European Home Decor Style

Home Decorating Styles inspired by Europe

Europe has been an inspiration for many home decorating styles for centuries. When you visit any European country, you will be surrounded by beautiful architecture from many different eras as well as countless museums and churches that still preserve the spirit of the past. Safeguard your home with ADT home security from yourlocalsecurity.com. Some of the most popular styles used today are Cottage Style decor, French Country Style, Italian inspired - Tuscan Style, sweet Shabby Chic Style or Old World Style.

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Shabby Chic Style, Cottage Style, Classic Style

 

Country Cottage Style

Picture example of Cottage style living room

It is a wide-ranging style depending on geographical location, but one of the nicest things about cottage style decorating is that it can take so many forms. Since Design Style Guide is specializing in Handmade Home Decor, it is a perfect place to find items that are specific to this style - handmade quilts, hand painted furniture, handmade accessories etc.

If you like white country cottage, the sercet to a perfect room is contrast - a maple wood floor, sunny yellow throw pillows or celadon artwork. Layering white also creates visual interest. All shades of white should be slightly different. An ivory rug under a cream chair with a beige sofa and tan pillows layer the look for more depth. Search by color to find all kinds of white accessories, off white accents, yellow pillows or ivory art work.

Colors - Soft, muted colors showing the wear of time and milk-paint finishes. A more contemporary country look may feature a brighter color palette with accents of red, black or pure white to set off the design.

Furniture - Pieces with straight lines, painted finishes and very little ornamentation as well as antique furniture or reproductions, flea market finds, trunks and copper or iron accents.

Accessories - Handmade quality country-style accessories, like baskets, carved wooden bowls, pottery, pewter and hand-forged metal accents, quilts.

Fabrics - Floral, checked and striped patterns and vintage fabrics.

 

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English-Country Style

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Cottage Style

Picture Example of English Country style kitchen

When you're deciding on interior design in the English country style, the first decision should be which type of English country home you're looking for - an English manor house, for example, will have a different look from a country cottage, although both will have certain style elements in common:

Color Scheme This style requires a darker color palette than you'd find in most contemporary homes. Floors tend to dark, using browns or red, while walls will use wall paper– particularly floral patterns. These patterns are used on drapes, cushions and table coverings. For the perfect English country look use an Autumnal color palette.

Walls English country homes have no bare, painted walls. Wallpaper is used instead, and, again, should use darker colors and floral patterns.

Furniture Wood is the material found most often in English country furniture, in tables, chairs, bookshelves and cabinets. Use accents of brass rather than chrome, and make sure sofas and chairs and overstuffed and comfortable, with coverings of velvet or leather. The best English county rooms have a "lived in" look which only comes from years of use. Chesterfield sofas are the ultimate in English elegance: just add a roaring log fire and an oak bookcase bursting with books for the perfect look.

Assessories One thing the English county home could never be described as is not enough accents. Handmade Home Decor quality english-style accessories like or naments and pictures are on full display, tables, cabinets and dressers will showcase your all your collectables. Throws and cushion covers in floral or hand-embroidered fabrics are ideal. Use drapes rather than blinds in rich fabrics such as velvet.The look might be slightly cluttered, but comfort is key. Traditional fireplaces accessorized with candles and horse brassesare are the key element of English style. Remember, if your room is filled with accents to the point that you're afraid to have guests over, you've taken things too far!

 

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French-Country Style

See what we have at Design Style Guide: French Country Style

Picture Example of French Country style

This style is inspired by the French countryside, and it also incorporates the rustic character and charm of old French farmhouses and country homes. The style can be elegant, like French country estate, or it can be more homey, like a simple French cottage. One important key to French Country decorating is that there are minimum rules - there is a tremendous amount of flexibility in terms of colors and mixing fabrics and prints that might not be acceptable in other styles.

Color Scheme Your color inspirations will be drawn from the French countryside itself. If you have not been to France yourself you can always use beautiful, French countryside art to get ideas. Fields of lavender or soft purples, bright blue skies and fields of green grass become soft greens, lemon like yellow and deep red also figure prominently into your home decor..

Furniture there are a few different styles to keep in mind. Large furniture pieces with old, worn out look. Most noticable are white or off white painted pieces of furniture (either plain or handpainted with painted landscapes or floral scenes). Rod iron furniture pieces are also applicable.

Fabrics Printed fabrics of all different kinds are key to French Country style. Toile and floral scenes are extremely popular, as is plaid. Mix different fabric styles – this kind of mixing is very welcome in French Country design!

Accessories Rooster is a very popular motif in French Country decorating – incorporate roosters anywhere you like – pillows, wall art, or embroidered lamp. Fresh flowers and Silk Flower centerpieces are important too. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to your heart’s content any Handmade Home Decor french-style accessories. French Country style is simple, and comfortable just like it's country side.

 

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Tuscan Style

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Tuscan Style

Picture Example of Tuscan Style living room

Tuscan style interior design draws its inspiration from the country none other than Italy's wine country. Tuscan design reflects the simplicity of rustic farmhouses - traditionally, made out of straw, limestone, clay, and wood. By combining natural materials, earthy colors, and simple lines, Tuscan style interior design will turn your home into rural Italian lifestyle: carefree, and friendly relaxing and sunny refuge.

Color Scheme The colors of the Tuscan countryside are the center of this design style. Lots of gold and deep red reminding us of the sunny days and wine. Sunflower and poppie fields. The deep, azure blue comes from the pure blue sky. White to vitage yellow giving everything the rustic look. Colors are natural in shades from local stone and clay to mustard.

Walls The walls of an can be lime-washed, timber-beamed, or roughly plastered- to capture the feel of a country farmhouse. Often stenciling on the walls is used to add interest.

Furniture Handcrafted, wooden pieces (walnut and pine), large buffets, chairs, tables, and storage boxes with the motifs of the region: corn, olives, lavender, myrtle leaves, and music. Another centerpiece of an Tuscan style home is a large, wooden, dining table. The ideal country table is sturdy, rectangular, and large with simple lines and lots of eating space accompanied by different kinds of high-back, wooden chairs or woven, reed seats.

Accessories Handmade Home Decor quality tuscan-style accessories, colorfully painted, earthenware crocks; shiny, copper pots; natural, reed baskets; sturdy, wooden wine racks; iron baker’s racks; Flower arrangements with sunflowers.

 

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Shabby Chic Style

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Shabby Chic Style

Picture Example of Shabby Chic style bedroom

Shabby chic style was developed in the British countryside with age-worn items, faded fabrics, old paintings, and furniture with chipping paint. Shabby Chic design is elegant and at the same time it feels casual. This style is perfect for recycling of old furniture, accessories, and fabrics. The French Chateau style and Shaker style are two influences that fit well in this style.

Color Scheme Colors like white, cream, and pastels are most common. Shabby chic items are often heavily painted with many layers showing through obviously worn areas. The style is imitated in Faux Painting using glaze or by painting then rubbing and sanding away the top coat to show the wood or base coats. Pink, mint green, and soft aqua are also popular colors used in accessories. Neutral or lighter tones with dark colors alsoused for accent.

Furniture Comfy, overstuffed furniture upholstered with slipcovers. Slipcovers make for a family friendly room and give the décor a tailored, yet casual, vibe. The essence of shabby chic style is vintage and antique furniture painted white (or another soft pastel color) and distressed at the corners by sanding. Even newer pieces of furniture often replicate this aged look. Flea market finds are a great fit in this style.

Accessories The Key word is Roses and anything with roses on it. Popular Handmade Home Decor items are soft, fluffy pillows made of vintage barkcloth fabric, vintage linens, chenille bedspreads. Do not forget vintage chandeliers or sconces with drop crystals and simple groupings of candles. Floral arrangements, especially using roses of all kinds. Mix-and-match dishes and glassware. Vintage paintings or prints.

Fabrics Cotton, poplin, and linen fabrics in subtle floral prints. Fabric is often stained with tea to give it the look of old fabric. Bleached and faded are often applied to the style. When patterns are used, they are floral patterns with roses being the main element.

 

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Old World Style

See what we have at Design Style Guide: Old World Style

Picture Example of Old World Style living room

The old world style interior design is a relaxed, comfortable look that has the ambience of an old European manor.

Color Scheme Texture on wall surfaces and tumbled marble typify old world style. Distressed and matte finishes. Colors are subdued and soft in tone, although they may have started as deep colors. Burgundy, Cream, Dark-stained wood, Distressed gold or silver finishes, Forest green, Navy, Ocher, Painted, glazed, or sanded surfaces that look aged.

Furniture sizeable Handmade Home Decor quality furniture pieces, pairing polished ceramic pieces with rustic iron work for a nice contrast. Use mismatched furniture pieces. Kitchen cabinets are uncomplicated in design with arches and hearth style stoves or ovens. Cabinet doors have noticeable hinges and oversized door hardware. Kitchen appliances are best when hidden away using custom cabinetry panels and doors.

Accessories Architectural elements in old world rooms feature exposed beams on the ceiling, arched doorways and windows. Antiques and artifacts will increase the realism of the look. Metal work and wrought iron pieces are wonderful accessories for this timeless design.

Fabrics Aubusson rugs, Brocades, Damasks with large scroll or floral patterns, Fringe, tassels and beaded trim, Leather, Radiant silks, Small cotton prints, Stripes, Tapestry patterns, Velvet. Another way to represent a well-traveled feel is to use fabrics that feature maps or animal prints. Also, use attractive books with leather or fabric covers. Woven shades, wicker furniture, and decorative storage trunks can also add a nice touch to your old world style room.

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See Also:

• Nature Inspired Decorating Styles
• Modern Decorating Styles
• Historical Decorating Styles
• Ethnic Decorating Styles
• Other Decorating Styles
• Theme Rooms