Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa’

Colorful Classic Decor in London? Yes, indeed you read that right. Colorful.

While white decor may be favored far and wide here in Lovelyland, we are not rigid or blind to the beauty of colorful interiors. Energizing and stirring, a colorful room can lift the spirit, transport the heart, and awaken the senses in lovely mysterious ways! Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa’ explored today is the work of Studio L London, who harmonized multiple influences in a luxurious three-bedroom London apartment.

Sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Pink and green luxurious sitting Room with Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa.’

Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa’

Today it’s a pleasure to spotlight Studio L London, with designer Laura Marino at the helm, who takes a discerning, unexpected, aspirational-with-a-touch-of fantasy approach to varied bespoke projects.

Design: Studio L London IG: studiollondon Pinterest: Studio L, London All Photography: Nick Rochowski  IG: objectsofjourney  Architecture: TateHindle

First, An Overview

‘Out of Africa,’ British Colonial, the softer side of Victoriana, and even a nod to American preppy style (raise your hand if you wore a preppy pink polo with Kelly green and boat shoes three decades ago!) were woven into a cohesive design plan.

Icing on the cake? Studio L London shares sources for materials as well as expert advice for getting this decor look (stay tuned for the follow-up with that advice!).

Sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…this sitting room is lovely, indeed!

Pink and green together are lovely indeed!

Secondly, Inspiration from At Least 3 Daydreams

Studio L London’s interior design direction was inspired by at least three gorgeous daydreams. Firstly, 1985’s ‘Out of Africa. Secondly, leafing through a Slim Aaron’s book (here’s one!). Finally, a prepster pink mood (aren’t the dapper gents above wearing it well?).

Interiors with lightened up British colonial flavor, femininity, and modern elegance are the lovely design result. (By the way, to fully appreciate the range of textures and subtle finishing, do expand the photos to discover textural wall coverings, perfectly patina-ed herringbone wood floors, and sumptuous textiles!)

Thirdly, ‘Out of Africa’ Inspired Design

Ahhhhhh, Out of Africa. Can you believe it has been 33 years since its release? While you will not find plantation house interiors or interior design in this clip, a beautiful blast from the past is worth taking a moment for Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.

Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen

Colorful Classic Decor in London: Sitting Room

Detail of pillows on green sofa in sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
In case you love color and luxury too: Studio L London’s Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by ‘Out of Africa.’
Sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Design: Studio L London. Ceiling wallpaper: Phillip Jefferies JAPANESE SILK in PEARL ICE (find more options here too).  Wallpaper (above paneling): Phillip Jefferies GLAZED ABACA in BRUSHED SILVER. Ceiling and Wall lights: Visual Comfort.  Coffee table: Julian Chichester Armchairs: Bespoke Sofa.  Curtains & Pelmet fabric: Elitis “Smile II”.  Chess Board: Jonathan Adler.  Art: Trowbridge.  TV Cabinet: designed by Studio L with Ralph Lauren wallpaper lacquered onto the front, made by Hyde House Furniture. Area Rug: Beni Ourain.  Sofa: Ben Whistler, upholstery by Gaston y Daniela. Photo by Nick Rochowski.
Blush pink chair in Sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…certainly lovely, indeed! Just in case you also love an elegant interior with blush pink.
Sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
In case you love rich herringbone wood flooring too. Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…decidedly lovely, indeed!

Lightened Up British Colonial Style

Sitting room in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Design: Studio L London. Ceiling wallpaper: Phillip Jefferies JAPANESE SILK in PEARL ICE (find more options here too).  Wallpaper (above paneling): Phillip Jefferies GLAZED ABACA in BRUSHED SILVER. Ceiling and Wall lights: Visual Comfort.  Coffee table: Julian Chichester Armchairs: Bespoke Sofa.  Curtains & Pelmet fabric: Elitis “Smile II”.  Chess Board: Jonathan Adler.  Art: Trowbridge.  TV Cabinet: designed by Studio L with Ralph Lauren wallpaper lacquered onto the front, made by Hyde House Furniture. Area Rug: Beni Ourain.  Sofa: Ben Whistler, upholstery by Gaston y Daniela. Photo by Nick Rochowski.

Luxurious London Sitting Room Resources

Design: Studio L London

Ceiling wallpaper – Phillip Jefferies JAPANESE SILK in PEARL ICE (also find more options here too.)

Wallpaper (above paneling) – Phillip Jefferies GLAZED ABACA in BRUSHED SILVER

Ceiling and Wall lights – Visual Comfort

Coffee table – Julian Chichester

Armchairs – Bespoke Sofa

Curtains & Pelmet fabric – Elitis “Smile II”

Chess Board – Jonathan Adler

Art – Trowbridge

TV Cabinet – designed by Studio L with Ralph Lauren wallpaper lacquered front, made by Hyde House Furniture.

Area Rug – Beni Ourain

Sofa – Ben Whistler, upholstery by Gaston y Daniela

Classic Paint Color in Luxurious London Home

FARROW & BALL’S Cornforth White is the paint color on all the wood work (paneling, doors, and mouldings). For a story about choosing the right white paint, also see this.

Paint Colours | Cornforth White | Farrow & Ball #farrowandballcornforthwhite
FARROW & BALL Cornforth White…”An understated grey. Cornforth White is the mid tone in the group of Easy Neutrals which are totally understated and extremely versatile. Neither too warm nor too cool, Cornforth White sits contentedly between Ammonite and Purbeck Stone to create a hushed and calming retreat. Named in memory of John Cornforth, the revered architectural historian, contrast with Wevet to enhance its grey qualities.” -Farrow & Ball

  Luxurious London Kitchen Design

Additionally, this lovely home’s light and bright kitchen was shortlisted by the International Design and Architecture Awards (for Kitchen Design Over £50,000).

White bespoke kitchen in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
In case a luxurious, bespoke classical kitchen also rocks your world…certainly lovely indeed.

Design: Studio L London

Cabinetry – Siematic UK “Classic Beaux Arts” in Nickel and Sterling Grey Matt lacquer

Appliances – Miele Pureline

Wallpaper – Jim Thompson no.9 – Bamboozle in Pearly Gates

Dining Chairs – Julian Chichester

Dining Table  – Richard Taylor Designs

Art – Trowbridge

Master Bedroom

Peach headboard in in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Bed: Bespoke Sofa in Verel de Belval fabric.  Cushions: Custom in Verel de Belval, Schumacher.  Wallpaper: Aba Interiors. Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…certainly lovely, indeed!
Peach and blue bedroom in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Bespoke luxury and also elegance: Colorful Classic Decor in London…decidedly lovely indeed.

Design: Studio L London

Bed – Bespoke Sofa in Verel de Belval fabric, Schumacher

Cushions – Custom in Verel de Belval, Schumacher

Wallpaper – Aba Interiors

Bedroom 2

Grey Liberty of London wallpaper in bedroom with white wingback bed in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…certainly lovely, indeed! Just in case you also need more Liberty of London in your life.

Design: Studio L London

Sleigh Bed – Bespoke Sofa in Elitis Fabric “Archipel”

Cushions – Liberty of London

Wallpaper – Rubelli “Dorian Gray” fabric that was paperbacked for the walls

Bedside Tables – Nicholas Haslam

Nicky Haslam's Folly De Grandeur (Rizzoli)
In case you need a beautiful design book: Nicky Haslam’s Folly de Grandeur (Rizzoli): FIND HERE

Bedroom 3

Bedroom with blue print headboard in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…certainly lovely, indeed!
Modern wall sconce and blue upholstered headboard in London apartment. Colorful Classic Decor in London Inspired by 'Out of Africa' - come see more from Studio L London! #britishcolornial #livingroom #pinkandgreen #elegantdecor #Londonapartment #interiordesigninspiration
Colorful Classic Decor in London and also bespoke luxury…certainly lovely indeed.

Design: Studio L London

Bed – Bespoke Sofa in Osbourne & Little fabric in “Keshi Velvet”

Cushions – Ralph Lauren and Clarence House fabrics

Bedside Tables – Nicholas Haslam

Master Bathroom

Calacatta marble on walls in a luxurious bespoke bathroom by Studio L London.
Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…decidedly lovely, indeed!

Design: Studio L London

Calacutta Marble Walls – Paris Ceramics

Nero Marquina marble Floor – Paris Ceramics

Vanity, Mirror & wall lightsShower Door, Toilet & Bathtub– Devon & Devon

Taps – Samuel Heath “Moderne”

Guest Bathroom

Sage green wall tiles in a luxurious bespoke bathroom designed by Studio L London.
Colorful, elegant, and also layered with bespoke luxury…certainly lovely, indeed!

Design: Studio L London

Sage Green ceramic tile – Fired Earth

Statuary marble Floor – Paris Ceramics

Vanity & wall lights – Devon & Devon

Taps – Samuel Heath “Fairfield”

Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen

For additional classic decor inspiration, also see these kitchens, this architecture, and this house tour.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY BATH!
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Edgecombe End Table
French Stripe Basket Set
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
Antique Brass Floor Lamp
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
San Jose Handleset for Front Door
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Silver End Table
Louis Upholstered Bench
Alabaster 30″ Lamp
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Farmers Market Wreath
Venetian Etched Mirror (24″ x 36″)
Linen Modern Wing Chair
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Marble Column Lamp
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Shop My Kitchen!
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Modern Brass Globe Pendant
Antiqued Sunburst Mirror
Wreath Doormat
Leather Chesterfield Sofa
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Linen Slipcover Dining Chair

Do visit Studio L London for more inspiration, and stay tuned for their expert decorating advice!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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8 Comments

  1. July 17, 2018 / 2:07 pm

    If there’s one thing that makes my head snap, it’s any mention of Africa. I lived in Kenya for two years, and I saw the premiere of “Out of Africa” in Nairobi–the audience reacted to the lines in Swahili and Kikuyu before the subtitles came up, which was special.
    I of course visited Karen Blixen’s house, and one of my favorite hangouts was the (Lord Delamere) terrace of the Norfolk Hotel. I just now looked online and am mightily dismayed to see they have replaced the wooden chairs, which were SO comfortable and so classic. I took about a dozen photos of them, intending to find identical ones for my home one day (the old ones, not the banal new rattan versions–I have nothing against rattan but the old ones were so perfectly 1900s-1920s).
    In fact, I so loved the simple but elegant colonial style, mixed with local art, that I bought a book, “Safari Style,” full of interiors that, to me a least, look current decades later (decades! when did that happen?). I still look to it for inspiration.
    I really like the London interpretation. Green: duh. As one of my Kenyan students told me, “Green is beautiful because it is the color of living things.” Pink does indeed play well with green, and I certainly saw plenty of it. Also vivid blues and bright reds. No shy colors. But there would be much more wood. Furniture was made of wood, parquet floors, lots of reddish browns, which matched the earth outside.

    • michele
      Author
      July 17, 2018 / 4:02 pm

      How amazing is that!?! I saw online how Karen Blixen’s house became a museum, and I love the info you supply about the Norfolk Hotel. Would love to see photos of your travels and life in Africa show up on Taste of France! Your take on safari style sounds magical – I am completely ignorant as to what would make it lovely and will add that to the list of reasons to travel there someday. 🙂

  2. July 18, 2018 / 10:54 am

    Out of Africa is my favourite movie – the epic plains of Africa with the textures, colours, sights & sounds are just so special. The Continent of my birth is just so magical. While in Denmark last month, I saw the memorial to Karen Blixen / Isak Dinesen’s brother Thomas in Churchill Park, a memorial to his VC; he had visited his sister in Kenya & helped her with her coffee farming …

    I am always pleased to see suggestions for incorporating the elements of Africa in our UK homes.

    • michele
      Author
      July 18, 2018 / 2:56 pm

      Thanks for adding another lovely layer to this story! How special to visit those memorials. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences here and following along. 🙂

  3. Joanna
    July 18, 2018 / 12:51 pm

    I recently watched Out of Africa. I think I appreciated it more as a mature women than I did when it was newly released. A beautiful, poignant movie that I will watch again and again…
    I had a trip booked for Kenya in 2006 but an unfortunate & tragic accident forced me to cancel. Taste of France’s comment has me thinking it’s time to make that trip.
    I’m not picking up on the out of Africa theme in the above photos. They seem more contemporary than British colonial.

    • michele
      Author
      July 18, 2018 / 2:55 pm

      Can’t wait to hear about your travels if you make the trip! It is definitely not purely British Colonial flavor, and most of us would not consider the woodsy ceiling look “rustic” but the film inspired the designer in some way which made way for this! 🙂

  4. July 18, 2018 / 1:40 pm

    I love the London rooms with their rich colorful accents! They have an eclectic, well-traveled feeling.

    • michele
      Author
      July 18, 2018 / 2:52 pm

      So chic and luxe! Thanks for reading & happy Wednesday, beautiful. 🙂

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing