The British Decorating Invasion - New British Colonial Style : Interior Design Blog

Hail Britannia! Let’s hear it for famous cabinetmakers like Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheridan. English decorating trends have colonized all over the world. And for decades, one of the hottest exports has been what’s called British Colonial or British West Indies style.


Yes, it’s a vestige of colonialism, going back to the 19th century. Britannia ruled the world and when they set sail for new lands, it must have been like a corporate relocation plan, because their English furniture traveled with them. But, those stiff-upper-lip English styles morphed and adapted to the new environments. A new style emerged.



And the evolution continues today. As Robb & Stucky’s Creative Director, it’s my job to both watch and create trends. We may be the first to call out New British Colonial style. It’s hot and it’s happening. Here’s what to look for.



First, electric blue rules. Now, blue is not entirely new to the British Colonial palette. But emergent blues are fresh and reinvented. Fare-thee-well Imperial Navy blue and hello indigo. In a New British Colonial design plan, blue functions as a neutral. Pop it with shocking pink or orange.

Next, the sun is setting on dark woods. English-library browns have no home in a New British Colonial decorating plan. White is the rising tide. Upholstered case pieces are totally on the table. The love affair with the new blues I just mentioned…? Well, why not paint a piece of wood furniture cerulean blue? Bye-bye mahogany.



Finally, we’re taking it global. Perhaps no surprise here, but in the New British Colonial world order there’s more balance of decorating power. Diversity is the driver. Shibori – Japanese tie-dying – is in play. Chinese ginger-jar lamps are back and a crisp white shade is mandatory.

The history of design is really world history. The American Revolution was all about breaking from England, but we’ve been smitten by British furniture design since 1776. Fast forward to 2015: Culture continues to redefine how we decorate with New British Colonial ascending!


ABOUT MARK STUART: Robb & Stucky Creative Director, Mark Stuart is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team to ensure Robb & Stucky stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.