One of the few still celebrated legacies that the British Empire left behind during the era of colonisation in Asia was this hodgepodge of an interior design style. Done right, the British colonial interior design style evokes a breezy laid-back atmosphere, perfect for endless lounging and relaxation. We take a look at how to recreate this design in this style guide.
<h2>Background</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155299" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/colonial.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="443" />
Image courtesy of Galen Crout
The British occupation of the “tropics” between the 17th and 19th century represents a dark part of history, where exploitation and subjugation are couched under empire discourses of salvation and civilisation. But it was also within this period that we saw a series of cultural amalgamation, evident in the homes of these European immigrants who decided to settle down in their colonies.
These colonists brought with them the elegance and formality of British interior design—the height of which was the Victorian style then—and adapted them to the heat and climate of the tropical environments while drawing details from local traditions and culture. What resulted is a blend of tropical living with the classic and formal styles of British interiors. 
<h2>Whitewashed walls</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127167" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Sync-Interior-The-Pine-Court-Telok-Kurau-4.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/sync-interior-pte-ltd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sync Interior</a>
The heat, sun and humidity of the tropics were often considered “hazardous” for European constitutions, so keeping the interiors feeling cool was often the first order of business.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127164" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Sync-Interior-The-Pine-Court-Telok-Kurau-1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="781" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/sync-interior-pte-ltd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sync Interior</a>
Walls were therefore whitewashed or painted in soft cream tones or light sand to create the illusion of a light and airy space. These light-coloured walls also provided the perfect backdrop for the rich dark wood furniture and the eclectic décor.
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<h2>Airy interiors</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-79521" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/DISTINCTidENTITY-McNair-Home-6.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/distinctidentity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DistinctIdentity</a>
Wooden shutters were often employed to keep out heat as well as to protect the interiors from the frequent storms in the colonies. Nowadays, there isn’t a real need for shutters, but you can still get them for a more authentic colonial look.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155301" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/space-sense-colonial.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: Space Sense Studio
Most shutters come with fixed louvres, but for more flexibility, opt for those with adjustable ones that let you determine the amount of heat and light you want to come in. For a more modern window furnishing option, black-and-white bamboo blinds are a good alternative.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155302" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/m3-studio-colonial-2.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/m3-studio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">M3 Studio</a>
To further combat the heat and keep the air inside moving, ceiling fans became an important part of British colonial homes. Get the look with ceiling fans that come with dark woodgrain designs or ones with an antique metal finish.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155303" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/m3-studio-colonial-1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/m3-studio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">M3 Studio</a>
<h2>Textures through natural materials</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155304" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/haus-atelier-colonial.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: Haus Atelier
Because of the relatively simple palette, textures were used to create more visual interest in a British colonial interior. Consider then how to create a more layered home.
One way to do so is to include the use of natural materials. For flooring, opt for dark timber wood or a lookalike for easier maintenance. Sturdy and formal furniture in dark teak or mahogany (hardwoods did better in humid climates) were also a common feature in colonial homes. Look out for ones with ornate carvings or interesting motifs—animals, plants, fruits—that would add another layer of texture to your space.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155305" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/insightout-33_TelokBlangahWay-0010.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1200" />
Design: Insight.Out
Contrasting against this formal look were the more casual rattan and cane furniture and furnishings. These were lightweight—which made travel easier for the British adventurer—while also helping to beat the heat. Rattan daybeds are a common sight, conjuring images of lounging on a particularly hot afternoon.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-138451" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Ehka-Studio-Paterson-Suites-Apartment-6.jpg" alt="" width="801" height="1200" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ehka-studio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ehka Studio</a>
When inviting textiles and fabrics, go with light and breathable fabrics like linens and cottons. These contribute to the easy breezy feel of a British colonial style home.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-152691" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Authors-Ang-Mo-Kio-Avenue-10-16.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="1500" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/authors-%e2%80%a2-interior-styling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Authors Interior &amp; Styling</a>
<h2>Globetrotting tendencies</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22578" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheAssociation-13Cantoment-01.jpg" alt="" width="791" height="960" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Association</a>
The British elites likened themselves to a well-travelled sort, which meant their homes were often decorated with items that they have sought in their travels. When sourcing for furnishings, hit up second-hand furniture stores for unique and vintage pieces to add to your home. Consider also exotic, travel-inspired decor like Chinese ginger jars, blue and white porcelain, magnifying glass, old maps, travel trunks and telescopes.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155306" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/icia-st-georges.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="675" />
Design: ICIA
Campaign furniture was also a must-have in the homes of the elites. Originally produced for British officers on military campaigns who stayed in tents and couldn’t live without their modern comforts, they were later a staple in wealthier homes in the tropics. These were furniture that were multifunctional, collapsible and highly portable, to make travelling around with them easier.
Some common campaign furniture to include in your own British colonial style home are steamer chairs, folding drink trays, and military chest or chest of drawers that usually come with removable feet and can be split into smaller parts.
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<h2>Tropical flair</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-135039" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheLocalInnterior-Commonwealth-Resale-3Room-5.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/local-inn-terior/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Local Inn.terior</a>
There was a certain obsession amongst the Victorian British for plant collecting. Plants in the tropics were seen as exotic, which saw many colonists incorporating tropical plants in their own homes. Large ferns, palm plants make a big impact while orchids and hibiscus offer a softer, more feminine touch to your British colonial style home.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-149379" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Collate-Ang-Mo-Kio-Resale-2-5.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="842" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/collate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collate</a>
For the brown fingers, consider tropical prints with floral and fauna motifs as an alternative. Use them in wallpaper, soft furnishings and furniture upholstery. More unusual places to incorporate a tropical flair include drawer or cabinet handles, table décor or lighting.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155307" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/collate-colonial.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1200" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/collate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collate</a>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-152743" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Authors-Hundred-Palms-Residences-07.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />
Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/authors-%e2%80%a2-interior-styling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Authors Interior &amp; Styling</a>
&nbsp;
<h2>Stockist: 10 places to shop for British colonial style furnishings</h2>
The Past Perfect Collection 
For: Campaign furniture and other antiques
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155298" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/past-perfect.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="978" />
315 Outram Road 
#11-05 Tan Boon Liat Building 
Singapore 169074 
<a href="https://pastperfect.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://pastperfect.sg/</a>
Island Living 
For: Rattan furniture and gorgeous beds
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155297" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/islandliving-large-aliki-daybed-furniture-929.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="799" />
5 Eunos Ave 8A 
#02-05 
Singapore 409459 
<a href="https://www.islandliving.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.islandliving.sg/</a>
The GoDown 
For: Conversation starters and interesting vintage items
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155296" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/thegodown.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="798" />
100D Pasir Panjang Road 
#02-08 The Meissa 
Singapore 118520 
<a href="https://www.thegodownstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thegodownstore.com/</a>
Bungalow 55 
For: British colonial style accessories and smaller furniture pieces
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155295" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/bungalow55.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="1024" />
8D Dempsey Road 
#03-04 
Singapore 249672 
<a href="https://www.thebungalow55.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thebungalow55.com/</a>
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Originals 
For: Intricately carved furniture
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155294" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/originals.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="1200" />
1 Bukit Batok Street 22 
Level 5 
Singapore 659592 
<a href="https://www.originals.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.originals.com.sg/</a>
Second Charm 
For: Customised wood and rattan furniture
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155293" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/secondcharm.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1200" />
21 Kallang Ave 
#05-165 
Singapore 339412 
<a href="https://www.secondcharmhome.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.secondcharmhome.com/</a>
Junkie’s Corner 
For: Vintage trinkets and furniture
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155292" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/junkiescorner.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="900" />
2 Turf Club Road 
Singapore 287988 
<a href="https://www.junkiescorner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.junkiescorner.com/</a>
Singapore Trading Post 
For: Romantic old Singapore furniture and décor
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155291" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/singapore-trading-post.jpg" alt="" width="961" height="1200" />
315 Outram Road 
#07-01 Tan Boon Liat Building 
Singapore 169074 
<a href="https://singaporetradingpost.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://singaporetradingpost.com/</a>
Blafink 
For: Customised upholstery pieces in tropical prints
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155290" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/blafink-1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="1200" />
19 Tai Seng Ave 
#02-01 
Singapore 534054 
<a href="https://www.blafink.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.blafink.com/</a>
Journey East 
For: Solid wood (teak and mahogany) pieces as well as vintage furniture 
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-155289" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/journey-east.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" />
315 Outram Road 
#03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building 
Singapore 169074 
<a href="https://journeyeast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://journeyeast.com/</a>
&nbsp;
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A Guide to the British Colonial Interior Design Style

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