Design expo: English tasteful quirkiness
English tasteful quirkiness - the art of combining prints and patterns while still keeping things classy and classic
Ok, I first have to admit that I am an anglo-file. A hardcore, all English-loving anglo-file. I am not really sure when it started but I have such a soft spot for tall he countries on the British isles but especially England. Love everything from the gritty streets of London, to the mountains of the Peak District, to the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, to the sandy beaches of Cornwall and every place in between. I love to spend lazy Summer afternoons sipping on a glass (ok, a pitcher) of Pimm’s in the shade at a country pub or to hike the scenic trails of the Lake District. And don’t get me started on the coastline of Dorset. And this might come as no surprise, but I love to stay at classic, English hotels.
There is a certain kind of design, a look that no other can execute quite like the English. it is a kind of tastefully maximalism where patterns, colors and textures are mixed in what could first look very haphazard, but it is not. It is a true art form to be able to combine different mismatching shapes and forms and by doing so, creating something that looks and feels cohesive in all of its quirky eclecticism. Stripes, colors, flower prints, embroidery. Nothing is off limits when done with the right taste level of the designer.
It is interesting to me, that when I first started to reflect on this atypical English design, it felt a bit disconnected from what otherwise symbolizes the typical Englishness; the stiff upper lip, Margaret Thatcher, keeping up appearances and the Conservative Party. But then I realized there is also a straight line forming a parallel trend from William Morris to the Arts & Crafts movement to the Bloomsbury Group to the Swinging 60s, Vivianne Westwood and all the way to Tricia Guild and Jasper Conran. What they have in common is a kind of rebellion to the strict, conservative side of the Englishness, where they have dared to experiment with their art being a kind of rebel of their era.
Below are 5 hotels in England where this art of classy maximalism is done in a brilliant way:
The Pig at Combe, Honiton
The Pig is an English chain of hotels with a certain signature look and feel to them, which is very typical English. This is one our their outposts, located in the Southwest. A eclectic, warm hotel filled with that atypical English quirk.
Read more about my stay at The Pig here!
Glebe House, Southleigh
Glebe House is a small B&B in the Southwest of England. A colorful, quirky design B&B filled with exciting patterns and prints. Lively, warm and utterly English.
Read more about my stay at Glebe House here!
Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne
Wildhive Callow Hall in the Peak District is a more classy example of the English quirkiness. An old manor building turned hotel where the mix of patterns and prints is nothing short of an art form.
Read more about my stay at Wildhive Callow Hall here!
The Star, Alfriston
The Star is one of the hotels of the famous hotelier family, the Polizzi. A homely, warm and cozy hotel close to the coast, south of London. A place where the Englishness is on display in every single corner. A hotel famous not only for its design but for its service and delicious food.
Read more about my stay at The Star here!
Rothay Manor, Ambleside
Rothay Manor is located in the stunning Lake District. A hotel that is continuously evolving with the times and while doing that, always keeping its English feet firmly planted in its heritage. Warm tones, quirky patterns and just very, very English.
Read more about my stay at Rothay Manor here!
