Post War British

The Post War British style is a spectacular weave of design influences, all brought together with an underlying principle of elegant juxtaposition. From the enticing glitz of the art deco period; clean streamlined shapes inspired by Modernism; to vivid escapes into Surrealism, this decor style incorporates them all with a cheery exuberance. Lacquer, polished wood and metal combine with feisty florals and tartan stripes to create a space that promises not just warmth and welcome, but a touch of drama and fantasy. Stylised ducks in Murano glass jostle for attention with persimmon Susie Cooper china; the sleek austerity of polished metal and chrome is offset by a surrealist escape into a reproduction of Salvador Dali's art on the walls. A sophisticated decor style for those who like to have their home reflect a signature statement, the Post War British style effortlessly blends glamour and opulence with a sleek, bold symmetry.

The Post War British Theatre: Modernism Meets Art Deco!

Some may see the world in black and white, but the home with a distinct Post War British design sensibility brings alive the many shades in between. And then highlights them with brilliant pops of colour thrown in for good measure! The Post War British home is a striking blend of eclectic styles and decor; seamlessly blending to create a home that celebrates everyday living. Much like the famed designers of the Post War British era, Robin and Lucienne Day, who believed in the utopian concept that good design could change lives. The Days' are renowned for having electrified the world of design in a Britain struggling to revitalise living spaces ravaged by the effects of war. A chance meeting at a Royal College of Art dance led to a lifelong partnership between the two; they were known to be at their happiest creating homes together. Their legacy endures even today, in Lucienne's Calyx motif fabrics and Robin's Modernist reclining chair with its beautifully angled seat, minimalist steel legs and distinctive wide armrests that provide the perfect platform for a Gibson cocktail and a copy of The Guardian.

In a fitting tribute to the period in history from which it derives inspiration, the Post War British home sees the coming together of a variety of seemingly clashing styles, yet merging in a spectacular union. This is a home that seeks to brings alive contrasts, juxtaposing them against one another, each in turn complementing and setting off the other to create a dramatic decor effect. And so you have rich colours and angled forms from the art deco era sitting pretty next to an ornamental mantel that pays homage to Victorian style. Influences from the Victorian era can be seen in secret corners and sliding glass walls that conceal private little nooks; creating a Charlotte Bronte-esque ambience. Unlike the foreboding secrecy of Jane Eyre's Thornfield Hall however, the Post War British home breathes something spectacular into secrecy, creating spaces to revel in.

This is certainly not a home for those with a timid design sensibility or those who like to play it safe! On the contrary, it puts into action the famous words of architectural pioneer Le Corbusier: "The home should be the treasure chest of living". An unrestrained use of space opens up the living areas; large windows open out to roof gardens, blending in the outdoors with an effortless fluidity. The play of natural light is accentuated by mirrored features. Exotic tortoiseshell accessories mingle with the austere steel sheen of an Ernest Race Gazelle table. Sleek surfaces, strong geometric patterns and sultry lighting all come together to imbue the Post War British home with a sassy top note that creates a striking appeal.

Making It Your Own

Take some of the classic elements of art deco: clean, sharp angles, high gloss metal, glass and leather. Fancy a spot of fantasy? Escape to the surrealistic landscape favoured by Salvador Dali, with an inspired version of his iconic Mae West lips sofa. Commissioned by the wealthy poet and collector Edward James, the sofa was said to be additionally inspired by a (particularly uncomfortable!) group of rocks near Dali's home in Cadaques, true to his design over function philosophy. Blend in some kitsch; pineapple ice buckets or flying poodles on walls. The result is a glorious melting pot of design; quintessentially Post War British.

The colours are bold and strong, with striking contrasts that will shock even the design atheist into admiring wakefulness. Rich colours and designs dominate the kitchen, the geometric patterned flooring beautifully offset by countertops in chrome and black. Juicy pops of colour inject a joie de vivre into the dining area as bubble pink and pale blue lamps gently mingle with delicious pistachio green table linen. A vintage 1946 Wurlitzer 1015 jukebox brings in a little piece of America, although the Rolling Stones tracks it regales you with are decidedly British!

Mood plays a prominent role in the Post War British home and layered and evocative lighting is crucial to create the right atmosphere. Layered lighting provides functionality while also highlighting visual appeal. Sunburst patterns emanate from artfully placed sconces, lending a luscious glow. An iconic bronzed spelter figure lamp with statuesque female figures holding aloft an etched glass ball reflects a smooth sheen off the polished wood and metal surfaces.The antique walnut and gilt framed mirror in the main lobby is redolent of the England of King Henry VIII, when it was the mirror glass itself that was valued more than the frames and mirrors were worth their weight in gold, quite literally!

Graphic patterns and sleek textures rule the space. Lush rugs in angular motifs and vibrant shades come together with high gloss dark walls and leather chairs. Vintage hand painted doors in Macassar ebony open up to the master bedroom where the elegant platform bed lacquered in maple leaf red against natural wenge wood is clearly the star of the room. Beautifully woven chevron silk cushions flirt with a throw in floral chintz. The satin bedspread in emerald grey drops down in graceful surrender to the whimsical area rug draping the floor with sweeping curves. Printed toiles dress up the windows; a throw with embroidered silver paisley detailing adds a touch of shimmer.

Stepped furniture designs, glossy finishes and the dramatic use of black and white are reminiscent of glamorous skyscraper style. The skyscraper touch in design seeks some of its inspiration in the 'Streets in the Sky' concept developed in post war Britain, most notably seen in Park Hill, Sheffield in the 1950s. Although it eventually failed as an architectural concept in the UK, Streets in the Sky reflected an attempt at environmental social re-engineering; at recreating the solidarity and personal interaction of the street even in high rise apartments.

A Home That Complements Your Life

The Post War British side of you likes your colours bold and your art theatrical. You celebrate differences and contrasts and have a knack for blending seemingly clashing elements with a fundamental elegance. This reflects in your personal style as well. You can carry off with equal elan the flapper or gangster look for a Great Gatsby themed do, and the parka with wellies ensemble as you attend a philosophical debate at Hay.

And then there is a side to you, sometimes carefully concealed, that still yearns for lost times from the past. Nothing captures this better than the carefully put together photo wall in a corner of your study that frames memories and sentiments captured down the years.

Your affinity for DIY decor is clearly visible on the hand painted windows in your bedroom with an intricate floral marquetry on wood. The windows themselves open out to a tranquil roof garden, your personal oasis when you want to escape the chaos daily life sometimes brings. This for you, often means an escape to the world of fantasy, through the British classics you love to watch. In fact you secretly fantasize about conjuring up a screenplay of your own someday, not unlike writer William Rose who claimed to have seen the entire plot of the acclaimed British film 'The Ladykillers', in his dreams! Or, it could mean a getaway to your favourite holiday hideout in Miami's Art Deco District, second only to the luxuriant garden country retreat by the sea you favour at Devon.

When you're not soaking in the notes of the Bluthner piano at a 1920s style country home, you can be found living the Yurt life on the edge of Dartmoor with a sleigh bed under the stars and freshly laid eggs from the farm for breakfast. And home baked 'rainy day' cakes! These hit the sweet spot after a run amidst light drizzle in your gorgeous, limited edition Jack Purcell trainers, patterned in the trademark Lucienne Day prints you so love. That may well explain your frequent trips to John Lewis; as much to admire the monumental silk mosaic, 'Aspects of the Sun', that adorns the walls at their Kingston store, as to shop for the latest in tech and homeware!

Your fundamental belief in high quality design and its role in breathing life into living spaces is what shapes your home. And it is here that you return into its bold embrace, to be revitalized and inspired, time and again.