British Colonial Style Tips

British colonists were in the Caribbean to harvest the rare woods of the area, primarily mahogany — and that rich dark wood in furniture and flooring became a signature of the style. Instead of the heavy trappings of a British home, draperies and bed linens were lighter and more flowing, and walls were kept in paler hues to reflect the light.

• Use dark woods in your furnishings, either real mahogany or your own version created with stain or paint, and opt for dark floors to create the base for the look.


• Walls don't have to be white, but should be light — sea tones of pale green or blue look great against dark wood. A highly reflective color is best (in paint, reflective quality is measured in LRV, light reflectance value; go for 40 percent LRV or more).


• Add textural interest with woven elements, such as baskets or sisal rugs.


• Intersperse pieces of china, silver or crystal for a look of elegance.


• Get fresh with flowers (pop them in an antique china bowl) or add a tropical palm or fern. Greenery looks great against the dark woods and light linens.

• Stain light wood darker to capture the richness of mahogany, a wood that was harvested in the Caribbean islands.


• A three-panel screen can disguise an unsightly door. It was behind such screens that ladies of the day changed their tightly corseted clothes.


• Create "island" touches with reeding (in the headboard and room divider) and wicker (in a night table).


• Add faux leather to provide a touch of richness and Old World grace.