Heritage Homes, Modern Inspiration

Houston’s Anglophiles are basking in the spotlight, as all things British — from Maximalism and Cottagecore to Dark Academia — dominate Instagram feeds and interior design mood boards. The influence has even reached Houston’s restaurants and private clubs, with spaces like the Marigold Club and Annabelle Brasserie reflecting a decidedly British flair.

This cultural wave has elevated the city’s designers who’ve long been inspired by British architecture and interiors. While books, museums, and period dramas have long served as sources of inspiration, Houston’s designers are now finding a new, immersive way to connect with Britain’s rich design heritage — and it’s more accessible than ever.

Recently, top Houston designers were invited to tea at Park House to meet Emma, Duchess of Rutland, and her daughter Lady Violet Manners. The event spotlighted Lady Violet’s new venture, HeritageXplore, which offers rare access to privately owned British castles and stately homes. CultureMap spoke with Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic, senior designer Kelsey Ralph of Meg Lonergan Interiors, and Hallie Henley Sims — all self-proclaimed Anglophiles — about the growing appeal of British style and how HeritageXplore is reshaping preservation and interior design experiences.

“The British are really having a moment, especially with all the stunning prints from heritage fabric houses and contemporary UK designers,” says Elias. “I’m drawn to the way they use color — softer, more muted tones that still manage to create drama when layered with patterns. Their natural light is so different from what we have in Texas, and that influences everything.”

Elias, who has previously visited Belvoir Castle, speaks with admiration about how the British blend upholstery, antiques, and layered furniture arrangements — particularly in living spaces. She believes that HeritageXplore, which allows small groups to stay in these historic homes, gives guests an unmatched opportunity to experience their design logic and lived-in charm. “Even formal spaces like the Elizabeth Saloon at Belvoir Castle feel warm, comfortable, and genuinely lived-in. Being there helps you understand why and how it all works,” she says.

In a market like Houston, where clients appreciate — and invest in — nuanced details, authenticity is key. Designers are eager to observe firsthand the techniques and elements that define historic British interiors.

“From curtain trims to door hardware, from how art is hung in libraries to how furniture is scaled — these homes are a masterclass in subtle design decisions,” Elias notes. “And in high-end Houston interiors, where those finishing touches really matter, this kind of exposure is invaluable.”

Kelsey Ralph points out the awe many Houstonians feel when faced with architecture and interiors that predate their city by centuries. “It’s inspiring to see spaces that have existed for hundreds of years and still feel relevant and beautiful,” she says. “There’s something deeply compelling about the layers of history and storytelling that define British heritage homes.”

That longing for history and character is also evident in the growing popularity of a wallpaper collection based on an 18th-century design originally found in the Wellington Room at Belvoir Castle. The luxurious wallpaper was faithfully recreated by de Gournay and is now available in several colorways — from soft pistachio to delicate apricot — allowing Houston homeowners to bring a piece of British history into their own spaces.

Designer Hallie Henley Sims was particularly moved by the candid discussion with Lady Violet and the Duchess, describing the event as “a peek into their personal world and residence.” She believes HeritageXplore offers a rare opportunity to connect with the grandeur and intimacy of British aristocratic life.

Lady Violet, when asked why Houston designers are such a natural fit for this type of experience, responded, “Texas is having a moment right now — especially Houston. And I think we’re all craving more bespoke travel experiences.”

Each HeritageXplore trip will feature six castles over five days, with homes rotating among the 50-plus properties participating. What makes the experience especially unique is that guests stay in these homes and are hosted by the owners themselves — often descendants of families who have lived there for generations. “Being guided through a historic home by the person who still lives there is completely different,” says Lady Violet. “These places are still loved and lived in.”

Elias is already making plans: “I’m incredibly excited about what Lady Violet is doing. HeritageXplore opens the doors to places we’ve only ever admired from afar. I’ll definitely be organizing a trip with design-loving clients and friends in the coming year.”