Lessons from my UK holiday
I can’t believe we’re heading into November, and summer is just a distant memory! This past summer was a special one for me because of two big events — I moved our business to a new location just outside of Dundas, and our family embarked on a two-week adventure to the UK. Thanks to Andrew’s dedication to swimming, he was invited to compete at the International Children’s Games in Coventry, England with other 13-15 year olds from around the world. With that invitation, what better reason to plan a big trip overseas with the rest of the family? After two long years of travel restrictions, I was eager to explore internationally again, and England was the perfect place!
I hadn’t been there since my twenties and was itching to go back to explore the rich history, architecture and of course beautiful countryside. Visiting old friends and family were also on top of my list! From a professional point of view, I was also excited to experience, first hand, the latest design trends popular in both London and in the more rural areas of the country. Was everything as white and monochromatic as here? Are colour and pattern back in full force? On top of all of that richness, throw in a 4 day swim competition — the perfect recipe for a fantastic holiday for me!
Our trip was back in August, and the more I think back on it, I realize how much I got out of this trip (not just a brutal bout of covid when I got home!). There were so many highlights — I don’t even know where to start! On a personal level, I loved exploring the Roman baths, Georgian architecture, the filming locations from Bridgerton in Bath, the history in London and the house where Shakespeare was born. I LOVED it all! What I also found striking was the warmth and kindness of all the people we encountered, not to mention the country’s commitment to the environment. From the water ban, to the almost absence of plastic bottles and single use plastics. Everywhere I turne,d there was another environmental initiative. It was truly heartwarming and inspiring.
Professionally, there was so much for me to embrace — the layering of bright and bold colours, to the textiles, kitchen designs, and of most notably the perfect mix of old and new. Everyday, I encountered beautiful spaces and ideas. It gave me so much to think about in terms of how I’m doing things professionally, and offered me new perspectives of interiors. I also took great stock of the way the environment was considered in so many of the design decisions. In fact, so much so that I took away three important lessons that we need to ponder as designers, homeowners and anyone in the construction field. The environment and its impact needs to be considered first. Ultimately, we are interconnected so deeply with the environment that we need to cherish, respect it and preserve it for the future. In doing so, the first step to take is to embrace and cherish the old. Second, build using quality, sustainable and timeless materials. Lastly, consider the idea that less space is more when properly designed.
Embrace and cherish the old: What struck me was the preservation of architecture and the interiors of houses across the UK in the places that we visited. I loved imagining living in houses built in the 1600s or even earlier. The fact that they were standing, and in such great condition made me excited for the rich history that was being preserved. From the old retrofitted barn that we stayed in just outside of Bath, to all of the houses we walked by in London. Old doesn’t mean that it needs to be replaced, rather it needs to be carefully cared for, and respected for its history. Starting with who built it, the materials used and even the history of ownership. Why aren’t we working to preserve many of our old buildings and houses? It doesn’t matter where I drive, I see old houses and buildings torn down and replaced with something new. More of our old buildings should be preserved, repaired and cherished for years to come.
Timeless & Quality Materials: I know that I ramble about this often: the use of quality and timeless materials is paramount. Woods over composites, choosing finishes that will stand the test of time and don’t look like they are from a particular era. Here I go again, but I absolutely loved the way the hotels I encountered, the homes that I visited and even some restaurants were designed with this in mind. Timeless wood floors, hexagon tiles and beautiful wood details emphasizing large windows, high ceilings; designed so timelessly with modern pieces of furniture carefully positioned and intermixed with antiques. This method of design is both interesting and timeless.
Design Efficiently: As most know, space is limited and expensive for many residents throughout the UK, particularly in the large urban centers. Everywhere I turned, I encountered spaces that were small, but incredibly mighty. They were well thought out and incorporated products that enhanced the use of the small space. For example, we had a bathroom at one of AirBnB’s that at first glance looked so small. It was a small ensuite measuring approximately 8’ x 3’. It was simply but cleverly designed with a small wall hanging vanity that was only about 12” deep, and a wall mounted toilet with storage above and a 36” shower with niches and shelves for products. It had more functional storage then many of the massive ensuites that I’ve encountered. The smaller ensuite uses up less materials, less space and resources and it’s more functional.
Our trip was truly rewarding and inspiring. I will cherish these memories and the lessons I learned for years to come. While the difference in design between here and the UK is to be expected, I didn’t think I would be so moved by what I experienced. Particularly, their focus on the environment and timeless design. I laugh because I’ve always been an admirer of antiques and anything with a rich history. I’ve always known to mix old and new, and I loved that this perspective was thoroughly reinforced. Rather than disposing of everything, let’s work to bring new life to spaces for the next generations to admire.