By Olivia Lidbury Interiors 30.01.2023

8 Decorating Tips Londoners Know That You (Probably) Don’t

Wall plates and colour-drenching are a fast-ticket to UK style.

When scrolling through Instagram, if it’s the expressive and richly-layered London homes that keep garnering your ‘likes’ then you’re not alone; there’s something about the irreverence of British taste which ignites trends around the world. Unpicking the decor decisions of some of our favourite renovators, it turns out there are certain formulas anyone can emulate to achieve the London look.

From befriending a sewing machine to splurging on that wallpaper you just can’t get out of your head, here’s what we can take away from the Brits…

1. Stripes can solve everything

Whether it’s zhuzhing-up plain white walls in a rental (though always check with your landlord before whipping out a paint pot), a sofa in need of a graphic accent, or timeless bedding, a stripe is a saviour. As fans of Breton tees will vouch for, stripes are timeless and versatile - and weirdly addictive.

2. The downstairs loo is the place to act out your decor dreams

The smaller the space, the bigger the impact - that’s the mantra of many a London renovator. And so a microscopic room – like the downstairs loo - is the perfect canvas for a statement wallpaper (not least because you’ll only need to buy a small amount of it). It’s also a spot house guests will retreat to, so show off your impeccable taste in art or books while you’re at it.

3. Don’t be afraid to mix the old and the new

The Brits have an inimitable way to position a high-street bargain alongside a family heirloom. The knack to this eclectic spirit? Don’t overthink it. Opt for pieces that are intentionally contemporary or rustic (rather than imitations), play around with textures, and continue the theme around the room and beyond.

4. A ‘skirt’ will hide a multitude of sins

A fabric skirt simply suspended from a tension rod is a must for camouflaging a rickety washing machine or an unsightly sink pedestal. Tastemaker Lucy Williams has opted for a jaunty floral in her laundry room, providing a tactile (and more cost-effective) disguise to bespoke cabinetry. So grab a needle and thread, some fabric, and get YouTubing a tutorial for the ultimate in DIY home furnishings.

5. Plates make great art

If you have a cupboard full of beautiful dishes which rarely see the light of day, then this is the hack for you. Plates can be hung from walls using spring-loaded wire hangers. Inexpensive and far cheaper than frames, chances are you’ve already got a collection of pretty crockery to get you on your way.

6. Cafe curtains are the ones for privacy

Until a couple of years ago, tiered shutters were all the range. Now it’s the turn of the traditional cafe-style curtain – which allows light to stream through and feels softer than its wooden counterpart. Easy to clean, the fabric to covet is lightweight linen. Londoners rate them for blocking out nosy passers-by.

7. Get on board with ‘colour drenching’

Skirting boards, architraves, picture rails, fireplaces… the walls in London houses come with an inventory all of their own. The on-trend way to make them sing? Daubing them in the same – or tones of – a single colour. Known as colour drenching, this technique can create the illusion of more space and really puts your chosen palette in the spotlight.

8. Always repair, re-love and restore

Older London properties generally have good bones, but reinstating ornate cornices and intricate woodwork can be costly and time-consuming. When it comes to a home’s character though, it will always be worth it. It’s frowned-upon to take out original features, but if for whatever reason they aren’t working, remember that floorboards can be taken up and moved, as can doors and tiles.