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Saturday, January 6th, 2018
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Damasque Demi Console 638-85027
If you’re thinking of having a European vibe for your home this 2018, then you would never go wrong. This style has been around for so long that it has become a classic look that’s to-die-for.
European home plans are often one to two-story homes that are reminiscent of the Old World habitats. These structures are elegant and refined in every way. While they are still pretty visible today, they are seen to be most suitable for homes with larger lots.
European homes are known to be grand. Their exteriors come in two or more finishes ranging from materials such as brick, stucco, and stone. The rooflines differ but each one is able to deliver a look that would make you imagine of castles with rich ornaments.
Other noticeable outdoor features include copper roof, ornate keystones, bayed windows, and quoins that accent the corners.
If you’re looking to set up a Southern European home, then it encompasses Tuscan, Italian, and Mediterranean house styles. Know that these regions are often warm so they are designed with outdoor living also in mind.
It is common to find courtyards, large doors and windows, and stucco exteriors. You will also generally find arched windows and entryways. There are also those that come with low-pitched roofs in tiles.
Casual elegance is the name of the game. This is what you should envision when you are setting up a European home that’s influenced by the south. To have finer and more elegant features, you should make room for stairways and grand entrances, formal and spacious dining rooms, music rooms, and libraries complete with rows upon rows of books.
In a nutshell, here are the features that you must not miss –
Marge Carson Bedroom Cross Channel Nightstand CRC12
These trademarks define what Old World style is all about – it is comfortable, relaxed, yet it is also uniquely interesting what with its rich textures, colors, and varying materials.
European or Old World Décor
European design is a melting pot of different styles like French antiques, marble, earthy materials, limestone, and tiles. There are crucial elements to include such as sizeable furniture, wall texture, deep textures also on flooring and fabrics used.
You are bound to encounter the following styles as you set up your European home – Tuscan, French Country, Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian villa, and French chateau.
You can get influences from just one area or fuse different elements from these different styles. Just go for whatever is most suitable. If this means combining a Tuscan breakfast nook with your Italian villa, then you’re good.
European Colors
More often than not, Old World styling requires rustic, worn, and a generally inviting atmosphere so find colors such as shades of red, golds, hunter greens, dark-stained woods, navy, forest green, ocher, cream, and burgundy. It is also fairly common to find distressed silver and gold finishes as well as glazed, painted or sanded surfaces to make the pieces look aged.
European Textures
European fabrics and textures include brocades, Aubusson rugs, tassels, fringe, beaded, trim, silks (the more radiant, the better), leather, stripes, cotton prints (the small ones are best), velvet (lots and lots of this), and tapestry patterns.
European Accents
When setting up a European home, be sure to include pottery, wrought-iron pieces, terra cotta, pieces of damask fabric, damask draperies, and distressed finishes. Richly-woven fabrics and rugs are most welcome in this kind of interior design. Cap the look by adding interesting knick-knacks.
Tags: European interior design, European interiors, European style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on European Style: Hip and In for 2018
Wednesday, June 21st, 2017
Experience Old World laidback dining with the Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70 and table.
If you choose European interior design as the theme for your revamped or newly-constructed home, then you’re in for a lot of surprise. Europe, after all, offers diverse cultures and rich histories. Other trends were also interestingly forged in Europe’s growth; with some in response to the inhabitants’ diversity.
Europe’s Effect on American Design
There are a few things in American design that have been hugely influenced by European culture, architecture and design. The interior designs in modern Europe are greatly admired by Americans and there are a lot of reasons for this admiration.
The roots of this European-inspiring-American interior design can be traced to a group of designers in Europe. They were the ones who founded the Bauhaus school of design. In 1919 in Germany. This movement supported an ideology that centered on the performance rather than the overuse of fashionable accessories. This was no different from the minimalist Nordic style.
European Design and You
The Old World style focuses on accessorizing and how to best apply it in your own home. The key is to remember that your design and your home represent who you are. Welcome the European design but never forget to give a piece of you in the design.
Make good use of textures and colors that are available to you. Just make sure that each element adheres to your chosen theme.
European interior design is all about balancing out all the elements. The classical look was hugely influenced by the Romans and Greeks so you must not fail in creating large-scale ornamentation.
Use a fireplace. This is the best kind of ornament that you can have. Use it effectively as a focal point in the bedroom, also in the living room. If you’re feeling a little bold, then have a fireplace at the dining room and the kitchen.
Use natural materials such as stones for your flooring. Cotton and velvet are your go-to fabrics if you want to achieve an elegant ambience.
When you want to mix different designs but in a European way, then be sure to have the floors and walls done with deep textures.
European Furniture
Here are the large-sized furniture pieces that you could use for your Old World turned Modern styling –
Tuscan
French country
Spanish
French Chateau
Mediterranean
Italian Villa
Focus on these listed styles or you can mix and match with other designs. For example, you can pair a Tuscan kitchen with a unique Italian Villa living room.
Remember that European furniture is always decorated. Majority of the pieces are, that is. French regional furniture are decorated with turquoise, cream, lavender, or a gray-green color. These hues can provide the room a relaxed feeling.
European pieces also have curves though they are unobstructed and free. The more comprehensive the carvings are, the more superior the value of the furniture piece is. The carvings are often there to highlight the artistic beauty of the piece.
In seats, the carvings can done on both the back and arms. Sofas often have the carvings on the edges of the furniture.
Don’t be surprised to find fluted legs. The French regional style, specifically, displays these fluted legs. These can be distinguished by the channels running right beside the leg or column.
European furniture is also often upholstered. Many of the French style chairs have upholstery on their seats, arms or even on the backs. A few seats just have upholstery on one part, generally the seat.
Sleep like royalty in this Hooker Furniture Bedroom Arabella King Mirrored Panel Bed.
Trends and Mixed European
When it comes to trends, practically is acceptable. In 2016, modern European style embraced pink for a more dramatic setup.
The latest American trends unsurprisingly descended from European and Nordic areas. This means that you have a lot to look forward to. You can look forward to seeing Victorian, Tuscan, even Baroque pieces in homes.
Tags: European interior design, European interiors, European style, French design, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Elegant European Design Made Modern
Thursday, February 25th, 2016
The Wesley Allen Bedroom Dawson Complete Bed CB1053 features the ornate designs that were distinct features of Art Noveau.
Art Noveau became fashionable around 1890 till the First World War. This style was a reaction to the 19thcentury designs showing so much of history, especially Neo-Classicism. Art Noveau pushed the idea of design and art being crucial parts of everyday living.
Artists, from then on, did not overlook the simplicity in everyday objects. To them, aesthetics were added to make the functional more visually pleasing. New Art is Art Noveau and it was applied in all forms of art including architecture, applied art, fine arts, and decorative art.
Art Noveau was partially rooted to the Industrial Revolution, also the Arts and Crafts Movement. It also shows Japonism influence especially the Ukiyo-e prints brought about by great minds like Hokusai and Hiroshige.
Celtic designs were also common.
After the 1900 Exposition Universelle held in Paris, France Art Noveau spread across the European continent, even to Australia and the U.S. The Italian name for it in Italy is Stile Liberty, in Austria it is known as Sezessionstil, and in America it is called Tiffany style.
Art Noveau as Style not Philosophy
Art Noveau is perceived as a style more than being a philosophy. This is a style that wanted to break free from the bonds of historicism. It sought to bring about a fresh analysis of natural forms, functions, and aesthetics. Some see it as useless patterns but once you see the art with your artistic eyes, you are bound to see a marvellous sequence that was never before noticed.
Art Noveau represents many different moods and looks. We can be reminded of the gentle breeze, of the harshness of the stormy waters, you can even just see ornate vegetation. Everything is organic, though, as this style focuses on making sense out of life’s order.
Accessories Uttermost Santena Round Metal Mirror 08133 will look perfect inside an Art Noveau-inspired home.
Art Noveau: Characteristics
If you are trying to look for a single definition for this style, then you will be looking in vain. There isn’t a single definition for it. It has, however, several distinguishing factors.
Art Noveau is all about the application of art into everyday living. No stuff is too functional or beautified.
Art Noveau also thinned the line between the principles of fine arts, decorative art and applied arts. This style is a beautiful reaction to the concise mathematical representations of the Neo-Classical era.
Art Noveau also presented a fresh graphic design language. It has gone far from the classical models that were embraced by art academies in the past. There are various stylistic interpretations for Art Noveau. There are artists that prefer low-cost materials while others give value to high craftsmanship.
Art Noveau features flat yet decorative patterns that can be employed in many forms of art. Typical elements include tendril, leaves, the curvaceous shape of a woman, and other organic forms.
When it comes to architecture, architect Antoni Gaudi from Spain exaggerated the bulbous forms. Hector Guimard, on the other hand, gave the world his stylistic Parisian Metro entrances.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Malawi 2 Light Kitchen Island Light 21248 can bring the beauty of Art Noveau to your kitchen.
Art Noveau in Interior Design
This style has two distinct looks that you need to keep in mind – the linear look propagated by artists like Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the beautiful, elongated lines. Other features include vertical lines to highlight height and the whiplash line.
Flowers, peacock feathers, spider webs, thistles, and locusts were found on wallpaper, accents and many furniture pieces. Iridescent glass, exotic woods, semi precious jewels and silver were also the distinct materials that represented Art Noveau.
Art Noveau furniture is renowned for the high-backed chairs and the glossy black lacquer finish. Conservative options included curvy shapes, floral fabrics and upholstered items. Glassworks also came in opaque matter and precise etchings. Silver and pewter also dominated much of the ornaments.
Period colors for Art Noveau are always elegant yet subtle. Say yes to sage, brown, olive, mustard, gold, shades of purple, salmon, peacock blue, and robin’s egg blue.
Tags: art, European interior design, European interiors, European style, French design, French interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Neo-Classical, Spanish, Spanish design elements
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, February 1st, 2016
This lovely Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 fuses the Old World and the New in a seamless manner.
The Tudor monarchs, according to history, were able to bring comparative peace and prosperity throughout England, Ireland and Wales. The wealth of many landowners was invested in buildings. Theirs was a moment of cultural bursts and classical architecture revival for Italian style. The Tudor style is a class of its own.
Europeans had a moment when gothic was at the center of their style. The perpendicular style has broken away from all this. The Tudors were the ones who developed fan vaulting (evident in the Gloucester Cathedral cloisters).
Now let’s go to a dating feature known as the Tudor Rose. This is a red rose badge with a white rose badge within. This signified the union of Henry VII to Edward IV’s daughter. This is now a decorative piece that is used to signify posh and sophistication to the highest levels.
Renaissance features can also be seen inside Tudor dwellings. These features are confined to the wealthy and the elite members of society then. Henry enthusiastically built Italianate motifs.
Then came Elizabethan homes where old homes were torn down only to be built anew. Most homeowners were then yearning for improvement as that was the great period of building. If you have ever seen those narrow yet all townhouses complete with borough walls, then these are the homes of artisans and merchants who built their homes slowly through the years.
Homes of the wealthiest members of the society are often built with huge windows and decorative chimneys. Glass was then used in Elizabethan homes with glittering glazing designs. The most elaborate fireplaces are set up and ceilings were slowly decorated with strapwork.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Gianna Chest 638-50066 comes with a feminine pair of cabriole legs but with a masculine Old World design.
Tudor Is Symmetry
Symmetrical plans will always be favored in Tudor settings. Otherwise, Renaissance in classical details appears so then you can find fireplace, doors, and columns. Round-headed arches and niches together with all the other features of Tudor style were revived during the Victorian period.
Tudor may be an old fashioned style but it can become a part of modern living, too. The styles come originally from the UK during the 15th to the 16th centuries and are now a huge part of tourist attractions.
Genuine Tudor design can now be recreated but your place doesn’t have to look like a tourist spot, though. Only a few are lucky to live inside a genuine Tudor dwelling so for the rest of the world, repros are the answers.
Mock Tudor generally refers to black and white semi timbering on the facade of buildings. Interior design, however, is much more distinct. If you are careful enough in making your design decisions, then you can even recreate the Medieval era of trade, arts, crafts and intellectual awakening right inside your home.
There is no architectural detail that is more recognizable under the Tudor style than the iconic half timber structures. The exterior of homes can be laden with stucco, wood or stone. Imitate this same style by exposing the very structure of your home.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody Urn Pedestal Nightstand 5070-90015 comes with classic designs and a rustic finish.
Gable roofs are also common which give the homes their gingerbread appeal. Modern-day Tudor replicates the genuine Tudor Dynasty through architecture and interior design revivals. If you haven’t yet, you should install tall, narrow windows with small panes. Modern day cladding is acceptable such as flagstone, brick and stucco.
As for the outdoor landscaping, be sure to have manicured hedges, brick walkways, fencing and pool houses. These amenities should set you apart from the neighbors but in a nice way.
The Old World style can also be brought inside the kitchen through wrought iron and wood combinations in furniture pieces. Custom islands and wrought-iron lighting fixtures are also a huge part of Tudor interiors.
Are you ready to take on Tudor design, a unique style right inside your home?
Tags: 16th century, classic, classic design, classic home, classic interior design, classic interiors, classic style, classical design, designing based on culture, designing with glass, European interior design, European interiors, European style, fireplace, glamour, glass, glazing, Italian style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, old home, old homes, revival, symmetry, traditional, traditional interior design, traditional interiors, traditional style, traditional theme, Tudor, Tudor architecture, Tudor design, Tudor furniture, Tudor interior design, Tudor interiors, vaulted ceiling, Victorian, Victorian interiors, Victorian style
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