The British Rule!

August 12, 2012 The British Rule!

With the Olympics in London about to wrap up, I thought I would share a little post on British design, and two particular designers, one from the past and one from today, that have a similar vision. Also, how that designer from the past continues to inspire even outside of the UK!

room by David Hicks

British designer David Hicks was one of the greatest decorators of the 20th-century, and still remains one of the most iconic into the 21st. His rooms from the 60s and 70s still to this day look fresh, with sophisticated color palettes, classic furniture, and modern art usually mixed in. He is especially known for his graphic prints (more on that later). Hicks paved the path for the likes of Jeffrey Bilhuber, Miles Redd, and others.

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

21st-century fashion designer, and Brit, Jonathan Saunders maybe didn’t realize it, but I saw a big dose of David Hicks inspiration in his fall collection. This look resembles the palette of the room above almost exactly! From the pale lavender blouse (the rug), brown jacquard jacket (the chair and ottoman), and the fresh green skirt (the sofas).

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

Another variation on that palette, with just a shot of red.

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

The geometric texture of the coat resembles a Hicksonian print, like below.

A classic David Hicks pattern

A honeycomb-like print, one of David Hicks’s more recognized. Designers like Jonathan Adler live for prints like this today. www.jonathanadler.com

Prada fall 2012

Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada found inspiration in the bold geometric prints that Hicks loved so much. Her fall 2012 collection is definitely a treat for the eyes! www.prada.com

room by David Hicks

A print covers both the bed hangings and bedding in this pretty bedroom by David Hicks.

Prada fall 2012

A huge trend for fall is the patterned suit, with Prada being the leader of the pack. Miuccia doesn’t stop there, adding a patterned bag in a complimentary color. I would style a patterned suit with black or neutral accessories for a great day look.

A decorating bible

An updated version of one of David Hicks’s books by his son Ashley, even has an iconic printed cover.

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

More sophisticated color and fabric combinations at Jonathan Saunders for fall 2012.

bedroom by David Hicks

Hicks chose to use patterned fabrics for the bed and at the windows, and also used a printed carpet wall-to-wall, as he often liked to do.

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

A modern dress in that textured geometric fabric again, is even more chic with a swoop of a belt to break up the rich red.

a room aglow in red by David Hicks

David Hicks LOVED color, and this red room is a great example of that love!

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

I adore a blouse that ties at the neck, and Saunders incorporated the classic piece into his modern show.

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

I love a little black dress (LBD), but how about a little plum dress? The red belt is a great compliment to the deep shade.

Jonathan Saunders fall 2012

More of that red and deep purple together at JS.

a tableau by David Hicks

As I mentioned before, David Hicks almost always added modern art to his rooms, as seen here. Something else he was so good at was his ability to dress surfaces in an amazing tableau, like this intricately carved console. He was a great decorator and curator.

room by David Hicks

There’s that bold art again, and an equally bold geometric rug. My favorite current designer, Jeffrey Bilhuber, often does a larger scale version of that pattern to paint wood floors. Definitely one of his signatures.