Top 5 British Designer Home Brands
Posted by
Gabrielle Johnson
Friday, August 31, 2012 2:32 PM EDT
With the spectacular 2012 Summer Olympics still fresh in the collective memory and the London Paralympics in full swing, it’s no wonder my thoughts are turning to all things British this year. Fortunately, you don’t need to skip across the pond to indulge in a little Anglomania. These five fashion-forward English brands are best known for their clothes and handbags, but their luxe, seriously covetable home décor items are worthy of a closer look.
 | Check Mate The iconic Burberry check has been splashed over everything from trench coats to umbrellas to iPad cases, and thanks to the label’s gorgeously indulgent cashmere throw blankets, you can drape the preppy pattern all over your bed (or take it ten steps further, like this Burberry-loving artist from Norway). For just a hint of the classic check, pick up a Burberry picture frame and display your snapshots in style. |
 | The Right Stripes Sir Paul Smith is famous for his whimsical designs, his exuberant use of colour and, of course, those instantly recognizable rainbow-hued stripes. Luckily for décor aficionados, he’s teamed up with a number of homeware brands to produce beautiful rugs (The Rug Company), stunningly sleek bowls, coffeemakers and bar sets (Stelton), and a need-it-now collection of Thomas Goode striped fine bone china. |
 | Great Dame Legendary fashion designer and “mother of punk” Vivienne Westwood is fine with having people walk all over her creations — really, she is. Her collaboration with The Rug Company has resulted in some of the coolest floor coverings I’ve ever laid eyes on (and I’m dying to set foot on them, too). The VW Flag rug is my personal favourite, while the Love Heart and Rubbish rugs would add major design cred to any room. |
 | Berry Nice You’ve got a Mulberry Alexa handbag on your arm and Mulberry studded booties on your feet; now how about Mulberry purple velvet sofa in your living room? The British brand has gotten an ultra-cool makeover in the last few years, and I think it’s high time your home got the same treatment. If a new couch isn’t in the cards, treat yourself to the company’s super-soft throw pillows and blankets, woven in Scotland or the north of England. |
 | Brit Wit Matthew Williamson is yet another British designer tapped by The Rug Company to create dreamy works of art for the floor; his Peacock rug has me swooning. Happily for my wallet, Williamson has also designed an adorable — and totally affordable — home collection for English department store Debenhams. I can’t decide between the birdcage cushion, the pink toile bedding set and the bright green damask towels, but thanks to the reasonable prices and delivery to Canada, I might just buy them all. |
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Topics:
British Design,
Dinnerware,
Furniture,
Luxury,
Splurge
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