Guide to Modern English Interior Design – Elegant and Stylish

Are you looking for a stylish and elegant way to decorate your home? If so, modern English interior design is the way to go!

This blog will guide you in creating a modern British home. So jump in and start planning your dream home!

What is Modern English interior design?

Modern English interior design is a style that combines British style with contemporary elements. This creates a stylish and timeless look. Many homes use this style today. It is becoming popular for its ability to be both elegant and functional.

English interiors would use floral-patterned made from chintz for curtains. Modern English interiors would instead use plain or simple patterns for the curtains.

This does not mean we do not incorporate any of the English decors. An example would be including Chesterfield sofas that evoke a timeless, traditional aesthetic.

What are the features of the Modern English style

Classic and timeless

English design evokes a sense of timelessness, luxury and elegance. At the same time, it also emphasises comfortability and practicality. 

Not only are the materials of high quality, but the designer has considered every detail. This includes armchairs, sofas, ottomans, bookcases, and more. All these pieces are designed to stand the test of time. 

Fireplace

One of the hallmarks of this style is a fireplace. This is usually placed in the living room.

It adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to any room. Plus, it acts as a focal point to create an inviting space.

Decorative wall panels

Decorative wall panels are also a common feature of this style. They are a great way to add interest to any room.

Examples of such wall panels are wainscoting and crown moulding. These elements add texture and depth to any room in your home, creating an elegant atmosphere.

Colour palette

For a modern British home, neutral colours are often used with pops of bright and bold accents.

Here are some colours that are popular for this style.

Timeless colour with a monochrome palette

White is the most popular choice for a base colour for modern English homes. It is classic and timeless and provides an excellent canvas for other colours to stand out against it.

The clean look of white also creates a sense of open space and airiness.

Black may seem to be a colour to avoid. But it is an excellent choice for accent pieces in modern English interiors.

It can provide contrast and create a sophisticated look.

Neutral colours

Neutral colours can be a beautiful addition to any room. They are perfect for contemporary settings or rooms that need a touch of elegance.

Creamy colours such as ivory, cream and light beige go well with modern furniture and accessories.

While taupe looks great with wood tones and flooring.

Grey is an elegant choice for almost any room. It goes well with both natural materials (wooden floors, stone) and artificial ones (furniture, wallpaper).

Bold colours and patterns

One way to do this is by using floral prints, which can add a vibrant and lively touch to any space. Floral prints can be found on a variety of items, including curtains, cushions, rugs, and wallpaper.

Rich, jewel-toned hues are another way to add bold colour to a modern English interior. These deep, saturated colours can create a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. They are often used to highlight specific features or focal points within a room.

Some popular jewel tones for English interiors include emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red.

Other ways to incorporate bold colours and patterns into modern English interiors include using coloured artwork, adding patterned throw pillows or blankets, and using bold, graphic wallpaper.

It’s important to balance these bold elements with neutral accents, such as white or beige, to create a cohesive and harmonious space.

Use of muted pastel tones

Muted pastel tones can be a great way to add a touch of femininity to your home. This will give the room a soft and calming feeling, while also giving it an updated and modern look.

Lighting

English interior design emphasises the use of soft, diffused lighting. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Natural light

Most interior designers use natural light as a key part of their design process. This adds a warm and inviting ambience to any room.

When you pair this with sheer curtains, it softens the light and ensures that it is not too intense.

Use large windows or doors to allow more sunlight to enter the space.

Skylights and atriums are also effective at bringing natural light into a room.

Another option is to use reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or light-coloured paint, to bounce sunlight around the space. This makes it feel brighter and more open.

Recessed lighting

Recessed lighting is the most common type of lighting used in modern English homes. This type of light is installed into the ceiling, which creates a softer, more diffused illumination.

Pendant lights

Pendant lights are used to provide general lighting or to highlight specific areas of the room such as a dining table or kitchen island.

Wall sconces

Wall sconces are lights that are mounted on the wall and can provide both general and accent lighting.

They are a good option for illuminating hallways, corridors, and other spaces where overhead lighting may not be practical or desired.

Lamp

Lamps add a touch of elegance and warmth to any room. Whether you’re looking for a classic English style room or something more modern, lamps can be the perfect addition.

There are many different types of lampshades to choose from such as floor lamps and table lamps.

Furniture

When it comes to furniture for this style, comfort and elegance are the two main considerations. Typically, this look is achieved by using victorian furniture.

Upholstered items are often used in classic English-style furniture. This adds an extra level of comfort and sophistication.

Chesterfield sofa

Chesterfield sofas are a popular choice as a piece of Victorian furniture due to their versatility.

They can be made in various shades and textures, and often become the most eye-catching item in a living room.

These long couches come in plush fabrics or rich leather. They are recognized by their tufted upholstery and rolled arms that are the same height as the back.

Add some velvet cushions as a finishing luxurious touch.

Rug

Rugs can add texture, warmth and style to a space. This makes them perfect for use in living or dining rooms.

Choosing vibrant colours and intricate patterns would instantly transform a room. It can bring an air of sophistication to the space.

Curtains

When it comes to curtains in the English style, simplicity and elegance are key. You can use sheer or opaque curtains to create that elegant look, depending on your needs.

Create a timeless, polished look in your space with an array of curtains that range from antique-inspired prints to neutral hues.

Ottoman

If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish way to add English style to your interior design, an ottoman is a perfect option. Originally from Turkey, these furniture pieces have become popular all around the world thanks to their classic design.

This footrest can be used as side tables, coffee tables or even as seating options- making it perfect for any room in the house.

The most common usage would be at the edge of a bed in the master bedroom.

Artwork and paintings

Artwork and paintings can be a beautiful addition to any room, but they need to be treated with care if they are not to be overwhelmed by design.

Keep the artwork and paintings light and airy in order for them to blend well with their surroundings.

Other accessories

Other items such as vintage clocks, bookshelves and cupboards, antique vases and ornaments, or anything else with an old-world charm, can be used to complete the look.

These can be displayed on mantles or bookshelves as interesting conversation pieces. These are a nice finishing touch with an English country style.

Carpentry and decor

One of the important features of the English style is having detailed decorative wall panels.

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a traditional English style of wall panelling that adds extra elegance and style to any room.

It involves attaching thin wooden boards to the lower part of the walls.

This type of carpentry often features decorative mouldings and trim along its edges as well as intricate carvings on each board.

In addition to its stylish appearance, wainscoting is also durable and easy to maintain.

Crown moulding

Crown moulding is another type of woodwork often used in English interiors. This decorative trim infuses style and elegance into any room. It adds visual interest to floors and bookcases and gives plain walls depth.

When decorating an English-style home, take advantage of any exposed structural elements and use crown moulding to your advantage.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a perfect way to update your home décor without breaking the bank.

Wrap up

Modern English interior design is all about bringing together the best elements of traditional and modern styles.

By combining timeless pieces such as a fireplace, Victorian furniture, wainscoting and crown moulding carpentry, you can create a luxurious and stylish home.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a space with a traditional charm that’s still up-to-date with today’s modern trends.