If you haven’t seen this poster, or variations of it, where have you been hiding for the past year?
With not only the Queen’s diamond jubilee coming up fast this summer, but the Olympics in London too, it’s no surprise that British nostalgia isn’t hard to find at the moment!
Nothing says national pride and patriotism like some Union Jacks dotted around. And judging by the amount of them in shops right now, you’d think we were a nation of royalists!
Fortunately, thanks to the fabulously British ‘Cool Britannia’ design craze that has hit the stores at large, there are subtler and slightly more classy ways of displaying national pride than the old fashioned hanging of the St. George’s cross out of the window. Which – and I don’t know about everyone else – reminds me more of young boys supporting England in the world cup nowadays, than adults proud to display their patriotism.
Changing Rooms’ Laurence Llewelyn Bowen stated that the ‘Cool Britannia” theme was a great way for people to give their homes “a lot more character” at the Ideal Home Show 2012.
Although I love the ‘Cool Britannia’ style, I can’t help asking the question; how long before it comes old hat? It has already been a top seller for well over a year, how much longer will it last?
I assume it will last until the end of the year, with the Queen’s jubilee this summer. But would you be happy furnishing an entire room in this theme, then it be ‘old news’ within a matter of months? I know I wouldn’t.
Emma, 20 says
“Last year I kitted out my entire bedroom in the Cool Britannia design, and loved it at first, but within a year got slightly bored of it. I fancied floral bedding but couldn’t just buy it because it wouldn’t match the union jack accessories”
Reflecting on Emma’s dilemma, I advise that if you are going to embrace the ‘Cool Britannia’ craze in the bedroom, stick to plain coloured bedding and jazz it up with union jack cushions and funky red and blue photo frames. This will be far easier to part with than a whole roomful of expensive Cool Britannia themed furnishings.
- This beautiful Cool Britannia cushion is great if you want to embrace the theme without using the traditional red and blue. Bought from Laura Ashly £35
- Another Cool Britannia cushion by Laura Ashley £36, click the link below to visit the site and check out the full selection!
Visit Laura Ashley to see the full collection of Cool Britannia cushions
- If you're looking for a Cool Britannia statement piece, this is certainly a bold one! Sold at Debenhams
Visit Beth Stevens contemporary urban living to see some affordable Cool Britannia pieces. Not only is this site brilliant for embracing the theme with a few key focal items, it’s also great for if you’re on a budget, as most items are reduced!
Although some might say the Cool Britannia theme may border on tacky, I’m not going to deny that everyone’s going crazy for it this year!
However, in my house it’ll be a union jack table cloth and a couple of cushions for when the Olympics and Jubilee are on! Oh ok, and some bunting, and maybe a keep calm and carry on poster just for fun! Who doesn’t love getting into the spirit of things?!
Is Cool Britannia a theme that will stick around? What do you think?
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I love the cool Britannia design, it makes a room look really quirky and have invested in various pieces with the print. Every time you go into a homeware shop it is hard to miss the design as it is now everywhere showing its popularity! Also with the likes of Made in Chelsea’s Ollie Locke indulging in the print from his jackets to his cars its further up and coming! Thanks for the post!
One of the bedrooms at where i work have this look and it looks great. It is just a few things but makes a huge impact on his room. I would use this for a bedroom but wouldn’t have it in my lounge area, esp as it would become dated in time.
I too am loving this trend but have settled on bunting to decorate my porch along with masses of red and white begonias and geraniums packing every conceivable space Royal Brittania rules and given the choice of stock on the shelves we can all choose to interpret in our own individual way. Thank you for giving me even more ideas on my theme
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