“European interior design” is a very general phrase for all the many design elements that go into the many different overlapping styles across Europe, such as Tuscan, Italian, Spanish, English and French. European interior design is deeply appreciated in modern America and inspires American interior design trends. As Europe continues to be the epicenter for interior design, here are some staple designs to follow for guidance in order to create a gorgeous European “look.”
Moulding & High Ceilings
European design often takes you back to the Victorian era with high ceilings and lots of detailed mouldings, paneling, and beams. Decorating with a European style produces a timeless and grand look. European architecture is known for its cathedral ceilings and opulent mouldings and design. Check out our blog to see how you can bringing these elements into your home: Judges Paneling.
Black & White Checkered Floors
The European design element, black and white checkered floors, has been the standard for elegance in flooring for decades. The history of the checkboard design element dates to the late 1680s. This flooring was used on the ground floor landing of the Queen’s staircase at Versailles. This design then gained popularity in public buildings and great estates all over Europe and is the symbol of classic charm in interior design.
Marble & Stone
European design utilizes natural substances such as terracotta tile, marble, stone, brick, stucco, and hardwood materials. You will often see two materials incorporated into ones space to create a balance between textures. Stone and marble are two elements that we love to see together. If you are looking to create a European countryside aesthetic these design elements are key to achieving this look.
Wood Tones
Wood tones are a quintessential staple when it comes to all European interior design styles. Whether your going for a French countryside look or a luxurious Italian villa, wood tones will always be a typical design element in European styles. As stated earlier, European design utilizes natural substances since these materials are easily procured. Various distinctive designs are found throughout Europe due to the variation of natural materials available within each region. Wooden flooring is a common staple in European homes, and adding a herringbone design gives a truly European feel to your home.
Old World Art
Just like European styles, old world art has a long and rich history that tells a story of the past and is meant to inspire you. The history of European artwork gives a sense of craftsmanship and use of high quality materials to give old world art a luxurious connotation. Check out our Old World Art blog post and see how you can add character to your home with old world art.
Check out ourEuropean Interior Design Styles Pinterest Board for more inspiration and tag us in your pictures onInstagram,PinterestandFacebook! Follow us@WeAreWoodgrain
FAQs
European design often takes you back to the Victorian era with high ceilings and lots of detailed mouldings, paneling, and beams. Decorating with a European style produces a timeless and grand look. European architecture is known for its cathedral ceilings and opulent mouldings and design.
What is the 2 3 rule in interior design? ›
Follow the 2:3 Rule
“The 2:3 design rule suggests your sofa should be the equivalent of ⅔ the size of your room.” However, if your living room is also your dining room or home office, that may not be possible, explains the designer.
What is the trim trend in 2024? ›
Dark and Dramatic: Embracing Bold Colors
While white and neutral trim will always have their place in interior design, 2024 welcomes the resurgence of bold, dark-colored wood trim.
What's the golden rule most interior designers follow? ›
Use the Golden Ratio to Balance the Room Lay-Out
Try sticking to roughly 60% of floor space being covered by furniture for an ideal setting. If it's much lower than 60%, it's likely to feel too minimal. In an ideal world, you aim for a layout that leaves 40% of floor space clear, or as 'negative space'.
What does a European style house look like? ›
This style uses natural stone, brick, and wood, from exposed ceiling beams to antique-style furniture. Plaster walls and terracotta tile floors are also common. Exteriors. The exterior of European house plans often features natural stone or stucco walls with roofs made of clay tiles or wooden shingles.
What are the elements of European style design? ›
The European façade is full of refined Old-World elements. Stone, brick and stucco were common cladding materials with some timber and half-timber elements surfacing. The combination of two or all three of these materials was common, one of which typically used as an accent detail material.
Is wood trim coming back in style? ›
Yes, wood is back but proceed with caution. It's wise to incorporate the trending warmer wood tones with plenty of restraint. Rich wood elements and furnishings can be overwhelmingly heavy if you have way too many wood tones and pieces crammed into a room.
Is Gray going out of style in 2024? ›
The color gray is out
Daley told Insider the once popular gray trend has disappeared quickly and will continue to do so in 2024. "With its popularity, many homeowners jumped on the gray bandwagon," Daley said.
Is Dark wood coming back in 2024? ›
Dark wood is making a comeback in 2024. A firm favourite of many interior designers, the sheer elegance of dark wood has taken a backseat to mainstream interior design trends for the last few years as the light and minimalist Scandi style took centre stage.
What is the 60 40 rule in interior design? ›
Creating a balanced Room Layout
The golden ratio helps achieve a balanced room layout by assessing the floor space covered by furniture. Striking the right balance means that nearly 60% of your room will have furniture on it, with 40% being clear.
The smaller section will house secondary pieces such as storage or an extra seating area. Furniture should also follow the 2:3 rule. This means your largest piece of furniture – for example, a sofa – should measure 2:3 of the area. Then work your way backwards from there.
What is the designers rule of three? ›
What is the "Rule of Three" In a nutshell, the rule of three suggests that things grouped in threes are more natural, harmonious and visually appealing. Odd numbers challenge our brains a bit and are more interesting.
What is the difference between American and European interior design? ›
American homes tend to be more open and spacious, while European homes are more compact and cozy. In an American home, you're likely to find a living room, kitchen and dining room all in one big open space. On the other hand, in a European home, these rooms tend to be smaller and separated from each other.
What is the European style? ›
In contrast, European style exudes a sleek elegance. Clothing is generally more fitted, and there is a preference for monochromatic and neutral colors which often lends to a more formal appearance.
What is traditional European style? ›
It's a style that pays homage to the palaces, the intricacy of Baroque architecture, and the timeless elegance of Renaissance art. European design, in its traditional sense, is often characterized by ornate furnishings, rich textiles, and a grandiose approach to decor.
What are the features of European design? ›
This design style mixes clean and sleek lines, minimalism, and natural materials like wood, metal, and glass. Neutral color palettes, chic furniture, and subtle decor create a sophisticated, functional, and timeless interior that reflects the best features of European design.
