How to Give Your Home the Downton Abbey Look
Downton Abbey is a hugely popular TV show watched by millions of people worldwide. Part of its appeal is that if offers an intriguing glimpse into a bygone age, a time that was populated by classic styles and furnishings, elegant people, and torrid emotions simmering just beneath the surface, albeit buttoned down by the English ‘stiff upper lip’ mentality. You might not be blessed with a huge English estate, but no matter how modest your humble abode is, there are plenty of ways to give your home a Downton Abbey look – and here’s how.
Downton Abbey Colors
Back in Edwardian times, there wasn’t such a thing as ‘accent colors’ and homes were never painted in vivid shades of red, purple, blue and green. Instead, pastel colors were all the rage and rooms were more likely to be decorated in subtle shades of peach, blue or yellow. Thankfully it is pretty easy to get the Edwardian look with modern paints.
Paint manufacturers such as Farrow & Ball have ranges of authentic colors for different periods, including Edwardian, so you can find the perfect color in the right finish for your home.
Four-Poster Bed
Canopy beds were all the rage in Downton Abbey days, mainly because it was perishing cold in large homes such as these and even with a cozy fire lit in the bedroom, bed was not necessarily a warm place to be at night.
Four-poster beds draped with thick curtains are very effective at blocking the drafts and keeping the occupants nice and warm. These days you might feel a bit suffocated by heavy drapes around the bed, not to mention the fact that a large mahogany four-poster won’t fit comfortably inside most modern homes. Instead, look at contemporary four-poster bed designs, perhaps made from iron instead of mahogany. It’s a great compromise.
Downton Lighting
Subtle lighting is all-important if you want to introduce a period feel into your home. Back in the Downton day, harsh halogen lighting had not been invented and candles were a popular choice in many less affluent homes. To create an authentic Downton Abbey look, mirrored candle sconces are a wonderfully authentic Edwardian look. Alternatively, go for a pretty Art Deco crystal wall light or chandelier. Wall lights are always a good choice for understated elegance, but use Edwardian table lamps for dark corners.
Downton Abbey Accessories
If you don’t have lots of money to spend, invest in a few accessories and show off your Downton style in a less intrusive way. Union Jack cushions, a Butler’s Bell, or card games set will all add a touch of class to your home and impress the guests.
For a more professional period look in your home, book the services of an interior designer such and look into the cost of renovations for your rooms. It’s a great way of ensuring authentic style and professional quality finishes. And don’t forget, a top quality renovation project will always add value to your home.
