Creating the Perfect Old World Decor
In building your luxury home or in remodeling it, choosing a style perfect for your needs and tastes is important. One style that is beautiful and trendy is that of Old World.
What is Old World? It has many looks but professionals would state that it the idea is for a room to look ancient and of course old world, distressed surfaces are preferred rather than polished. To add to the aged look, use colors that are subdued and soft. You can use a deep color but then you want to age it. Colors and finishes that are typically used include: Burgundy, cream, dark-stained wood, distressed gold and silver, forest green, navy and ocher.
As for architectural elements, arched doorways and windows, exposed and distressed wood beams will give the room and old world feel. Add metal work or pieces that are made of wrought iron as well.
Textiles and fabrics can add an old world feel. Look for velvet, tapestry patterns, stripes, leather, fringe and tassels, damasks, brocades and aubusson rugs.
In regards to furnishings, think anything vintage European. Old World can include French to Tuscan. French antiques are often made of earthy materials such as marble and tile. They are also very bulky.
Integrating Old World style into your kitchen can start with cabinets that are designed with arches, simple, and with noticeable hinges or oversized hardware. Try putting in a hearth style stove or oven. Molding and corner edges can be softly rounded. Kitchen islands that are large will add a nice touch – these islands are often stained or painted in a different finish than the cabinetry. Speaking of your cabinets, you can use cabinetry panels to hide modern appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, and dishwashers; this will give your room a more congruent Old World look. Other Old World additions for your kitchen can include pewter or copper accents and mosaic tiles.
If you want a softer Old World look, Tuscan may be a nice choice. Tuscan also relies on natural materials but uses more cream, earth-tone colors such as yellows and browns as well as whites. With a Tuscan feel, you are trying to create rooms that are warm and inviting. Other items that can bring a Tuscan Old World feel into your home is the use of copper, whether hand-hammered pans or decorative displays. Pottery or glazed pots left painted in greens and yellows for holding kitchen utensils or dried flowers is another option. Wrought iron designs or candle holders along with wall tapestries can finish off your Tuscan look.
Another Old World look is English Tudor. This period of décor has a look that feels like an old castle. Dark wood cabinets against warm colors such as beige, white or gold, hardwood floors, exposed beams and woodwork detail all add to this flavor. Textiles include heavy drapes in warm colors, antique lace tablecloths, vintage florals, traditional English Tudor furnishings, leaded glass, velvet armchairs and large four-poster beds with canopies.
Last, small touches can include wrought iron candlesticks or pewter wall scones. Chandeliers and wall tapestries and paintings in ornate wooden frames.
Other styles considered Old World include: Italian Villa, French Chateau, Normandy cottage, Dutch cottage, medieval, Gothic and Mediterranean.
You can mix and match styles to create the Old World feel in your home or give each room a different Old World theme. Choosing the right style will all depend upon your personal tastes.
About the Author
Deborah Allen is a sales counselor at Ranches of Brushy Top, a hill country acreage real estate community. They sell some of the most remarkable, rural, hill country Texas land located near Blanco, TX. For more information please visit http://www.brushytop.com
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Timeworks 27″ Tuscan French Weathered Wall Clock NEW $173.80 |
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Old World Tuscan Clock French Floral Bouquet & Book Design $49.99 |
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Timeworks 18″ Tuscan French Weathered Black Wall Clock $94.60 |
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FRENCH TUSCAN ITALIAN Old World Large ROMAN NUMERAL Wall or Mantle Clock $250.80 |
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Large Wall Clock 30″ Antique Brown Big French Tuscan $98.00 |
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XL 5 Foot Hammered Copper Wall Clock Oversized French Tuscan Old World $482.00 |
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Large 36″ Tuscan Matera Wall Clock Black Rust Bronze Iron French $218.00 |
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PARIS French Country WALL CLOCK Tuscan DECOR Wood LARGE Chic VINTAGE Distressed $49.99 |
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Large Wall Clock 30″ Antique French Country Big tuscan $98.00 |
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Large Wall Clock 30″ Gallery Red Big French Tuscan $98.00 |
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Large FRENCH COUNTRY Distressed Grand Hotel WALL CLOCK Tuscan Red NEW $44.45 |