Copy: When audiences were introduced to the tradition loving Earl Robert Crawley and scathing wit of Dowager Violet Crawley, they sensed the birth of something special. And Downton Abbey has been nothing short of magical in the reinvigorated interest of period dramas around the world. With the popularity comes a resurgence in decorating styles from the period, including complete makeovers that’ve transformed homes into pieces of living history through the use of Chesterfield sofas, Antoinette beds and Bedford Square wallpaper.
Interior design fanatics and devout fans will be pleased to know there’s a real life Downton Abbey from which to draw inspiration from. Highclere Castle in Hampshire is the setting of the show and was occupied by the real Earl and Countess of Carnavon. The castle features sprawling gardens and the library in which Lord Grantham likes to spend his time. It’s decked with roughly 6000 volumes and a George III Carlton desk dating back to 1780.
So how do you go about recreating this iconic look? What kind of furniture will you need to achieve the Edwardian style? Here are suggestions on how to get started.
ANTOINETTE BED
These elegant beds are of a French design. Beds crafted from mahogany provided a rich, dark texture popular for old country estates in the Downton Abbey vain. The wooden polish is meant to enhance the grain and is paired well with darker colours around the bedroom.
BEDFORD SQUARE WALLPAPER
To be truly authentic you need to consider the kind of wallpaper 20th century aristocrats used. A great example is the Bedford Square wallpaper. It combines floral designs of ebony and gold or lace. Such textures were typical of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Bedford Square itself was one of the most impressive squares in London, home to lawyers, publishers and architects up until WW2.
ARMOIRES
Armoires earned a reputation for being luxurious additions to 20th century stately homes. They act as attractive focal points, drawing attention from everyone in the room. Armoires are considered to be more elaborately designed than regular wardrobes. They offer a mix of beauty and practicality.
When deciding on the best model the Chifferobe shouldn’t be discounted. While a wardrobe has two doors a chifferobe is a combination of tall and narrow chests. It sports drawers and shelves and both sides for increased storage space. Not only does it look classy but it’s perfect for people who live in small apartments or vintage homes with a lack of space.
CHESTERFIELD SOFAS
A Downton Abbey inspired living room wouldn’t be complete without a Chesterfield Sofa. Leather clad and pleasing to the eye, the sofas have graced the homes of royalty for centuries. A popular story is the Chesterfield was designed by the Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Stanhope and has become synonymous with fine living ever since.
Exported by the officials of the Royal Army it came to symbolise the epitome of British style. Hardy frames make sure they’re built to last. The sofa works against bright colours because of the perfect contrast between formality and freedom.
The Downton Abbey makeover is a reminder of a specific style that never truly goes out of fashion. It points to the power of retro designs. Although the show is ending with season 6 there’s no denying an enduring legacy will be left behind.
So how do you go about recreating this iconic look? What kind of furniture will you need to achieve the Edwardian style? Here are suggestions on how to get started.
ANTOINETTE BED
These elegant beds are of a French design. Beds crafted from mahogany provided a rich, dark texture popular for old country estates in the Downton Abbey vain. The wooden polish is meant to enhance the grain and is paired well with darker colours around the bedroom.
BEDFORD SQUARE WALLPAPER
To be truly authentic you need to consider the kind of wallpaper 20th century aristocrats used. A great example is the Bedford Square wallpaper. It combines floral designs of ebony and gold or lace. Such textures were typical of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Bedford Square itself was one of the most impressive squares in London, home to lawyers, publishers and architects up until WW2.
ARMOIRES
Armoires earned a reputation for being luxurious additions to 20th century stately homes. They act as attractive focal points, drawing attention from everyone in the room. Armoires are considered to be more elaborately designed than regular wardrobes. They offer a mix of beauty and practicality.
When deciding on the best model the Chifferobe shouldn’t be discounted. While a wardrobe has two doors a chifferobe is a combination of tall and narrow chests. It sports drawers and shelves and both sides for increased storage space. Not only does it look classy but it’s perfect for people who live in small apartments or vintage homes with a lack of space.
CHESTERFIELD SOFAS
A Downton Abbey inspired living room wouldn’t be complete without a Chesterfield Sofa. Leather clad and pleasing to the eye, the sofas have graced the homes of royalty for centuries. A popular story is the Chesterfield was designed by the Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Stanhope and has become synonymous with fine living ever since.
Exported by the officials of the Royal Army it came to symbolise the epitome of British style. Hardy frames make sure they’re built to last. The sofa works against bright colours because of the perfect contrast between formality and freedom.
The Downton Abbey makeover is a reminder of a specific style that never truly goes out of fashion. It points to the power of retro designs. Although the show is ending with season 6 there’s no denying an enduring legacy will be left behind.
