A European motif will give your interiors an Old World charm.
A trip through Europe treats you to sights of cobblestone streets and architectural styles that have been around for centuries. Corresponding European decor styles possess a timeless, Old World charm that makes visitors to your home feel as if they are in Tuscany or the south of France. Because the continent has a vast array of decorating styles, you can incorporate elements of various regional designs to create an unforgettable, undeniably European decorating motif in every room of your house. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove any wall-to-wall carpeting in your home and install hardwood flooring instead. Polish the wood floors until they shine with a handheld polisher that you plug in. Place an antique rug, preferably from a specific region of Europe, on the floor.
2. Add a warm texture evocative of areas of Tuscany to the walls with golden-hued paints; use this color scheme in combination with cream trim for a muted and elegant effect. Apply the colors in layers using your sponges to create a warm, grainy quality on your walls.
3. Add furniture from different time periods and regional decor styles. For example, wrought iron furniture is reminiscent of the French country style while dark, heavy, ornately carved wooden pieces are more Gothic. Pair unfinished light-toned wooden furniture evocative of Tuscan-style decor with more elaborately carved Rococo-period furniture that has leaves and scrolls for an eclectic and complementary look.
4. Add fabrics to the room to help bring the motif together. For example, use dark, heavy fabrics, like velvet, in your window treatments and upholstery to give the room a formal and stately Victorian feel. Conversely, light, brightly colored fabrics can be used to give the room a French or even English country-style look.
5. Arrange antique pieces, such as stone or marble busts, antique light fixtures, wrought iron candlesticks and other items, around the room. Use vintage hardware whenever possible. For example, a vintage chandelier and the natural opulence it represents can help pull an Old World motif together.
Tags: dark heavy, decor styles, give room, motif together, World charm, wrought iron, your home
