Contributed by Aurora LaJambre, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
With grand images from the royal wedding still fresh in our minds and the 2012 summer Olympics galloping our way, it’s no surprise that the world of home interiors has its eyes on England’s modern and sophisticated designs.
British home stores offer the perfect mix of flair and practicality in every style from shabby chic to country charm.
Here are the top ten British home stores we love … and a clever twist: recommendations on where to find similar products online or Stateside:
10. Wilkinson Plus
Wilkinson Plus is the British equivalent to large value stores that carry everything from beds and dining sets, to affordable wall art. If you fall in love with Wilkinson’s framed floral photography prints, we think you’ll love canvas prints. The art selection is vast so you’re sure to find a number of images to complement the home with a British-inspired flair.
9. Charmed Interiors
Charmed Interiors is a fantastic British home store. This is the place to go for the little details that create a cozy English country cottage feel. Their silk flowers complement floral curtains and bedding, and look as real as the roses in your garden. To add the same realistic burst of nature in your own home, check out the options at SilkFlowers.com. We love their bowl of brilliant yellow Spring tulips.
8. John Lewis
The John Lewis home store offers subtle prints and fresh colors to enhance contemporary interiors. Like what you see? We think you’ll love the hooked and tufted area rugs at the American Country Home Store. Whether you prefer geometric, floral or abstract patterns, these colorful pieces pack a style punch.
7. Littlewoods
Whether they get a room of their own or find themselves sharing with a sibling, British children are in luck at Littlewoods home store. Littlewoods offers a range of stylish bunk beds to maximize space, as well as bright curtains and drawing table and chair sets for play dates.
6. Homebase
With over 300 stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, Homebase offers an extensive collection of goods for home interiors and exteriors. Their garden and patio furniture includes classic designs with pops of modern color, including café tables for two and outdoor dining sets for larger families.
5. Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s is one of the stores you could get lost in, and probably wouldn’t mind. As British scientists contributed to the evolution of the modern light bulb, you may want to add a little modern British illumination to your home. Once you’re set on lamps, go directly to the kitchen section for some of the most colorful, lovely cast iron dishes.
4. Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer, referred to as Marks by frequent shoppers, caters to the affluent shopper, but their collections can inspire every home decorator. Their eclectic tables and woven furniture encourages you to rethink traditional materials, and go for the unexpected. Expressions Catalog takes the same creative approach with accent tables made from coral and secured stacks of books.
3. Next Direct
Already on of the UK’s top online fashion stores, NextDirect.com carries home accents you need in designs you won’t want to live without. They have luxurious bedspreads, vibrant striped towels, and floral eyelet curtains that can bring warmth and structure to every room. Take a cue from NextDirect and find beautiful luxury home goods to give any room some character.
2. British Home Store
Also known as BHS, British Home Stores has over 180 stores throughout the United Kingdom. Established in 1928, BHS is one-stop home shopping with everything from lighting, cookware and pillows, to rugs and any other item you may want. Admire their modern table lamps, and then head over to a U.S.-based lighting store for an equally stunning selection available in the United States.
1. Heal’s
Since 1810, Heal’s has added style and personality to homes throughout Britain. Browse through their mirror collection and you’ll see why. All mirrors bring depth and a sense of space to a room, but these have truly unique details like the criss cross design and round bubble mirrors. Feeling like you can’t wait to go to Britain? The beautiful, eclectic mirrors over at an U.S. store won’t leave you hanging.