18 Brilliant British Interiors

From the modern London apartment to the 16th-century countryside manor, these British interiors range widely in style — but the common denominator is the combination of elegance, charm and subtle wit that defines English design.
In the drawing room of South Wraxall Manor in Wiltshire, designer Robert Kime used a 17th-century Flemish tapestry to balance the weight of a large stone-carved fireplace

In the drawing room of South Wraxall Manor in Wiltshire, designer Robert Kime used a 17th-century Flemish tapestry to balance the weight of a large stone-carved fireplace and lighten the dark wood paneling; the red-velvet-covered 17th-century armchairs are from a suite commissioned for the Duke of Leeds.

Photo by Tessa Traeger.


The living and dining room of designer Rose Uniacke’s own London home

The living and dining room of designer Rose Uniacke’s own London home.

Photo courtesy of Rose Uniacke.

In a London drawing room, designer Steven Volpe placed a Picasso painting above a bespoke tufted sofa

In a London drawing room, designer Steven Volpe placed a Picasso painting above a bespoke tufted sofa; the vintage pendant is Stilnovo.

Photo by Simon Upton/The Interior Archive.

For a Berkeley Square office, designer Christopher Hodsoll used silk Fortuny curtains and a 16th-century Flemish tapestry

For a Berkeley Square office, designer Christopher Hodsoll used silk Fortuny curtains and a 16th-century Flemish tapestry to create a sophisticated workplace.

Photo by Peter Hodsoll.

In her 1840s London townhouse, designer Harriet Anstruther used striped upholstery to add graphic appeal

In her 1840s London townhouse, designer Harriet Anstruther used striped upholstery to add graphic appeal to the neutral-toned palette.

Photo by James Merrell.

Designer Penny Morrison created a playful, personal melange of patterns for her 18th-century country house in Wales

For her 18th-century country house in Wales, designer Penny Morrison created a playful, personal melange of patterns — including quintessentially British chintz-covered sofas.

Photo by Miguel Flores-Vianna.

Designer Peter Mikic's London home includes a David Hockney print, custom mirror-work and a mid-century French cocktail table

Designer Peter Mikic‘s London home includes a David Hockney print, custom mirror-work and a mid-century French cocktail table.

Photo by Kate Martin.

Light pouring into the back hall of a 17th-century house in Northamptonshire

Light pouring into the back hall of a 17th-century house in Northamptonshire illuminates newly installed antiqued paneling, selected by Henrietta Spencer Churchill.

Photo by Christopher Drake.

At Buscot Park, an 18th-century neoclassical-style estate in Oxfordshire, England, designer Alidad added chartreuse-green silk damask to set off the salon’s famed “Briar Rose” paintings by Edward Burne-Jones

At Buscot Park, an 18th-century neoclassical-style estate in Oxfordshire, England, designer Alidad added chartreuse-green silk damask to set off the salon’s famed “Briar Rose” paintings by Edward Burne-Jones.

Photo by James McDonald, courtesy of Rizzoli.

Designer Rita Konig used floor-to-ceiling bookcases and jewel-toned furnishings to make a cozy library nook in this Notting Hill townhouse

Designer Rita Konig used floor-to-ceiling bookcases and jewel-toned furnishings to make a cozy library nook in the drawing room of a Notting Hill townhouse.

All photos by Bill Batten.

The living room of this countryside home in Devon, England, hums with bright color

The living room of this countryside home in Devon, England, hums with bright color. Its owner, a chef, “knows how to marry unconventional ingredients to create something original and fabulous,” writes interior designer Kathryn Ireland.

Photo by Gibbs Smith.

For a London project, Christian Liaigre was asked to design a 19th-century townhouse around the owner’s collection of Renaissance paintings

For a London project, Christian Liaigre was asked to design a 19th-century townhouse around the owner’s collection of Renaissance paintings. He responded with furnishings strong enough to hold their own, including a red lacquer dining table and chairs.

Photo by Mark Seelen.

Designer Nina Campbell employed a mostly white palette for the dining room of this London apartment

Designer Nina Campbell employed a mostly white palette for the dining room of this London apartment but added Diego Giacometti bronze wall lights and an almost-black table to give the room dimension.

Photo courtesy of Nina Campbell Interiors/Cico.


An eclectic London living room styled by Architectural Digest and Elle Decor contributor Carlos Mota

An eclectic London living room styled by Architectural Digest and Elle Decor contributor Carlos Mota.

Photo by Douglas Friedman.

An early George III–style mantel carved from Bath stone

1stDibs dealer Jamb, Ltd. is currently selling Chesham, above, an early George III–style mantel carved from Bath stone.

Photo courtesy of Jamb, Ltd.

The drawing room of a landmarked townhouse in the heart of London’s Mayfair district, designed by Nicola Fontanella

For the drawing room of a landmarked townhouse in the heart of London’s Mayfair district, Nicola Fontanella enhanced the original plasterwork ceiling with a Georgian chandelier and added a pair of period mirrors between the three windows.

Photo courtesy of Argent.

Interior, Veere Grenney's 18th-century country house (which once belonged to David Hicks) in Suffolk, England

At Veere Grenney’s 18th-century country house (which once belonged to David Hicks) in Suffolk, England, the London designer employed a harmonious, comfortable mix of antique and modern furnishings.

Photo courtesy of Veranda.

A London project from 2009 by David Collins Studio

Though David Collins Studio is best known for its high-end restaurant and hotel projects, occasionally it takes on a lucky residential commission, such as this one, a London project from 2009.

Photo by Michael Paul.


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