The Royal Wedding, the joyous and grand event that it indeed was, has clarified one thing for me. I need a fascinator or several, immediately. We Canadians are just not schooled in the art of the headpiece, I myself particularly reluctant to wear anything upon my head. I should dredge up some unfortunate photos from my high school graduation as proof. The girls (myself included) had caps perched precariously upon the backs of their heads for fear they would interfere with the large bangs that defined the era. To this day I evade hats wherever possible, probably ill advised given our climate which tends to swing directly from a bitter cold winter to a sweltering hot summer.
But the fascinator, it’s like a hat, but not, yet it screams celebratory. Now I’m not inclined to anything of the epic Prince Beatrice proportions, just something I could snap on to declare it an event. Could have broken one out for my visit to the polling station this morning. Maybe next time...
But that is what the British do well, they know when to go bold. Certainly a study in contrast with many other aspects of English culture and society. Yet, that is the aspect I am drawn to in regard to British design. As I mentioned a few days previous, I will share a couple of my British design and decor favourites, and the bold thread definitely runs throughout.
When we were building the house, we had the arduous (for my husband) task of pouring through volumes of wallpaper sample books. Without a doubt, the British have wallpaper cased, in patterns both vintage and contemporary. I could easily have plastered every surface in my house. I employed the David Hicks Hexagon by Cole & Son in Elizabeth’s bedroom in pink (posted the image a few weeks ago), but I also adore this gold colourway. In our basement lounge all the walls are covered in Trifid by Osboure & Little, same as the image from this Madonna video. Our basement lounge presently is unfurnished and serving as the Lego Death Star assembly centre so I won’t share an image just yet.
I have long coveted any and all rugs by the Rug Company UK, and am presently saving my pennies. If I had my druthers, I would select one of these three, Skull by Alexander McQueen, Swirl by Paul Smith or Peacock by Matthew Williamson. Don’t even get me started on the fabrics and textiles...
Images 3, 4, 5
I am a huge admirer of the British furniture and lighting designer Tom Dixon. His designs are innovative yet accessible, and would easily incorporate into my decor.
Those gold Tom Dixon pendants are on my lighting wish list. I love them.
Posted by: Carissa | May 02, 2011 at 09:31 PM