New English Interiors: At Home with Today's Creatives

by Elizabeth Metcalfe, Dean Hearne (photographer)

A deep-dive into the homes of 22 of England’s most exciting creatives, with interiors writer Elizabeth Metcalfe and photographer Dean Hearne.

Of the countless interior design trends that come and go every year, there is one that the ever-evolving English style. 

An inspiration to people across the world, it is a style rich with colour, pattern and a certain eccentricity. Wallpapers, fabrics, charming details and lovingly collected objects are all among the key components of a style that embraces individuality and benefits from its layers being allowed to evolve slowly. 

New English Interiors explores over 20 homes – a handful of which have not been published before – belonging to some of England’s most exciting creatives, from interior designers and illustrators to artists and antique dealers. With original photography by Dean Hearne and illuminating insights into how these interiors came together, it promises to be an inspiring visual feast. From fashion stylist and designer Lucinda Chambers’ colourful kaleidoscope of a home in west London to illustrator Fee Greening’s earthy toned cottage in Dorset, this is a celebration of colour and pattern in its infinite variety. 

Other interiors featured belong to the likes of designer Cath Kidston, artists Annie Morris and Idris Khan and designers Luke Edward Hall and Duncan Campbell. While they range aesthetically from the bold and theatrical to the more earthy and homespun, there is one thing that unites them they are deeply personal visual moodboards for their owners. None of them are static these interiors are ever-evolving and that is part of their joy. 

Featuring everything from small city flats to country cottages, this promises to be the perfect inspiration for anyone who might want to live with glorious layers of colour and pattern. It is also a lesson in how to let our personalities  – with their many facets and quirks – guide how we decorate our homes. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Interior Design, Coffee Table Books, Design

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lauren Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes cottagecore to a whole new level! A traditional and eclectic mix of decor in the homes featured in this book makes for lovely, cozy visuals. It was a little challenging to enjoy all the details in digital format, and I would definitely enjoy holding this book in my hands and flipping through for inspiration. The homes featured all have their own flair but there is a consistent visual aesthetic throughout. A nice book filled with inspirational images.

ARC from NetGalley

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, but this kind of decor is not for me, too garish, too many colors, too many things. I'm probably more of a minimalist, and besides, there are very few bookshelves....

Bellissime foto, ma questo tipo di arredamento non fa per me, troppo sgargiante, troppi colori, troppe cose. Probabilmente sono piu minimalista e, inoltre, ci sono pochissime librerie....

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is a little janky, but the homes are right up my alley. Even though I have already seen most of them due to my obsessive viewing of House & Garden's "Design Notes" series, it's a pleasure to explore these riotously colorful English homes in detail. I'm inspired anew! I need some new vibrant lampshades! A big suzani or two!

[Mia Caven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love but would love if there were some differences here - they all looked so the same

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw New English Interiors, I was excited by the prospect of drawing inspiration from its pages. The initial impression was promising, with the book's beautiful layout and stunning photography. However, as I delved deeper, it was somewhat lacklustre for my taste. The book focuses heavily on the aesthetics of English designers and artists, which, while visually appealing, didn't resonate with the everyday practicality I had hoped for. In fact, some of the rooms featured felt overly garish to me.

That said, this book would be a treasure trove for those who adore colour and have an eclectic taste. It offers a vibrant showcase of bold interiors, and I can see the appeal for those who are drawn to such a style. I particularly admired Cath Kidston's aesthetic, which blends classic elements with pops of colour and bold florals. The purple armchairs, in particular, stood out to me—they were elegant and striking.

In conclusion, while New English Interiors wasn't quite what I was looking for, I would recommend it to anyone who loves an eclectic style with bold colours. It's a beautifully crafted book, but it just wasn't the right fit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion | Frances Lincoln for gifting me an e-book copy of New English Interiors.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is MY kind of decorating book! Color, color, color - and LOTS of STUFF. The designers here LOVE vivid colors, lots of pattern, tons of pictures on the wall, and oh, so many knick-knacks. I've died and gone to heaven! Every room is warm and cozy, and very inviting. Let me put the tea on, and grab a book from one of those shelves.







If you like white interiors that feature only one framed painting per wall, and metal framed furniture that looks like it belongs in a dentist's office, you'll be wanting to avoid this book.
Everyone else - settle in, and set your mind to dreaming.

Many thanks to the Quarto Publishing group and NetGalley for the fun.

[Erinn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the cover of New English Interiors, I knew I had to have it. It promised everything I love about English interior design/style - bold colors, rich textures and patterns, and unique pieces of furniture and decor. And all that and more was delivered.

The book focuses on 22 homes, giving context behind the homes and its inhabitants, the spirit behind the aesthetics, concepts, and thought processes, and there are plenty of beautiful images to feast your eyes upon. I like books set up like this because you walk away with more than just images to try and copy, but also with ideas that you can adapt to work with your own lifestyle and spaces more authentically.

There’s a little bit of everything in here, and while it felt cohesive as a book, I feel like ever entry added to the whole. I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend to pretty much everyone whether you are looking for a fun coffee table book or are seriously looking to bring some English style into your next home redesign project!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!*

[Joana Francener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as the introduction of the books states: this book is a respite for those who can’t take minimalist interiors any longer. Sometimes more is just more lol!

I really enjoyed this book, especially the historical homes. If you’re looking for bold ideas on how to combine multiple textures and colors in a cozy environment, you found your inspiration source!

I read the advanced digital copy, but I think I’ll pre order the physical copy, because it’s just a very nice book to have at the coffee table. The pictures look great on the iPad too if you’re not looking to have a physical copy.

I think one of my favorite aspects of the individual stories in this book is how the people featured have a love and respect for the historical houses they inhabit. Very often we look at major remodeling projects that gut a property and change them drastically. The projects featured are a beautiful assemble of people invested in paying homage to the heritage and bringing that history to the forefront of their living spaces.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Book for the advanced copy!

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

New English Interiors is a beautifully put together book. The images are vibrant and engaging, and the layout flows seamlessly, making it a pleasure to look through.

Were the rooms to my taste? Not exactly, the word "gaudy" comes to mind, and for some readers, that may be part of the appeal. When one thinks of English homes, this is certainly not the traditional picture that springs to mind. Yet, as bold and extravagant as the designs are, the eclectic mix works surprisingly well and keeps your interest throughout.

There was not a room I felt like skipping, and the concepts behind each design were just as intriguing as the images themselves. While I would not personally replicate any of the rooms in full, there are plenty of creative ideas to draw inspiration from within this imaginative collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group | White Lion | Frances Lincoln for providing an advanced copy.

[Opal Edgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful coffee-table book for anyone who likes bohemian interiors, joining the modern to the ancient with high contrast colours, particularly sunshine/coral, avocado green/cobalt/pink.
I enjoyed looking at those various interiors from British creatives, probably because I am in the phase of renovating my home and personalising it.
There is definitely a lot of character and individuality in all those more maximalist homes, but it's funny to also see very similar threads and how a lot of them would very much fit together in one home.
The photography is beautiful, and the brightness of all the shots particularly stood out. While I expect beautiful lighting from Australia, I had expected darker shots from England, and I was pleasantly surprised to see all this light.

[Flalalaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

eeeeeep

I love this so much, it's like my Pinterest boards wrote a book

(Growing up on Brambly Hedge books, Tess and Alfred's were some of my favourite)

I also really like Gavin Houghton's take that wallpapers and colours rarely change, that they provide a framework; I can see how choosing things that "fit" in the space makes it easier to come together

Organized chaos, clutter, whatever you want to call it - makes a home feel like home - it just makes my heart so happy

I could honestly sit here and pick out something I loved about each design featured, I need this on my coffee table!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book to sit down and read with a cup of tea and calming music playing in the background. It covers 20 homes of English creatives with their lovely homes filled with bold ideas, rich in color and design. It was delightful to turn the pages to see the bright colors, beautiful and unique patterns and textures along with unique furniture and home decor. I loved reading this on my iPad so that I could see the colors and the format in a magazine style. It would be a perfect addition to a coffee table collection of books to look over at a dinner party or gathering.

Thank you to Net Galley and Quatro Publishing Group- White Lion for providing me with a digital review copy in return for an honest review.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read.

I have always been fascinated by English style. I think it has a warm, cozy feel to it with its own unique quirks. The book has a wide range of decor in style, color and complexity. A variety of people have given their takes and stories about their journey towards creating an English interior and how they got there which gives us a lot of perspective and there's something for everyone. From bright, complex decor to simple, cozy feels, this was a well rounded book to consult.

Thanks to the publisher and the Netgalley for a review copy!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so much fun to explore and tour other homes through these pages. So many opportunities for a fresh spark of creativity and inspiration. Eccentric, eclectic, and brilliant! Designs I would never think of pulling off somehow work perfectly. Different homes, styles, and lots of colors! There is nothing subtle about any of these homes, yet they are balanced and welcoming. I appreciated the opportunity to get an insider’s view.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Interior Decorating books and I absolutely loved this beautifully photographed book featuring the exciting colors and patterns used in Flats and Cottages in England by interior decorators and artists, etc. An eye opening experience being able to peak inside these creatively decorated homes. I thank Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book. Every home is colorful, eclectic and personal. Nothing matches, and the spaces are delightful. I love all the use of vintage items, layered rugs, surprising paint colors and oddball items. I also love that these rooms are filled with books, often to the ceiling. I have always looked at bookless rooms with a mixture of horror and distaste. Great inspiration.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

[She Who Shall Remain Nameless · Rating 4 out of 5]

English design style has always been my favorite as they seem to have a more confident grasp of the use of color and pattern. The interiors featured in this book were lovely, and the libraries were of course my favorite. I will confess that I haven’t read through all of the text yet as I only had time for the visual stimulation lol. Overall, this is a lovely addition to my design and architecture library.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These homes were eclectic and stunning! Every time I looked at the photos I found something new to admire about everyone's living space.

The layout was done really well and I loved the profiles on each of the owners. Definitely a refreshing perspective shift from the typical crisp, modern and minimalist decor we typically see highlighted now.

[Kayla(paperbacksandroses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/ I love historical homes and decor so I enjoyed the inspirations in this book, especially the paint colors, bookshelves, and old meets the new charm of the styles in this book. Most of the homes used are older classic English homes, something I love to see is I would love this book for a coffee table book in my own home!

Genre: home design, nonfiction

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous book, which provides a smorgasbord of color and design in more than 20 featured homes of English creatives. I oohed and aahed over page after page and imagined living in each compelling abode, from country cottage to urban flat. Highly recommended!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! The layout of the photographs were perfect for the style of the interiors (which I’m obsessed with). The little articles for each person/partners were the perfect length for a book like this as well.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

New English Interiors is a collection of eclectic and unusual updates and changes to English interiors. The book contains numerous photographs depicting some of the new looks.