English Style Continued!

All pictures Southern Accents

Yesterday, I had mentioned how the English style is prevalent here in the South. This morning, I was going through my archives of Southern Accents looking for information on Louisville and came across this article from last year--the May-June 2006 issue. This brought back memories, as soon as I read this article last year; I tore the dining room pictures out in hopes of creating that look someday! I then immediately ordered the Damask (the St Antoine) wallpaper samples from Farrow-Ball. With my existing color scheme, I was always torn between doing the green or gold. Needless to say, we have moved since I was plotting this and my current dining room has been put on hold. So this will stay in my file of dining rooms I love!

Came out of my files as you can see!

Back to the English style, to me, this is a perfect example of that inviting English touch in the South. Plus the house, actually it’s a plantation, (White Hall Plantation) located in one of my favorite places, the Low Country of South Carolina.

Southern Accents

Also, I wanted to let you know that the other day I was talking to Cruella and she had told me she was holding the new Victoria magazine in her hand. I thought this was just a rumor, but sure enough she has a copy in her hand. I have not seen the issue yet. I did however look them up on the Internet. Sure enough, there they were. I discovered Victorian Magazine in 2000 when I first started my endeavor in the antiquing world and found they always had interesting articles on charming cities-- London, Savannah, Charleston, Santa Fe, to name a few. What’s more, they published features on designers such as Charlotte Moss, Myra Hoefer etc. Aditionally, they ran articles on antiques, suggested great shops, gave entertaining ideas, and wrote articles on women entrepreneurs. And of course, there was the calling cards section, which I always loved.

At end of the magazine, they would feature a spot on Collecting. Since I am talking about creating that cozy, inviting English look. One collecting article that was written in 2001 that I would like to share with you is on shop owner Debbie Weitz, owner of B.D. Jeffries. When I think of great English things, her shop always comes first to my mind. Who else would have such a great collection of Tartan!

Picture from Victoria 2001

Creating That Cozy English Look!

Pictures from British Homes & Gardens

Having such a huge love for design, my taste runs from classic traditional with a twist, to French Provencal, to the warm and inviting English country look. Currently, here in Nashville, with the weather turning cold, the days becoming shorter and the leaves starting to fall, I’m thinking it’s time for a little of the cozy English countryside look. I’m starting to have visions of sitting by our limestone fireplace while sipping on Port. This gives me a chance to talk about my next love, the English, and how the English look is very prevalent here in the old South.

Picture from The English Room

Being in the antiquing trade, I often traveled to the United Kingdom to shop for my inventory. When I say buying trip, it is not what people seem to think. Most of my friends thought I was going to the shops throughout London, and having tea at the Ritz-Carlton. In actuality, it means getting up at 4:30 a.m., getting to the market with my backpack stuffed with my calculator, money, and water. No time for instant coffee at the B&B. Both markets that I attend are located on farms, and there is definitely livestock. Consequently, if you don’t like the mud, it’s best to stay in London on Portabella Road, where many antiques shops, along with cute little restaurants, are located, but you should increase your budget accordingly! Once arriving at the markets, the energy is very high. If you’re there to browse, you’re going to get stampeded.

However, things do calm down, and by mid morning the Englishmen are having their pints. So it’s critical that you get there early because they’re napping by noon. Also, most of the dealers are set up in tents—at least the ones I buy from. While at the market, I would buy barley twist candles sticks, stools, eiderdown quilts, tea caddies, boxes, biscuit barrels, rose bowls, transfer ware, dog prints. Of course, provided I had any pounds left, I would bring the hubby back a Cadbury bar or two and Rolle a collar or some treats from Harrods duty free shop!

One I was able to keep!

I would highly recommended Nancy Lancaster English Country House Style. I bought this two years ago when it first came out and it’s been a great source for me. Also, I would recommend The English Room which I also have and enjoy reading.

Nancy Lancaster English country House Style

The English Room

Tomorrow, I will share with you another magazine that is being re-launched and a couple of stores that have always inspired me in terms of achieving that English country style!

The English Room