant English city of Southampton, Stroheim’s stately collection of fabrics reflects the historical culture of this major seaport with loose painterly Jacobean prints, wide scale-stripes and structured plaids. The deep smoke and burgundy hues give any space an aire of British masculinity suitable for any bloke.
York’s Georgetown Roses wallpaper collection transports you to the English countryside with patterns that emulate the beautiful gardens of “holiday” cottages. Pastel Neoclassical, small-print and trail florals provide a breath of fresh air to a space and are complemented by scroll damasks and wide pinstripes.
Cole & Son’s Banbury collection draws upon its British heritage, taking classic archival patterns dating back to the 1850s and recoloring them for the modern home. Ranging from rustic to regal, prints with star-shaped medallions, clean trellises and dainty florals bring contemporary English charm to any room.
During colonial days, canopy beds draped in dense floral fabrics were not only for beauty, but also to stay warm on cold winter nights. Wealthier families used patterns with intricate crewelwork, a hand embroidered embellishment that creates a raised surface on the fabric. Add some early American luxury to your home with a richly-colored crewel, like Schumacher’sPalampore Embroidery.
Although affluent settlers could afford intricate damask fabrics, most families in colonial America decorated walls, furniture, floors and canvas cloth by stenciling damask-like designs onto them. Get the look with a damask wallpaper or fabric that appears to have been stenciled by hand for a hint of colonial charm. We like the simplicity of York’sDistressed Damask Scroll.
Most toiles used by early Americans were produced in Europe. After the American Revolution, the British adapted toile designs exported to America in order to better represent the culture by commonly featuring George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and colonial men in tricorne hats. Pay homage to history with a colonial toile like Stout’sNourished – Robin.
Ticking stripe fabric, or mattress ticking, was popular in early American homes because it offered both durability and decorative interest. Used for everything from clothing to pillowcases, ticking often employed grey, red and blue. In a modern setting, a ticking stripe like Robert Allen’s Oxford Unquilt provides provincial charm and pairs well with checked patterns.
No time for a vacation this year? Transport yourself to a far-flung place with inspiration from four distinct countries around the world:
Kenya
Kenya is a country rich in textile history. Traditional African fabric designs were used as a medium of communication for centuries, which is where many of the unique patterns stem from. The country also contains the Serengeti desert, where beautiful wild animals like cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras roam the land. Bring Kenya into your home with fabrics that emulate these textiles & animals.
From the color-saturated silks to the vibrant-hued spices, Morocco does not shy away from bold combinations. Get the look of Morocco in an outdoor space with tons of bright silk suzani, damask, and striped pillows on a bench against a backdrop of deep pink walls.
From the Great Wall to elaborate temples, historical Chinese architecture and decor has no qualms about mixing patterns. A combination of Eastern and Western influences, chinoiserie fabric and wallpapers depict mythical scenes and images of a romanticized China, and carry you away to another world when combined together in a sitting room.
France, especially Paris, is known for its chic and sophisticated style. In both their fashion and decor choices, Parisians lean toward classic colors that never go out of style, like black, white, and every shade of beige. For a room á la France, use silk stripes, textured walls, cream drapery & gilded touches.
Photo via Elle DecorRobert Allen Fabric – Cassons – Black And WhiteSchumacher Wallpaper – Abilene Linen Weave – DriftwoodGreenhouse Fabric – A2638 – ZincStout Fabric – Diplomat – WheatPindler & Pindler Fabric – Bocelli – Cream
At the core of our homes, dining rooms bring loved ones together to celebrate special occasions. Transform your dining space into an inviting and exciting area that is as unique and special as the people it unites. Hanging framed geometric wallpaper against a trellis wall gives an edgy and artistic look, just like the art featured in this room! Soften the strong lines of the papers with colorful accents and drapes.
Reminisce about your many globe trotting adventures in a dining room that fuses together cultures and continents. This exotic dining room draws inspiration from around the world with Cole & Son’sMalachite wallpaper and a matching tablecloth. Bring the African gemstone to your tablescape with Dwell Studio’sMalakos – Malachite fabric.Lace chairs brighten the space while a mural screen transports us to ancient Rome.
Featured at the 2013 Architectural Digest Home Show, Fabricut’s stunning table rejuvenates the dining experience with European fabrics and an Asian flair. A red and orange damask drum light diffuses a soft glow over the table and the floraldrapery surrounding the table create a sense of intimacy.
You’ve probably been living under a rock if you haven’t yet seen, or at least heard of, Downton Abbey. The popular British period TV drama has been hailed by both critics and viewers as one of the most visually beautiful and compelling shows in the last decade. We love the show because of its gorgeous decor. Filmed at Highclere Castle, the Downton Abbey set showcases an array of ornately elegant decor that is indicative of the Edwardian Era. Below, we take a look at some of our favorite rooms from the castle.
The Library
Regal and inviting, the library is decorated with lush fabrics like red velvet and silky damasks. Small details, like the embroidered floral pillow decked with trim, are special touches that contribute to the room’s richness.
Scalamandre Silk Fabric – Love Bird – Georgian Red at DecoratorsBestGreenhouse Velvet Fabric – A2010 – Lipstick at DecoratorsBestFabricut Fabric – Delphine – Autumn at DecoratorsBestScalamandre Trim – Troyes – Toasts at DecoratorsBest
The Drawing Room
Although this room mainly utilizes pastel colors, it retains a stately feeling because of the intricate textures and patterns used in the decor. We are head over heels for the damask-on-damask look of the metallic celadon-hued wallpaper and blush pink upholstered couch. A few dark accents, such as the black floral embroidered pillow with rope trim, help to anchor the room and provide dimension.
Photo via PinterestSchumacher Wallpaper – Barresa Damask – Celadon at DecoratorsBestHighland Court Fabric – 190104H – Blush at DecoratorsBestRobert Allen Fabric – Garden Beauty – Ivy at DecoratorsBestFabricut Trim – Amaretto – Bordeaux at DecoratorsBest
The Grand Interior Hall
This hall is seen in the intro to Downton Abbey, and we understand why: It is absolutely stunning. Because the walls of this room are so magnificently adorned, smaller scale and softer patterns in different shades of red are used to keep the hall from looking too busy. The bullion fringe on the chair adds sumptuousness, too.
Photo via LaylaGrayceDuralee Fabrics – 15331 – Rose at DecoratorsBestDuralee Fabric – 42055 – Cherry at DecoratorsBestDuralee Fabric – 41949 – Cherry at DecoratorsBestFabricut Fringe Trim – Anglaise – Mahogany at DecoratorsBest
DecoratorsBest 