Tuesday, October 14, 2014

BRITISH COLONIAL REDESIGN

British Colonial Basics 

- 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. 

- 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.






Color Pallete


Color Palette

The celadon green would also be a good wall color.   Bringing the outside in. 





Caramel Shag
 11 x 12 was measured






Wing back chair in a mustard linen.  - maybe make 2 - to place on both sides of the TV cabinet. 
Has a slight burlap effect for a retro look. 




Bring in a softer line with these half moon Chinese tables.  Split them up and use one by the front door and the other by the door with the wing back chair.  A table lamp can be housed here. 


Celadon pottery from Pottery Barn 


Black Brass lamp from the Brass Factory - New Territories
Add a new barrel shade. 


Wicker
Light weight linen draperies on bamboo rods. 
Dark wood Mahogany.


Rattan with dark woods and white wash.


The red stain in the dining room clashes with the group.  I have someone who can stain many of your pieces a dark brown instead of purchasing new ones. 


Great for display on top of the Red Cabinet. 

Expand on the style
- Consider ways to work rugged, weather-worn wood into your home. It could be in beams, a trunk or a rough-sawn piece on the patio.

- Take a cue from a pirate bandanas and work some colorful silks into your decor in pillows or lampshades.

- Shells add a touch of castaway chic to any home. Gather them on top of a dresser or find one large one as an accent.

- Be inventive with a glass canister or bowl with sand, a shell and a few gold coins.

- The glow from candles or a decorative lantern can help create a devil-may-care ambience.


Rattan Furnture for the lanai


I think this is the one I know of that was on Queens Rd. for 20 years and recently closed.  They can make chairs to order. 








Good Luck 

3 comments:

  1. I love this look…..love your hints to get this look, have saved it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. are you still in naples? Do you do interior design? Would like to discuss a project if you are open to that. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I don't look at this blog often ~ I keep it open for Hong Kongers inspiration. I am in Naples full time and live in Coquina Sands ~ would love to know about your project ~ although I know a lot of time has passed. Jeni

      Delete