Simply New England Style

Where exactly is New England? 

The area of New England lies at the the North East corner of the United States and includes 6 states including Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,Vermont and New Hampshire. Known to be the first area to be colonised by the English it was here that the Mayflower landed with it's band of Pilgrims from Plymouth in 1620. It was Captain John Smith (he of Pocahontas fame) who named the area New England with typical English pomposity.  

The New England states maintain their own cultural identity. New England conjures up images of large Colonial timber houses in leafy suburbs, sweeping verandas, white lighthouses down by the bay and Barry Manilow songs (don't judge me - it's a nice song!). Famous for it's maple syrup, seafood chowder and all-American blueberry pie, it is the epitome of Colonial America.

 

New England Style - Interior Design

 

As many of the towns and villages are on the coast it it unsurprising that many of the homes are beach houses or 'Shingle houses' interior design is often coastal chic with nautical elements. Both on the coast and further inland traditional New England style is a neutral colour palette of whites and creams teamed with wooden floors, painted furniture and printed linens in stripes of faded reds and blues.

 
Kitchens are in classic country style complete with 'worn' painted furniture, wicker baskets and stripy tea-towels.




 

Living rooms have painted wooden floors with large rugs, comfortable plain sofas, softened with cushions and throws and simple window dressings to allow in the fresh summer breeze.

Beds tend to be white and wooden topped with cool inviting linen in pinks, blue-grays and taupes you can't wait to get into. White wooden walls and simple floaty voiles give the room a clean, fresh air.

This timeless style is becoming more and more popular over here and it's endearing charm can be easily incorporated into many other schemes. With painted furniture similar to Shabby Chic and Country Cottage these timeless pieces are not only practical but look great. New England doesn't have to be twee, just add some splashes of colour or modern lighting to bring it right up to date.

If you fancy a bit of New England in your home, Oxala has a lovely selection of classic pieces. To view please go to our website at..... www.oxala.co.uk