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Create A Bloomsbury Group Interior

Create A Bloomsbury Group Interior

Ana Zuravliova

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct
Thu 23 Dec 2021
Last updated Tue 22 Mar 2022

A background to the Bloomsbury style

Counting celebrated artists, intellectuals, and philosophers as part of its number, the Bloomsbury group advocated for the arts. While not an official codified group per se, the Bloomsbury group included E. M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, and John Maynard Keynes. Much of what the group supported revolved around painting, literature and even politics and economics, but they also had a lasting effect on interior design. Today, we’ll be exploring this colourful and supremely sophisticated world and help you enjoy their beauty, innovation, and creativity in your own home.

image to show example of bloomsbury group interior design in living room

What is Bloomsbury interior design?

Bloomsbury interior design sits at a crossroad between traditional décor, bohemian design, and art deco, encapsulating the best components of each while remaining distinct.

Since the Bloomsbury group celebrated individuality, the good news is there are no strict rules to follow in enjoying this aesthetic in your home, there are simply guidelines on how to really capture the overall effect which is eye catching, inspiring and will stand the test of time.

Think artistically

The trick is to think artistically, not mechanically. It’s not so much colour A goes with colour B, and only using certain materials, it’s much more about expressing your personality using bold colours, prints and whatever fabrics catch your eye!

Patterns

The patterns you use in your blinds, cushions, curtains or lamp shades can capture artistic scenes which don’t need to be confined to frames on the walls, or simply make joyous use of colour.

Quality and longevity

The longevity enjoyed by Bloomsbury interior design is also linked to one vitally important idea, namely that everything you surround yourself with should be of good quality and built to last.

The best colours and patterns for Bloomsbury interior design

If you’re looking to add a touch of the Bloomsbury group into your home, you must first think about colour. The influencers behind today’s theme fully embraced colour whether its warming mauves, fiery orange or deep dusky blue. While often seen as non-conformist, the key element here is to make your home feel refreshing and rejuvenating, avoiding austere colour palettes and minimalist designs. By adding this maximalist feeling into your home, you can make your own mark on your décor and create a scene that’s a reflection of yourself and no one else.

image to show example of how to use the bloomsbury group style in a bedroom

Flowing shapes

To make the most of the colour in your space, we recommend pairing your painted or vibrantly wallpapered walls with exciting curtains. Because of the flowing shapes of a well-made curtain, you can really go to town on the colours which will be broken up by the shadows. If, however, you prefer a more structured window dressing, a colourful Roman blind or roller blind will work equally well.

Bold patterns

If your walls are a single colour, you can opt for some bold patterns on whichever style of window dressing you’ve selected.

Usually, patterns are limited to geometric, striped, or floral patterns, but since we’re adding an artistic element to everything in our Bloomsbury inspired space, you can choose blinds or curtains with pictures featuring rather bohemian designs. These can include eyes, polar bears, bumble bees or even bicycles. Afterall, who said art can only live on the wall?

Mix up your patterns

The trick to maximising your patterns is to not double up on the same shape or scale. For example, if you have striped walls, consider a curtain with more fluid shapes. Alternatively, a geometric curtain would work well contrasting against floral wallpaper. If you’re not 100% sure which style would work best, you can order up to eight free samples to help inform your decision.

Accessories for Bloomsbury interior design

Using accessories is the ideal way to develop the maximalist edge of Bloomsbury interior design. Works of art with irregular frames, trinkets galore and plenty of vibrant soft furnishings will make a space feel eclectic and filled with personality. Key accessories to consider are cushions and lampshades. Feeling comfortable in a space is essential to the bohemian side of Bloomsbury group living, after all isn’t that the best way to conjure up your next novel or painting?

room set image of living room with a bloomsbury style interior

Energising cushions

While relaxing and taking in the beauty of your Bloomsbury group home, some well-chosen, energising cushions won’t only make you more comfortable, they’ll directly contribute to your design. Follow the same guidelines regarding colours and patterns above and add extra depth to your décor.

Matching homeware

Likewise, lamp shades – especially when used with ceiling lights – will help break up a space in an elegant way. Using similar colours in your lampshades to your blinds will help add a bit of structure to your interior while still adding to the individualistic chic effect. Fortunately, due to our products being handmade, you can enjoy any roller blind, Roman blind or curtain with matching lamp shades and cushions.

Dark natural woods

Finally, since there is an underlying feeling of traditional interior design that underpins Bloomsbury group decor, dark natural woods are also great to use throughout your space. Alongside dark wooden tables and bookcases, consider suspending your curtains from a quality dark wooden curtain pole.

Take some time too to consider the finials available which can add that exciting Bloomsbury twist to your curtain pole. While enriching the aesthetics of your curtain, it will also contribute to the overall feeling of quality in the space.

Like the Bloomsbury group, we have an unshakable commitment to quality. All of our products at Blinds Direct are made in the UK using only the finest materials by a talented team of experienced craftspeople. We work to the highest standards which ensures your new product will last for the long term, and is guaranteed for five years.


Shop our products inspired by the Bloomsbury group style:


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