The Romance of Colonial Style

When the British travelled to exotic lands in the colonial era they adapted to new climates and cultures with sola topees, verandahs and cane furniture, but still preserved their precious indigenous customs of afternoon teas and rose gardens. Today, long after the sun has finally set on the British Empire, the intermingling of traditions between East and West continues. This book celebrates interior designs that are eminently compatible with our own time, offering a unique combination of practicality, innovation and decorative appeal. Beginning with London outfitters, British settlers took pared-down comforts for their new lives, from safari gear to steamer chairs. Setting up households in tropical lands meant replacing woollen rugs with sisal, ordering furniture from local craftsmen, and discovering the beauty of Kashmiri shawls and paisley prints. As clubs became the centre of social life for the British throughout their colonies, the trappings of club life - the drinks tray, the planter's chair, the members' message board - also became accepted elements of the style.
With vintage engravings and 160 full-colour photographs of locations in London, India and Africa, Tricia Foley recreates the colonial past and shows its appeal for today's homes. A directory details travel destinations, and lists of books and films give further sources of inspiration. This lost epoch of elegance provides a fund of design ideas. This book shows how to recapture that impeccable ambience. Tricia Foley is a contributing editor and stylist for many magazines. Catherine Calvert is a design and style writer. Jeff McNamara, a freelance photographer, has worked for leading magazines.