TRENDS: COLONIAL CHIC

Colonial style is a big trend for Spring/Summer 2018 for both fashion and interiors.

At the turn of the century the British Empire encompassed parts of India, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific and North America, exposing colonists to a wide range of design influences. As travel was becoming popular with the rich, elements from these international trips worked their way into stately homes across Britain.

Our interior designers scouted this covetable look at Maison et Objet 2018 with Dutch brand, Eichholtz, at the forefront of this style. Inspired by colonial antiques and exotic travels, their stand made a dramatic impression with flora, fauna and dark wood furniture.

ECLECTIC ACCESSORIES

Globe-trotting Brits brought back a wealth of eclectic accessories from their trips including fine china, carved wood and silver. They loved to put these special items on show displayed on shelves, desks and cabinets to commemorate their experiences. Fine leather trunks combined with globes, telescopes, letter-writing boxes and animal prints set the scene for a colonial chic aesthetic

RATTAN AND TEAK FURNITURE

At the Eichholtz stand we saw plenty of rattan fabric paired with deep, rich wood. To achieve this look, combine expertly carved wooden consoles and tables with rattan backed chairs. For a contemporary take on colonial chic choose sumptuous sofas in classic hues styled with metallics accents and modern lighting.

EXOTIC TEXTILES

At the height of the British Empire traditional textiles with chintz designs made way for more exotic motifs and botanical prints depicting local scenes and plants. The botanical trend has enjoyed a renaissance over the last couple of seasons with palm leaf wallpaper and animal prints taking centre stage within magazines and social media. Take style cues from Eichholtz and use neutral palm leaf paper to create texture and interest or alternatively, wallpaper one wall to create a feature.

INDOOR GREENERY

Last year’s Greenery trend is not only used within textiles, but in actual forms of blossoming bouquets, wild flowers and cacti. Rich, dark greens look beautiful with the dark wood and rattan furniture of the Colonial look. From the large indoor palms that graced the Eichholtz stand to the smaller decorative greens, this is another element of the British Colonial style that is enjoying a revival. If you’re testing out this trend faux greenery has come along leaps and bounds and can be very effective. No need to worry about remembering to water the plants!

COLOUR PALETTE

Colonial chic is easy to recreate at home. Refresh your interior scheme with eclectic accessories, metallic accents and botanical artwork for an instant style update. Mix with a light and cool interior to complete the look. Soft whites and warm neutrals keep this style classic.