Solid, sturdy woods, plaid and floral motifs and collections that suggest a refined spirit are ever-present in English style. Host Sherry Ruggieri introduces the design basics for creating this traditional look in an American home:
- Make good use of wood.
- Use and layer English-inspired fabrics.
- Display collectibles.
Make Good Use of Wood
English interiors are known for their beautiful wainscoting, paneled walls and ceilings, chair rails, molding, wood floors and stairs. If you have these in your home, leave them stained and varnished or painted in coordinating colors. If you don't have these in your home, begin to create an English look with an inexpensive chair rail.
Use and Layer English-Inspired Fabrics
Include plaids, florals, paisleys and striped prints in color combinations of hunter green, navy blue, red and gold. Or, choose from a garden palette of pinks, yellows and greens.
Display Collectibles
Although not strictly an English pastime, English spaces almost always include many groups of collectibles, especially dishes, silver pieces or paintings on a wall. Place them on tables or in shadowboxes and curios.
Tracey's Take
Correspondent Tracey Matisak visits with Jim Mundy, director of historical collections at The Union League of Philadelphia. The Union League was a patriotic society formed in suppport of Abraham Lincoln and his efforts to maintain the union during the Civil War. The structure itself is a bastion of English style with wall- to-wall wainscoting, intricately carved moldings and jewel-toned carpets and upholstery.
Designer's Secret
The bedrooms in old English manors were used not only for sleeping but as gathering spaces as well. Add a comfortable chair or two to your bedroom to create a cozy space for reading and relaxing.
Resources The Union League of Philadelphia
The Union League of Philadelphia
URL:
www.unionleague.org
Guests Adele Fine Gross
Designer, AFG Interiors
Phone: 215-572-0786
Fax: 215-572-1081
Email:
afgross@worldnet.att.net
Also in this Episode
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