British colonial interiors

Spanning the cultures and traditions, absorbing the art of interiors from India, Asia, the South Pacific, the British Colonial design style borrows elements from international continents that were once part of the British Empire.

Create a dramatic impression with neutral tones and dark teak furniture with an interplay of local motifs such as paisley, lotus, elephants and peacocks, mixed with traditional British furnishings. These interiors have soft, subtle textures, ivories and linen whites, with elegantly carved dark wood almirahs and hope chests, creating comfortable sophistication in light and airy spaces but with a touch of British formality. Choose from old chests, distressed cabinets, folk-painted tribal jharokhas, and dark rosewood Calcutta cabinets.

Light and eclectic fabrics printed on hand looms, authentic fabrics with floral paisley prints, colorful ikats and cheerful animal prints on cotton blankets, thrown on the Maharaja bed or used as a blanket at night, carelessly placed on the chair the plantation, the atmosphere is captured in the romantic monsoon atmospheres of tea plantations.

Mix and match sari patchwork cushions for an eclectic style that travels the world and jamavar pashmina blankets with a Persian influence. Hang mandla print cotton wall hangings or banjara rugs erratically, simplify with cotton curtains and voiles. Classic rope beds or divans, Indian diwans with ivory cushions make it relatively easy to get the British colonial look. Using a rope chair as an accent, pair it with the old door teak coffee tables and sofa, the dark patinas play off the soft ivory furnishings.

Look for natural cottons and silks, hand-woven textured fabrics in traditional Indian patterns in indigo and Jaipur blues are a favorite. Wicker chairs and a colorful screen painted with Indian reds and greens, floral motifs, and beautiful hand-carved designs are a fun and engaging way to add the wow factor.

Light and airy subtle tones inspired by the tropics, neutral tones are used on the walls of a traditional British colonial interior. These airy hues helped negate the overwhelming tropical heat, just as the watery blue patinas on the doors bring in the calming energies of the ocean.

Pale washed greens, faded blues, creamy tans, cream ochres, and ivory whites contrast beautifully with the darker furnishings and teak woods. Deeply carved headboards and rustic wooden almirahs make interiors globally sophisticated.

Eclectic accessories like weathered chapati trays, brass elephants, and bone-inlaid trays add traveler charm as well as being practically useful. Lush palm trees and beautiful broad-leaved plants complete the peaceful look of nature.