The sixth section of our long registry of decorating styles largely pays homage to simpler times with a European flavor.
Nautical
Nautical interiors are similar to beach house and coastal styles, but nautical homes typically contain a bit more color – namely reds and blues. Pillows, curtains, rugs, towels, etc. feature light and dark shades of red and blue, and the rest of the interior is filled with a palette of neutrals, like whites and beiges. Sea-themed items are used to bring personality into the home – you’ll see things like vintage life preservers, weathered wood oars, fishing floats, ship anchors, glass buoys and mariner pendant lights throughout nautical-inspired homes.
Tripod floor lamps with coastguard spotlights are a more recent craze that reinforces this seafaring style. Small decorative accents such as mariner compasses and sextants are often prominently displayed on desks or shelves. Stripes are the most frequently used pattern on everything from wallpaper and pillows to rugs and towels. Scents like ocean breeze, salt, lime and coconut are brought forth using candles, diffusers and air fresheners.
Neoclassic
Neoclassic homes evoke a timeless, elegant and historical aesthetic. This interior design motif shares certain characteristics to other home styles including Greek and Roman. Decorating pieces like vases, statues and paintings feature themes from Greek mythology and front porches have massive symmetrical columns inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. Walls are decorated with large vintage mirrors surrounded by ornate gilded frames. Stone or marble floors are commonplace in neoclassical homes. Interior colors are light and subtle and include pale blues, creams, grays, yellows and greens. Black and gold are used as bold contrasting hues. Furniture is simple and constructed out of dark wood. Persian rugs cover the floors and rich brocades, lush velvets, luxurious damask silks and cotton fabrics are used for curtains and bed linens.
Northwestern
Northwestern interiors combine both modern and traditional styles. There is an emphasis on natural light and outside views, so large wall-to-wall windows, sliding glass doors and skylights are found throughout the home. A palette of cream tones warm the interior, while sparingly used bold hues like bright oranges and reds bring personality into the space. A variety of materials are used throughout each room, such as concrete, wood and glass for a combination of old and new. Lines found on tables, chairs and sofas are simple and clean, while upholstery features a variety of textures and patterns. Northwestern kitchens usually have espresso or coffee stations with a built-in shelf for mugs, cups and saucers – it makes sense that Starbucks originated in the Pacific Northwest.
Old World
Old World interiors stem from a variety of European locations around the world, including Spain, Italy and France. It’s what you think of when imagining the inside of classic European manors or estates. Old World homes feature characteristics from a few different styles including medieval and Renaissance, and there’s an even a balance of traditional and rustic aesthetics. Navy, burgundy, forest green and cream are the most popular colors used in Old World homes for a relaxed yet regal effect. Woven tapestries and fabrics featuring floral or striped patterns are used to decorate interiors. Fringe, beaded trim and tassels are used to embellish everything from curtains to bedding. Weathered wood ceiling beams offer a rustic distressed contrast to the sophisticated dark-stained surfaces found on tables and chairs. Limestone, tile and tumbled marble floors covered in richly woven rugs provide additional textured accents to this style.
Organic
Organic homes feature a relaxed uncluttered style brought forth by a neutral color palette, warm woods and natural shapes. Materials used throughout these naturalistic interiors are found outdoors and include local stone and timber. If artificial surfaces are used, textured patterns are implemented to produce a natural and earthy feel. The interior and exterior of organic homes blend together through the use of glass. Window frames are disguised to provide a clearer view of the outdoors and allow natural sunlight to illuminate the space. While the main color palette found in these homes consists largely of neutrals, bold splashes of color are used sparingly to wake up the interior. Live plants in earthen pots help to add authentic life and fresh air to the space as well.
Palladian
Much like Greek and Roman interiors, Palladian homes rely on symmetry, balance and proportion. Palladian windows are recognized by their distinct shape – they feature a natural arch at the top, and the window curves in line with the roof of the home. The bottom window is surrounded by narrow rectangular panels on each side [Pile 2005]. The iconic arch can be found indoors as well in doorways. Whites and creams are used throughout the home, and Palladian blue, a greenish-blue soft hue, provides a subtle contrast against white. Clean, simple lines are shown off using tables, chairs sofas and wall decor. This style is named for the renowned Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, who is widely considered one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture.
Parisian
Parisian homes offer a mix of old and new for a unique, eclectic aesthetic. Traditional and modern elements are combined – for instance, flea market finds like a vintage clock or lamp might be paired with a clean, simple modern sofa. Parisian walls are kept white to maximize natural light, and colors used on furniture and decor are darker and richer to create a stark contrast. Texture upholstery is important and is frequently made from luxurious velvet or rich brocade. Rugs and chandeliers are two integral elements of Parisian interiors. Rugs are typically patterned and feature a bold color to contrast the white walls. Vintage chandeliers can be found anywhere from the kitchen to the bedroom and offer a touch of Parisian glamour. Authentic bathrooms may feature a freestanding claw-foot tub with a small accent table nearby.
Pennsylvania Dutch
In Pennsylvania Dutch interior design, you’ll see similarities to rustic, farmhouse-inspired homes. This folksy furniture is most commonly constructed out of woods such as maple, walnut, pine and fruitwoods. Pieces like tables, sofas and chairs tend to have straight, simple lines with little to no decoration. Instead, furniture boasts a sleek, glossy finish. Adorning the walls of Pennsylvania Dutch homes are paintings featuring fruit, animals, flowers or German script. Fresh flowers are also used to decorate and bring a splash of color into the home. A neutral color palette is used to emphasize the variety of textures found among the interior, like brick walls, stone floors and reclaimed wood tables. Its Germanic roots also influenced the development of Amish style utilitarian furnishings.
Plantation
Plantation interiors contain a combination of Spanish and Colonial architectural elements made popular in the antebellum South. Common features include Greek Revival columns, arched windows, high ceilings, French doors and accents like medallions, keystones and onlays. The entrances of plantation homes are grand with balcony railings and winding, curved staircases. Interiors are light and bright with white and cream-colored fabrics. The neutral color palette is contrasted with dark-stained woods like mahogany or teak. Wood blinds or plantation shutters are found on windows alongside relaxed, breezy curtains. Parlor rooms are located near the front entrance of the home and are used for entertaining. A grand piano, card tables, sterling silver tea sets and tapestry footstools can be found throughout parlor rooms.
Post-Modern
The post-modern movement took place during the 1960s, whereas the modern movement occurred during the 1920s and ’30s. While modern interiors focus on minimalism and lack of detail, post-modern homes embrace a more decorative style. Homes embrace a comfortable aesthetic to ease the mind, body and spirit, and it’s a neutral color palette that contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. Hardwood, tile and concrete floors are used instead of wall-to-wall carpet for their simplicity and easy maintenance. The coolness of materials such as chrome, glass and stainless steel is contrasted with colored rugs, velvet upholstered furniture and soft curtains made of silk or satin.
Post-modern interiors are spacious, with bare windows and high ceilings. In contrast, furniture from this design period welcomes a more whimsical individualistic spirit inspired by popular culture. Two Milanese design groups greatly influence the direction of postmodern furniture – Studio Alchymia and the Memphis Group. The former was led by Alessandro Mendini, whose Proust Chair took an iconic Italian design and reimagined it with a variety of vibrant contemporary colors, patterns and finishes. The latter was headed by Ettore Sottsass who is known for his silver-plated Murmansk fruit bowl, which features a memorable zig-zag base.
Puritan
Puritan home design style definitely falls under a more traditional category, but with a farmhouse twist. Tables and chairs are equipped with ornate wood carvings to put an emphasis on refined craftsmanship. Materials used on upholstered chairs, curtains and drapes are often lightweight cotton, which helps to soften up the interior. Kitchens offer an especially rustic feel, with wrought-iron stoves or brick fireplaces that produce a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Shaker cabinets are another common kitchen element, and they offer a classic and simple look. They feature flat paneled doors and are typically constructed out of durable woods such as hickory, maple or cherry. Colors throughout Puritan homes are subdued and consist mainly of neutrals. You’ll often see a blend of off-whites, browns and grays to produce a natural and calming ambiance.
Queen Anne
The Queen Anne was a design style popular during the end of the 19th century, which carried into the 20th before the advent of shingle style. Queen Anne interiors boast a mixture of Victorian and Colonial style. Looking at the front of these homes, you’ll notice an asymmetrical design, plenty of large windows to let in natural light, and a wide, welcoming front porch. Interiors of Queen Anne homes are kept light and bright thanks to large windows, tall ceilings and a neutral color palette.
Surfaces inside and outside of the home are anything but smooth and simple and feature detailing such as fish scale siding, spindlework and ornate carvings. Fixtures inside the home are just as detailed, with paneled wood cabinets and vintage faucets. One of the signature features of Queen Anne furniture is the cabriole leg. This design bows outward at the top and inward at the bottom, to create a stylish flaring S-curved support.
Guide Sections
References
- Pile, J. F. (2005). A history of interior design. Laurence King Publishing.
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