How Buckingham Palace would look with a modern makeover

Imagine Changing Rooms, the Royal edition...

With The Queen's London residence currently just two years into a 10-year planned refurbishment, costing an eye-watering £369 million, we're all on tenterhooks for the big reveal come 2027.

And while most of this money is being spent on updating the electrics, plumbing and heating, imagine instead how Buckingham Palace would look with a modern makeover. If the money was spent on paint, wallpaper and a little help from Handy Andy instead.

Related: Mrs Hinch's favourite Minky cloth gets a Christmas makeover...bag yours quick before they sellout!

Luckily for us, the clever team at new home builder David Wilson Homes, have reimagined one of the most iconic rooms at the royal palace for us.

The White Drawing Room, the very place our Monarch is known to deliver her annual Christmas speech gets four transformations.

And they really are quite something...

drawing room with christmas tree and wooden table

(Image credit: Getty/WPA Pool/Pool)

The White Drawing Room as it is now, during the Queen's speech.

For those not familiar with the rooms current style, it can only be described as grand, with golden guilted cornicing and glittering, crystal chandeliers. The carpet features a rather garish, yet traditional pattern, and the accessories, are well, priceless heirlooms.

But what if Liz went for a more on-trend Scandi approach?...

Imaging a Buckingham Palace modern makeover

living room with grey fireplace and white wooden flooring

(Image credit: David Wilson Homes)

With a focus on minimalism and simplicity, neutral shades of white and grey, allow mustard yellows and rich blacks to really pop. While natural materials like wood and wicker take centre stage.

We're thinking maybe Meghan and Harry might enjoy this more subdued look. The oversized pom-pom lights hung above providing great for entertaining little Archie.

Related: Meghan Markle's decorating tips revealed – these are the secrets of her effortless style

Or, perhaps Charles and Camilla might want to re-decorate when the time finally arrives for them to move in as ruling monarchs?

living room with large photoframe on grey wall

(Image credit: David Wilson Homes)

This indulgent Art Deco style just oozes glamour and sophistication but feels a little bit naughty too, just like the cheeky Prince of Wales himself. With velvet upholstery, mirrored surfaces and statement metallic lighting, it's a far cry from the Palace's usual look.

Could Kate & Will have a bash at a more family-friendly style?...

living room with exposed brick walls and printed green walls

(Image credit: David Wilson Homes)

This eclectic, botanical-style makeover features a leafy print wallpaper, forest green paintwork and sumptuous leather chesterfield sofas, perfect for Sunday afternoon boxset sessions. With plants bringing a touch of the outside in, and raw brick walls adding a rustic touch, this is our favourite reincarnation of this regal room.

And finally, perhaps when it's Prince George's time to take to the throne, he'll go for a more futuristic style?...

living room with white walls and white sofaset with cushions

(Image credit: David Wilson Homes)

Somehow we can't quite see this one going down so well with the Royal household. But by 2027 who knows what the latest interior style might be?

Related: Be inspired to carry out a dreamy DIY bedroom makeover on a budget – just like this one

So which one of these looks would you go for?

Holly Walsh
Content Editor

Holly Walsh has been Content Editor at Ideal Home since 2021, but joined the brand back in 2015. With a background of studies in Interior Design, her career in interior journalism was a no-brainer and her passion for decorating homes is still as strong as it ever was. While Holly has written for most of the home titles at Future, including Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors, Homes and Gardens and Style at Home, Ideal Home has always been her ideal home, and she can be found sharing her expertise and advice across both the printed magazine and the website too.