Little – if anything – has been written about her impact on home design taste and trends.
Much of the coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s September 8, 2022 death has focused on her seven decades of service, her meetings with other world leaders, her famous family, the love of her subjects, her dogs, fashion taste and funeral. Little – if anything – has been written about her impact on home design taste and trends. They’re worth a look.
“Conservative is the first word that comes to mind when describing Queen Elizabeth’s style or taste,” observes New York-based architect and historian Kate Reggev. “The Queen lived through some of the most exciting, innovative, and rule-breaking decades in the design and architecture worlds; however, she made few alterations to the historic homes she resided in, likely out of a sign of respect and deference to her lineage and the throne’s past (but also perhaps a reflection of her personal style).”
British-born, Malibu-based interior designer Barrie Livingstone regularly visits the U.K. and incorporates elements of British influence in his design projects. In fact, he’d just acquired two pieces of royalty-inspired wall art that were hanging behind him when interviewed by NewsNation about the Queen’s death. “Traditional period styles in England vary from farmhouse to manor to city townhouse, but on the whole traditional interiors and the Queen’s home styles really do set the tone for good taste,” he asserts.
Other hallmarks of her home style include antique textiles, tapestries and fabrics rich in vibrant colors used in all rooms, he notes, and Persian and ottoman empire rugs laid on unique antique old growth wood floors. And of course, there’s an impressive collection of art. While even the typical well-to-do California or Cambridge homeowner doesn’t have a royal budget to work with, you do see those influences in homes on both sides of the pond, especially the desire to personalize with one’s own precious collectibles and art collection.
