So Your Style Is: European
This trendsetting decor has many different faces – try them on for size
From French Provincial to Spanish Colonial, European decor has been influencing interior design across the globe for centuries. The lure of this classic and charming style is hard to resist.
Why it works: This style can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be and, despite its traditional roots, there’s plenty of scope to adapt it to suit your own tastes. Opt for the quaint appeal of an English country cottage or the grace and elegance of a French chateau – there’s room enough for everyone.
You’ll love it if: Paris is your dream holiday destination, you’d feel quite at home in a villa overlooking the Tuscan countryside, and antiques make you swoon.
Try incorporating these elements into your home to ingratiate it with European style.
Why it works: This style can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be and, despite its traditional roots, there’s plenty of scope to adapt it to suit your own tastes. Opt for the quaint appeal of an English country cottage or the grace and elegance of a French chateau – there’s room enough for everyone.
You’ll love it if: Paris is your dream holiday destination, you’d feel quite at home in a villa overlooking the Tuscan countryside, and antiques make you swoon.
Try incorporating these elements into your home to ingratiate it with European style.
Taste of Tuscany
This gorgeous patio could be perched in the hills of Tuscany. With its the elaborate lanterns, wrought-iron chairs or the brick flooring, this is an inviting space to gather. One of the reasons it’s so special is its combination of warm colours – the walls tie in beautifully with the tones of the timber and bricks.
SMART STRATEGY: If your patio is under cover, don’t be afraid to include sideboards and mirrors usually reserved for the indoors. Their addition in this outdoor space prevents it from feeling too empty.
This gorgeous patio could be perched in the hills of Tuscany. With its the elaborate lanterns, wrought-iron chairs or the brick flooring, this is an inviting space to gather. One of the reasons it’s so special is its combination of warm colours – the walls tie in beautifully with the tones of the timber and bricks.
SMART STRATEGY: If your patio is under cover, don’t be afraid to include sideboards and mirrors usually reserved for the indoors. Their addition in this outdoor space prevents it from feeling too empty.
English cottage chic
This gorgeous corner could belong as easily in an English cottage as it could in a Parisian apartment but, in fact, it is a beach house in Sydney. Adapt the style to suit your needs. White shabby chic furniture alongside a white couch and walls combine to create a backdrop for an elegant lamp, French sign and classic striped cushions.
SMART STRATEGY: Layer frames and mirrors upon each other and dress up a corner with candlesticks and jugs of fresh flowers. Every one of these details contributes to the success of this look.
This gorgeous corner could belong as easily in an English cottage as it could in a Parisian apartment but, in fact, it is a beach house in Sydney. Adapt the style to suit your needs. White shabby chic furniture alongside a white couch and walls combine to create a backdrop for an elegant lamp, French sign and classic striped cushions.
SMART STRATEGY: Layer frames and mirrors upon each other and dress up a corner with candlesticks and jugs of fresh flowers. Every one of these details contributes to the success of this look.
Grand proportions
Ornate and elegant, nothing is too much when it comes to this interpretation of European style. Think gilded mirrors and picture frames, crystal chandeliers and elaborate architecture.
SMART STRATEGY: This style is dramatic, but every detail counts, so be sure to source authentic antique furniture and treasures to put on display. The fancy silver tea set in this dining room will take some polishing, but what a perfectly placed addition to this striking room.
Ornate and elegant, nothing is too much when it comes to this interpretation of European style. Think gilded mirrors and picture frames, crystal chandeliers and elaborate architecture.
SMART STRATEGY: This style is dramatic, but every detail counts, so be sure to source authentic antique furniture and treasures to put on display. The fancy silver tea set in this dining room will take some polishing, but what a perfectly placed addition to this striking room.
Perfect symmetry
This traditional-style sitting room has been heavily influenced by Europe’s natural affinity for stunning interior design. The armchairs align perfectly opposite the glass coffee table, and that black and white tiled flooring is inspired from ancient origins. Such flooring has been popular since the 15th century, but evidence of its use has been found as far back as Ancient Roman times.
SMART STRATEGY: Artwork is a fine way to enhance a particular style. These framed prints of historic buildings point to a vastly different era from our own.
This traditional-style sitting room has been heavily influenced by Europe’s natural affinity for stunning interior design. The armchairs align perfectly opposite the glass coffee table, and that black and white tiled flooring is inspired from ancient origins. Such flooring has been popular since the 15th century, but evidence of its use has been found as far back as Ancient Roman times.
SMART STRATEGY: Artwork is a fine way to enhance a particular style. These framed prints of historic buildings point to a vastly different era from our own.
Bathing beauty
The claw-foot bath was considered a luxury in the 1800s, when early modes of indoor plumbing meant only the very wealthy could indulge in such a pleasure. Now, of course, claw-foot baths are the key to creating a vintage European edge in the bathroom.
SMART STRATEGY: Buy the most beautiful tapware you can afford to complement your claw-foot bath, and consider painting it a colour you can echo elsewhere in the bathroom. This venetian blind is a good example, but a coordinating wall colour can look just as stunning.
The claw-foot bath was considered a luxury in the 1800s, when early modes of indoor plumbing meant only the very wealthy could indulge in such a pleasure. Now, of course, claw-foot baths are the key to creating a vintage European edge in the bathroom.
SMART STRATEGY: Buy the most beautiful tapware you can afford to complement your claw-foot bath, and consider painting it a colour you can echo elsewhere in the bathroom. This venetian blind is a good example, but a coordinating wall colour can look just as stunning.
Gustavian glamour
Gustavian style dates back to the 1700s, when the future King Gustav III returned home to Sweden from the French court of Versailles and created his own Paris of the North. The resulting Gustavian style is a pared-back version of French Rococo with neoclassical influences. Recreate the look at your house with chalky whites and greys, along with elegant gilded accessories.
Gustavian style dates back to the 1700s, when the future King Gustav III returned home to Sweden from the French court of Versailles and created his own Paris of the North. The resulting Gustavian style is a pared-back version of French Rococo with neoclassical influences. Recreate the look at your house with chalky whites and greys, along with elegant gilded accessories.
SMART STRATEGY: If you like the idea of Gustavian style, but can’t imagine your whole house dripping in such over-the-top elegance, introduce one statement piece as a talking point. This blue Swedish Gustavian cabinet is an absolute show stopper.
Spanish Colonial surprise
Round arches and thick stone walls combine with wooden floors and exposed ceiling beams to create a style that has withstood the test of time. Done badly, it can be tacky, but when it’s executed well, this style can be quite irresistible.
SMART STRATEGY: Gather vintage artwork and decorative items from your European travels for display; Spanish Colonial replicas just don’t have the same soul. If you’re thinking it’s a little out of your way, you may be looking at it the wrong way – it just might be the perfect excuse to plan a trip.
Round arches and thick stone walls combine with wooden floors and exposed ceiling beams to create a style that has withstood the test of time. Done badly, it can be tacky, but when it’s executed well, this style can be quite irresistible.
SMART STRATEGY: Gather vintage artwork and decorative items from your European travels for display; Spanish Colonial replicas just don’t have the same soul. If you’re thinking it’s a little out of your way, you may be looking at it the wrong way – it just might be the perfect excuse to plan a trip.
Wine cellar
No home striving to be true to its European roots could be complete without a wine cellar stocking the best vintages from France and beyond. Rustic timber is a must.
SMART STRATEGY: What’s the point of collecting wine if you can’t share it? Incorporate a glass cabinet into your wine storage room to show off highly prized labels reserved for special occasions.
No home striving to be true to its European roots could be complete without a wine cellar stocking the best vintages from France and beyond. Rustic timber is a must.
SMART STRATEGY: What’s the point of collecting wine if you can’t share it? Incorporate a glass cabinet into your wine storage room to show off highly prized labels reserved for special occasions.
Green gumption
Ivy-covered exterior walls are utterly European, so why not try it at your house? The only challenge will be keeping windows and gutters clear of this hardy creeper.
SMART STRATEGY: Start with a garden shed before encouraging ivy to climb all over your house. You never know – you just might be inspired to create an impressionist garden worthy of Monet to go alongside it.
Ivy-covered exterior walls are utterly European, so why not try it at your house? The only challenge will be keeping windows and gutters clear of this hardy creeper.
SMART STRATEGY: Start with a garden shed before encouraging ivy to climb all over your house. You never know – you just might be inspired to create an impressionist garden worthy of Monet to go alongside it.
A four-poster bed adds a grand edge to any master bedroom, and one as beautiful as this one is worth emulating. Elaborately turned posts and an incorporated curtain transports this room directly to a French chateau. Hushed tones of grey and white, and a handcarved bedhead work together brilliantly.
SMART STRATEGY: Balance out a bedroom like this with matching lamps and simple bedside tables. The bed is the real star attraction.