Book Review- Inspirational Interiors, by Roger Banks-Pye

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Good morning, dear friends! Today I thought we’d have a look at a great design book that I’ve had now for several years and that I’ve found immensely practical in learning and understanding the quintessential English Country House Style. The book is called Colefax and Fowler – Inspirational Interiors, by Roger Banks-Pye. If you’re interested in interior design and classic English interiors (and have some time to spare), looking at old design books can be a wonderful way to educate your eye and learn valuable insights from someone else’s experience. Yes, some of these rooms may seem dated in terms of color scheme and amount of accessories, but looking deeper we notice the basic tenants of great design (which will never change) – comfortable and functional furniture layouts, atmospheric lighting plans, timeless patterns and accessories. We also get to see and appreciate original ideas implemented with the precision and confidence of someone who knows their craft well. And that’s priceless I think.

Founded in the 1930s by Lady Cybil Colefax who was later joined by John Fowler to form the company we’ve come to love and know today, Colefax and Fowler is a world-renowned interior design firm famous for its distinctive look – a meeting of comfortable English Country House style and the romantic elegance of eighteen-century. 

Roger Banks-Pye was one of the firm’s leading decorators until his passing in 1996 and this book is a wonderful opportunity to work alongside the talented designer on some of the most magnificent homes he’s done during a career that spanned decades. The book is both inspirational and invaluable as it reveals the way Roger Banks-Pye approached and thought about the design process – from the basic structure and working with patterns and color to furnishings, accessories and lighting. We get to see the designer’s unique approach to solving design problems with ideas that are intriguing and refreshing, always practical and forever comfortable. 

I hope you enjoyed today’s post! If something caught your eye and would like to see more, the book Inspirational Interiors, by Roger Banks-Pye has been recently reprinted and is now available for purchase on Amazon here. Wishing you a great day!