Move Over Karen Blixen
Even though Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) was not British, the movie Out of Africa, caught my attention to a style of decorating commonly called British Colonial. I fell in love and am still in love with that style.
At its largest, the British Empire covered
approximately one-quarter of the world. It truly was the empire on which
the sun never set.
As British subjects were sent around the world to the colonies to govern, do business, and protect the home country’s interests, they brought with them the traditional decor from home that they intermingled with local materials and styles to adapt them to suit the needs of the climate.
They produced a unique and beautiful blended colonial style.
One of my favorite furniture pieces in this style is the cane inset chair or chaise. These are totally drool-worthy.
Champaign desks owned and used by officiers were also very popular They are portable, that is the the legs and other parts folded up compactly so they could be moved from camp to camp. They are another favorite, even though I don't own one.
Do you own any British Colonial furniture?
What do think about the style?
Comments welcome!
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| Karen Blixen Courtesy of Keith Miller |
As British subjects were sent around the world to the colonies to govern, do business, and protect the home country’s interests, they brought with them the traditional decor from home that they intermingled with local materials and styles to adapt them to suit the needs of the climate.
They produced a unique and beautiful blended colonial style.
 |
 |
 |
One of my favorite furniture pieces in this style is the cane inset chair or chaise. These are totally drool-worthy.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Nadya's Chaise |
Champaign desks owned and used by officiers were also very popular They are portable, that is the the legs and other parts folded up compactly so they could be moved from camp to camp. They are another favorite, even though I don't own one.
 |
 |
 |
What do think about the style?
Comments welcome!
Absolute fascination with OUT OF AFRICA movie has led me to a lifetime of British and French Colonial dreams. Although I have not been able to recreate the aura of the times in my average down to earth home, I do take flights of fancy reliving the movie on occasion. I am always entranced by the period and long to experience some its mystique perhaps in another realm.
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