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How to decorate your home with the pretty whimsy of Cecil Beaton’s style
The creative polymath has been celebrated with two exhibitions this year, so it seemed an apt time to revel in his aesthetic
As the elegance of creative polymath Cecil Beaton’s style is celebrated with two exhibitions this year – at The Garden Museum and National Portrait Gallery (until 11 January 2026) – his unique world view is having a moment. Our particular decorative starting point is his beautifully stylised take on Edwardian high-society fashion that captured imaginations during My Fair Lady’s run on Broadway. When, in 1964, the production was turned into a film (with the role of Eliza Doolittle transferred from Julie Andrews to Audrey Hepburn), it was Beaton who Hollywood called on to create fresh costumes and sets.
Our edit is inspired by the home of Mrs Higgins – mother of the phonetics tutor who plucked flower-seller Eliza from the streets, hoping to win a bet by turning her into a ‘lady’. It’s an elaborate iced-cake of a home – from the white woodwork to the floral textiles, it could not be more classically Beaton.
‘Engraved Feather’ pitcher, Lobmeyr
Made from finest muslin glass, the delicacy of this piece by Susanna Rath is heightened by the precise engraving of the feathers directly onto the glass – a skill achieved painstakingly by hand. £720, lobmeyr.at
‘The Dancing Orchids’ cushion, House of Hackney
Celebrate a less blousy side to florals with this hemp cushion that features and illustration of orchids – a flower that is said to symbolise beauty and love (two things that Beaton felt passionately about). £145, houseofhackney.com
‘Odell’ sofa, Soho Home
It may be inspired by the retro aesthetic of Soho Home‘s 180 House rather than Beaton’s era, but there is still a hint of his softness of touch when it comes to the colour palette – a gorgeous ‘Lichen’ velvet. From £3,790, sohohome.com
‘Ianthe Mono’ wallpaper, Liberty
One of Liberty’s reworked archival prints, this pattern brings together elements of Art Nouveau style and the concept of the tree of life. Its ‘Pewter White’ colourway makes it a historical reference that can comfortably fit into contemporary homes. £130 per roll, libertylondon.com
‘Opera Round’ side table, Tom Faulkner
This piece by the British designer known for his work in metal feeds Art Nouveau references through a futuristic lens. It is at once delicate and tough. A dichotomy that could also be used to describe Beaton. £1,590, tomfaulkner.co.uk
‘Rose’ linen napkins, Abask
Crafted by Taf Firenze – a shop specialising in hand embroidery, base in the heart of Florence – these napkins have a timelessly elegant quality and crafted feel that gives them the air of heirloom pieces. £2,940 with matching tablecloth, abask.com
‘Clay’ armchair, Moroso
Designed by Giorgia Zanellato and Daniele Bortotto, this plump modern seat has a soft palette that suits the modern floral style of this decorating look. It’s beautiful from the side, but approach it from the back and an ombré pattern delights. £3,499, moroso.it
‘MDS Embroidered Lattice’ border, Samuel & Sons
The perfect addition to upholstery or curtains, this embroidered design reminds us of garden pagodas. It would deliver an element of spring-like beauty into an every-season style. £99 per m, samuelandsons.com
‘Momentum II’ mirror, Studiotwentyseven
The elegance of this mirror’s frame – like a swooping signature – is emphasised by the materials: there’s a choice of oak, maple, sapele, African mahogany and walnut. It is the work of South Korean designer Soo Joo, who is inspired by biophilic forms. From £21,000, studiotwentyseven.com
‘Lilaz’ fabric, Dedar
Whether the pattern of this fabric – picked out with flock and gilt – depicts rolling hills or floating clouds is up for interpretation, but what cannot be debated is the slight art deco influence behind its subtle shimmer. £446 per m, dedar.com
‘Utzon’ stool, Fritz Hansen
Danish designer Jørn Utzon created this small wooden stool, with its flowerhead-like seat, at around the same time he was drawing up architectural designs for the Sydney Opera House. It shares a similar freedom of expression – and is an ideal way for minimalists to introduce a note of florals. £1,099, fritzhansen.com
‘Willow’ wallpaper, Morris & Co
Designed in 1874 by William Morris, this foliage-filled pattern is a classic, as well as an enduringly modern way to introduce fresh foliage into the home. £108 per roll, wmorrisandco.com
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