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Do you think the popularity of Downton Abbey will have an influence on design style? Will the English chic be back in vogue?

I know I've always loved English style and will rewatch episodes just to see the backdrop of rooms or tables.

But I don't know if there is anyone else out there that is also a fan of that style!

Martha

I definitely think we will see a little bit of that style creep back into popularity, but it probably won't be much, maybe some accessories. I think the cleaner lines of contemporary furnishings appeal more to the majority of young and middle-aged people currently buying furnishings. However, there are always those (like me) who enjoy a more ornate or eclectic aesthetic.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Linderhof:
Do you think the popularity of Downton Abbey will have an influence on design style? Will the English chic be back in vogue?

But I don't know if there is anyone else out there that is also a fan of that style!

Martha[/QUOTE

I don't know about en vogue, but in my opinion it will always remain classic. In the interest of full disclosure, England is my homeland so I lack objectivity

The opulence of Downton Abbey is a bit over-the-top to ever land on this side of the pond, methinks, but English Cottage Style has influenced the shabby chic, cottage style that has become so prevalent of late. Love it!

I don't know...but I am addicted to the show.

They are "selling" their rugs based off the show...but it I liked looking through the photos.

http://info.asmarainc.com/blog...ted-by-Aubusson-Rugs

Love that link -- thanks for sharing!

Martha

Love the show and adore the costumes. I am less interested in the furnishings, but love the architectural features and surface treatments.

This kind of elegantly lavish period decor works best, IMO, in a home with grand proportions and dramatic scale.

OTOH, I'm seeing a lot of new kitchen remodels that are inspired by the vintage "downstairs" kitchens.

I am totally ADDICTED to Brit tv and movies. I believe they do drama much better than Americans.

One of my favorites for English decorating style is Midsomer Murders.

You can see Brit movies and tv series on Netflix OR Acorn tv. Free subscriptions for a month for streaming video that you can watch immediately on your computer right now. Lots of old PBS series available like Brideshead Revisited.

Netflix is something like $8 per month for streaming and $20 something if you add the disk option. Acorn TV is 2.99 per month or 29.99 per year, I have BOTH. Hardly ever watch regular tv anymore except for the news.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Love, Lu,

quote:

The opulence of Downton Abbey is a bit over-the-top to ever land on this side of the pond,

I thought it had landed over on this side around the mid-to-late 1800's through early 1900's, and then left never to fully return due to the Great Depression, World Wars, and current environmental/overconsumption concerns.

Personal homes like Biltmore Estate and Vizcaya were built around this time frame. Beautiful opulence.

Great inspiration! Thanks for the links!

The only thing that I don't like about this style is the fact that I don't have a castle to go with it.

Re: "Downton Abbey Style": Baker Furniture has had a line called The Stateley Homes Collection for years. It is a collection of reproductions based on actual original pieces from 35 historic residences primarily from England and Ireland. This collection was at its most successful several years ago and co-incided with E.J. Victor, Ralph Lauren Home, and Henredon all promoting the English country estate look. Most of these collection have either been discontinued or severely down sized.Fabric houses such as Scalamandre, Clarence House, and even Brunschwig et Fils, have all revamped their textile lines away from this look. In the marketplace interior design has moved on from this look on such a grand scale I can not see a show, no matter how popular, bringing it back. Not at least until the economy makes a huge about face.

Downton Abbey might cause some people to push their decorating style more that way with a few pieces of furniture or accessories. I doubt too many will try to recreate it as it would be expensive and also higher maintenance than other styles. Trying to recreate the style without the pillars, moldings, ornate FP's, and very tall ceilings would be lacking and how many have a mansion to furnish?

While I love much about the Edwardian style on that show I would not want to live with any 'pure' style. I much prefer a mix. One of my sideboards is having it's 100th birthday this year so it's a bit past the Edwardian period but I love it mixed with my country/rustic/cottage accessories.

I'm such a picture junkie I've saved many online pics from the show even tho I can only get it in French on my sat. system! Kinda takes the fun out of it as my comprehension is not good enough to last an entire show! Guess I could watch it with the sound off.

Have you students of the English decorating style ever noticed the preponderance of the "club style" chairs and couches used?

the best and timeless are the gloss painted wood trims...check out the doors and general woodwork...(aside from the usual more natural in the gaming or library "rooms")

but i'd hate to have to dust all the goodies...

Is it weird that I kind of love the kitchen?

http://www.designsponge.com/20...n-downton-abbey.html

It's a lovely show.

My daughter is hooked on Downton Abbey, I've seen it a few times and love the decorating style, but since I live in a ranch style house, don't think it would look too good