How to…..achieve styles from around the world.
The world of interior design never stays still for long – some people draw on decorating styles from the past, while others look to different continents for their inspiration. There really is a design to suit everyone and the best way to choose one is to find a pattern, a colour or perhaps a piece of furniture that you really like and build around it. Here are five ways to achieve unique styles – to give you the confidence to get rid of those magnolia walls!
1 – Tuscan Style – The look of Old Italy
The Tuscan style is renowned for its ‘old world charm’ and its appeal lies in its sun-baked, rustic characteristics – offering a warm and peaceful sanctuary in today’s hectic world. Roughly textured walls, high ceilings and worn down wooden beams provide the foundations of the Tuscan atmosphere; the whole point of this unique style is that nothing looks shiny and new.
To get a grasp on the Tuscan style, envisage central Italy’s wine country – rural farm houses, which are charming yet simple. Colours within the home should feel earthy and gold, such as chocolate and auburn, contrasted with tones of the sea. Use natural materials such as stone, slate or terracotta clay tiles for your flooring – colours of honey or deep brown are very common – and keep this feeling flowing throughout with chunky rural furniture that should look worn and can be easily achieved with a distressed paint effect, to make them blend in with the old world look.
Wrought iron fixtures such as candle sconces or muted metal light fittings will also enhance the character of the room. The outside of most houses can be given a Tuscan make-over with terracotta roof styles or alfresco dining patios – maybe even consider awnings for those warm summer evenings (
click here to visit awning quoter) It is the natural materials, found in this area of Italy, and rustic charm which produces its authentic feel.
2 – Mediterranean – the warmth of the South
The laid-back, friendly lifestyle of the Southern coast of Europe is reflected in its relaxed designs and colours, rustic features and textured walls. The south of France, Spain and Italy are all mixed together in the Mediterranean style. Features from the surrounding landscapes are brought indoors to provide a natural and carefree environment. Rural materials are the primary characteristic of such a style and terracotta, for example, is used liberally around the house and also for roofing.
Alongside these earthy features, textured walls – used for the illusion of age and ruggedness – are covered with inviting, natural colours to reflect the sea, sand and the warmth of the earth. Earthy oranges and reds are situated amongst sea greens and creamy yellows – a real mixed bag of natural colours. Mosaic tile designs, on rich terracotta floors or bathroom splash backs, are a popular choice to add a burst of pattern and design. Alternatively if you don’t have an eye for colour and worry that adding oranges, yellows and greens to your home will just end in disaster, try sticking to white-washed walls and incorporate tapestry, furniture and accessorise to add bursts of colour all over the house. The flair of Southern Europe can be achieved in any home, even the most northern.
3 – Victorian Style – The wealth of the British Empire
This unique style reflects the romance and power of the 19th Century. The Victorians believed that using rich, deep colours, such as ruby reds, forest greens and golden ambers, would enhance the importance of a room. Patterned wallpaper, lavish fabrics and dark mahogany was a very popular choice of decoration – bareness within a room was considered to be in poor taste. Dado-rails, high skirting-boards, chandeliers – the Victorian style simply oozes prosperity. Little things such as replacing modern door handles with antique brass or china and hanging velvet valances from windows help make the Victorian atmosphere. Fireplaces were used as the focal point in every grand room. Marble fireplaces are the ideal Victorian addition and modern painting techniques enable simple wooden fireplaces to give the illusion of expensive marble. Similarly, stained glass can be achieved at a fraction of the cost with permanent stain glass colours – not everything in a Victorian home has to cost an arm and a leg!
4 – Japanese – The flare of Asia
The traditional black and white interior of the Japanese culture is increasingly popular amongst Western home owners – where black was previously seen as a ‘non-colour’. Black is not used to make a statement but is used to compliment the variety of off whites and neutrals within a room. When you decide where you want to add bold colour keep it to a single object in the middle of the room to signify the central focal point. Keep thinking ‘Yin and Yang’ when planning your Japanese themed room – the Buddhist doctrine of balancing opposites. For example, use shiny lacquered furniture alongside natural bamboo flooring.
Alternatively incorporate multi-functional furniture such as futons or low wooden tables with luxurious pillows on the floor for traditional Japanese seating. Silk is the material of choice in Japan, used as wall hangings or lampshade covers, while rice paper screens are the ultimate Japanese accessory and instantly bring an oriental feel to any room. A Japanese themed room makes a unique alternative in your home and works especially well in bedrooms or living rooms. Japanese décor is the simplest style of all because ‘there cannot be peacefulness where clutter is present’.
5 – Contemporary Design – The style of the 21st Century
Contemporary is all too often confused with minimalist and is sometimes described as ‘sterile’ and ‘clean’. However in reality, its distinctive characteristics lie in clean yet soft lines and smooth surfaces – a blend of fresh, livable elements with a focus on comfort and texture. In design-terms, contemporary, or modern as it is sometimes called, means neutral – stick close to a mixture of brown, taupe, cream and pure white – with a splash of colour on a single wall, a striking rug or a prominent piece of artwork. Hardwood floors provide a smooth finish, fittings need to be flush so as not to disturb the flow of the room and wood tones need to be kept the same to ensure consistency. Focus on texture and colour but be careful of intricate patterns as these can confuse the contemporary look. Use textures such as silk or velvet to offset the clean lines of the rest of the room – linen wallpaper is available for a quirky inclusion of texture. Metals including chrome, stainless steel and nickel are in themselves used as artwork within a neutral room whether they be photo frames, stand alone lamps or mirrors. Contemporary prides itself on creating an inviting atmosphere whilst producing one of the most sophisticated styles available.
There are so many designs in which to decorate your home and although they all sound great be careful not to ‘overload’ your home with various designs – stick to one design otherwise your home may start to look untidy and mismatched!
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