Embracing British Charm: America’s Growing Love for UK Interior Design

From fashion to pop culture, America’s fascination with the U.K. lifestyle is reaching new heights. Shows like Bridgerton, with its lavish sets, may be fueling this obsession, as British home decor is experiencing a renaissance on American soil. Heritage Components supply furniture legs, brass castors, and brass cups to the USA, helping creators deliver on their room inspirations.

While America's admiration for British interiors is not new, the pandemic has intensified this trend. As we spent more time at home, many of us turned to British design for its timeless charm and comfort.

A Timeless Influence

The U.K. has long been a beacon of architectural and design excellence, with styles like Georgian, Tudor, and Victorian shaping American homes. These influences continue today, with furniture, fabrics, and accessories echoing Britain’s rich, creative history.

One of the most influential figures in English design is William Morris. Known for his intricate patterns inspired by nature, Morris’s work has become synonymous with British decor. His legacy lives on through brands like Morris & Co., which continue to produce textiles, bedding, and dinnerware featuring his iconic botanical designs.

The Bold Legacy of David Hicks

David Hicks, a master of blending styles and periods, brought his British eclecticism to American homes in the 1960s. His use of bold colors and geometric patterns, such as his famous Hicks’ Hexagon, has left a lasting impression on American design. Hicks’s ability to mix antique and modern furnishings created spaces that were both stylish and livable, embodying the essence of British interiors.

Interior designer Courtnay Tartt Elias has drawn inspiration from Hicks, incorporating his vibrant colour schemes and mix of old and new into her designs. “His use of colour and mix of antique and modern furnishings, as well as patterned flooring, is quintessentially British,” Elias notes. “I love the deeply layered feeling his spaces invoke.”

The Quintessence of British Design

British interiors are often characterised by a sense of effortless elegance. Rooms seem to evolve naturally over time, rather than being meticulously planned. This approach contrasts with the American tendency for immediate gratification, aiming to complete a room quickly.

Mary Graham and her design partner, Nicole Salvesen, embrace this philosophy, encouraging clients to gradually introduce found items into their homes. This method results in spaces that feel personal and well-loved, rather than over-designed.

Coveted British Accoutrements

American interior designers frequently turn to British manufacturers for high-quality furnishings, textiles, and decorative items. Brands like Abraham Moon & Sons, Cole & Son, Farrow & Ball, and Vaughan Lighting are staples in many U.S. homes, thanks to their superior craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

Prominent British designers such as Salvesen Graham, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and Kit Kemp have also made their mark in the U.S. market, with their unique styles and product lines captivating American audiences.

A Transatlantic Design Affair

As U.S. designers continue to source furnishings and textiles from British vendors, English design studios are increasingly marketing their brands to American consumers. This transatlantic exchange has enriched the design landscape, bringing a touch of British charm to homes across the United States.

In conclusion, the future of home design is bright, with British influences playing a significant role. As we continue to blend the best of both worlds, we create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, comfortable, and full of character. Embracing the charm and sophistication of British interiors, American homes are set to become even more inviting and inspiring. 

Heritage Components wooden furniture legs are Made in Lincoln UK, using hardwood beech and oak timber directly from FSC certified forests, thus providing locally made and sustainable options for extending the lifespan, and the upcycling of furniture.