“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again” is the hauntingly evocative first line of Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca. So many authors, artists and designers have been captivated by the Cornish coast both for its magical coves and for its colour and light. Inspired by a recent trip to this part of the country, the blog pays its yearly homage to coastal decorating ideas with a tour of some of the fairy tale castles, country houses and follies that hug the British coastline.
British coastal style
In the late 19th century railways opened up the British coast to holiday makers with purpose-built hotels and guest houses. The original (pre-nautical blue and white stripes/boaty decor of the late 20th Century) British coastal style is an unselfconscious look that has its roots in the heritage of the humble dwellings of fishing communities as well as the grander decoration of medieval castles and country house style (complete with decorative shell grottos).
Take a look at this dream coastal home currently up for sale in Devon as an example, where comfortable furniture and furnishings pay no particular attention to its maritime location other than to offer stylish insulation for when a storm whips up outside.
No matter where you live, you can create your own British Coastal Style with beautiful wallpapers and clever paint combinations. Vintage and antique furniture is key for this style. As is the nostalgic romance of coastal art. Use sustainably sourced or vintage shells to decorate fireplaces, door surrounds and splashbacks.
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Room with a view: following on from the Queen Square Collection from Morris & Co x Ben Pentreath previously featured on the blog are fabrics: Merton Leaf Green/Sky, Bachelors Button Leaf Green/Sky, Willow Bough Summer Yellow from the Cornubia Collection (Latin name for Cornwall), Morris and Co x Ben Pentreath available from: morrisandco.sandersondesigngroup.com. Photographed in Prussia Cove by Anthony CrollaYou can experience this view with a stay in The Haven, Coastguard Cottages at Prussia Cove, Cornwall.
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Styling Box
Styling Box is my interior design service that offers bespoke designs, and samples all wrapped in a beautiful and useful Styling Box. The perfect gift for you, for friends and family. Please get in touch with me if I can help you with a bespoke interior design and follow Styling Box on Instagram.
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Shop the blog
Vintage coastal themed home accessories available now in my vintage online interiors shop.
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Thank you
Thank you so much for reading this, I hope you have been a little inspired by some British coastal decorating ideas and places to visit.
With best wishes,
Charis x
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love the blog. Cornwall in spring thank goodness the NT saved all the beautiful coastline. Love all Fees stuff she one of Lorna’s best friends!
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Oh wow, what a coincidence! I love Fee’s work too especially this wallpaper. Thank you for your kind comment. I am also really appreciating what the National Trust do, now that I have a bit more time to visit some of their properties.
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Oh I just love this blog and the beautiful photos! X
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Thank you SO much Rachel! X
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