The Elements of the Modern European Style

Modern European Style Color Palette

The color palette varies slightly depending on the region around the Mediterranean. Italy loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown and terracotta and greens where Greece’s color palette is more connected to the sea and its various hues of blue. There is a strong Moroccan influence in this design style as well.

Modern European Forms & Line

The bulbous round shapes of pottery

  • curved and organic
  • decorative ornamentation
  • simple
  • arches

Modern European Style Furniture

A variety of furniture styles can be paired with this design style. Think natural woods and comfort when choosing furniture.   Seating is comfortable and easy going aesthetic.  Vintage pieces are also often used.

Modern European Style Architecture

There is a strong architectural statement in this style.  This style blends old world European charm with modern elegance and finishes. It emphasizes clean lines, minimalism and functionality.

  • terra cotta tile
  • arched doorways
  • natural exposed wood beams
  • decorative ironwork
  • french doors
  • natural stone
  • courtyard
  • outdoor spaces for family living
  • structured gardens
  • brick and stone walkways
  • pool or porte cochere
  • wood flooring
  • tall ceilings and windows
  • gable roofs made of slate or cedar shake
  • built-in pantry
  • room for kitchen table in the kitchen
  • furniture looking cabinets
  • built-in library
  • crown moldings

Patterns & Prints

This style loves its pattern and subtle texture.  They are deliberate and restrained. The prints are in delicate balance with the solid neutrals.

  • nature inspired patterns
  • marble veining
  • monochromatic and tonal patterns
  • tone on tone
  • arabesque
  • moroccan
  • upholstery is often a solid neutral but the pillows can bring in pattern and color
  • clean repeating geometric

Textures, Materials and Finishes

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

  • natural textures and materials
  • patina
  • wrought iron
  • terra cotta
  • distressed and weathered woods
  • patterned cement, porcelain or ceramic tile
  • wood , brass, copper
  • clay pots
  • dark metal finishes

Fabrics

Unfussy and natural fibers

  • natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool

Window Treatments

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms bright and airy. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

  • sheer curtains
  • wood louvered shutters
  • lightweight shades

Lighting

Lots of natural light through large windows and doors. Fixtures are minimallist in design

  • recessed lighting
  • pendant fixtures
  • lanterns
  • sconces

Art & Decor

In keeping with the connection with the outdoors, green plants are used generously in these neutral rooms.

  • ceramics
  • mosaics
  • functional storage
  • true brass lever door handles
  • patterned tile
  • terra cotta and stone planters
  • woven baskets
  • pottery
  • minimal wall decor

The Elements of the Modern Farmhouse Style

Modern Farmhouse Style Color Palette

The color palette  loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown, greens with black and whites accents .

Modern Farmhouse Forms & Line

  • mix of shapes
  • soft and plush curves
  • tufted

Modern Farmhouse Style Furniture

  • built with functionality in mind
  • medium and dark woods
  • distressed, salvaged, weathered
  • square or sled
  • carved feet
  • rolled arm
  • solid and grounded
  • skirted
  • metal or wood bed frames
  • slip covered
  • wood coffee tables
  • Tolix chairs

Modern Farmhouse Style Architecture

  • farmhouse apron sink
  • exposed plumbing
  • wooden beams
  • shiplap
  • cobblestone
  • brick or stone fireplace
  • wide planked wooden floors

Modern Farmhouse Patterns & Prints

This style loves its pattern.

  • florals
  • strips
  • damask
  • small prints
  • plaids
  • Toile
  • Paisley
  • solids
  • farm animal prints

Modern Farmhouse Textures, Materials and Finishes

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

  • natural textures and materials
  • patina
  • durable materials
  • distressed wood
  • weathered wood
  • metal
  • vintage finishes
  • clay pots
  • dark metal finishes

Modern Farmhouse Fabrics

Unfussy and natural fibers

  • natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool
  • leather, suede, burlap
  • animal prints and skins

Modern Farmhouse Window Treatments

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms simple or bare. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

  • sheer curtains
  • wood shutters
  • lightweight shades

Modern Farmhouse Lighting

 

  • exposed bare bulbs
  • mason jars
  • wrought iron
  • barn lights

Modern Farmhouse Art & Decor

In keeping with the connection with the outdoors, green plants are often seen indoors. Simple art and decor have a connection to the outdoors

  • countryside scenes
  • wildflowers
  • sign art
  • framed chalkboards
  • metal wall art
  • open shelving
  • wreaths
  • lavender and natural elements brought indoors
  • tins
  • plants
  • clocks
  • farm implements
  • vintage botanical prints
  • nature photography

This video from Suzie Anderson Home does a fabulous job explaining the Modern Farmhouse style which she calls Modern Cottage with lots of pictures.

The Elements of the Scandinavian Style

Nordic Nest

Scandinavian Style

This style comes is known for its simplicity, functionality within light and airy spaces. This style falls within the Contemporary Design Styles category.  It is sometimes associated with the mid-century modern style but differs because Scandinavian interiors feature bright white and airy rooms.

Scandinavian Style Color Palette

Predominantly neutral color palette

  • whites and shades of gray
  • Light and soft and muted colors are used
  • Predominantly white with neutrals and earth tones
  • accents of black and muted pastels or earthy hues
  • Keep to 2-3 colors for color palette

Scandinavian Style Furniture

  • functional and ergonomic design
  • focus on comfort and usability
  • Multi-functional furniture
  • Light woods like bamboo, beech, rattan, maple and pine
  • splayed, straight and tall or hairpin legs
  • track arms or square arms
  • spindle back chairs
  • open shelving

Scandinavian Style Architecture

Scandinavian Style Patterns and Prints

  • intricate patterned prints
  • solid colors are predominant

Scandinavian Style Forms and Lines

  • clean and simple
  • organic and curved
  • clean lines
  • geometric simple shapes

Scandinavian Style Texture, Materials and Finishes

  • Rattan and bamboo
  • light woods
  • heavy and soft textures like sheepskin rugs and thick yarns
  • hygge (pronounced hoo-guh)

Scandinavian Style Fabrics

  • linen
  • cotton
  • wool
  • knits
  • faux fur and sheepskin

Scandinavian Style Window Treatments

This style loves the light from big windows therefore the treatments are minimal, bare or simple or sheer drapes

Scandinavian Style Lighting

Lighting in this style aims to create a balance of natural light and functionality keeping a cozy atmoshphere

  • functional simplicity
  • copper, brass, white, black simple shapes
  • light bulbs in the 2700-3000K spectrum for comfort
  • white shades
  • seagrass pendants or shades
  • black pendant light

Scaninavian Style Art and Decor

  • plants
  • abstract geometric art
  • abstract landscape art
  • woven baskets
  • clutter free
  • sheepskin throws

Scandinavian Style Iconic Furniture

    By Holger Ellgaard – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2817356

 

  • PH lamp

Scandinavian Style Iconic Furniture

 

Wishbone Chair
Munkegaard Chair by Kaare Klint

 

The Elements of the Arts & Crafts Style

Arts & Crafts Style Color Palette

The color palette is monochrome neutrals and colors from nature.

Arts & Crafts Forms & Line

 

  • Simple functional forms
  • Clean and simple lines
  • straight or organic with minimal ornamentation

Often there is a horizontal emphasis adding to a stable feeling.

Arts & Crafts Style Furniture

The furniture is functional, pared down and clutter free. Storage solutions are important in this style.

  • medium and dark hard woods like cherry, oak and maple
  • visible joinery
  • emphasis on handcrafted construction elements
  • simple and functional without excessive detailing
  • woven tapestries
  • light woods – bamboo, beech, rattan, maple or pine

 

Arts & Crafts Style Architecture

Wood Paneling

  • Wood Beams
  • Built-ins
  • Chair Rails
  • Wainscoting
  • Wallpaper
  • Plaster walls

 

Arts & Crafts Patterns & Prints

This style uses geometric or patterns from nature

  • Pattern is minimal and often stylized botanical motifs
  • simple and geometric
  • William Morris inspired
  • Block prints

Arts & Crafts Textures, Materials and Finishes

The textures of the Arts & Crafts style play a significant role through the use of:

  • wood
  • stone
  • metal
  • handcrafted
  • plaster walls
  • smooth woods
  • natural textures and materials like wool, linen, cotton and leather

Fabrics in the Arts & Crafts Style

Unfussy and natural fibers

  • natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and leather
  • woven tapestry
  • Embroidery emphasizes the handcrafted

Arts & Crafts Window Treatments

Window treatments in this style are selected for simplicity, natural materials and handcrafted details

  • Simple drapery panels with or without tie backs
  • Curtains with tab tops make with natural materials
  • Shades are simple with minimal embellishments
  • Stained glass windows inspired by nature or geometric motifs

 

 

Arts & Crafts Lighting

Lighting emphasizes craftsmanship, natural materials and a warm atmosphere

  • Often handcrafted fixtures
  • Copper, brass, iron
  • subdued lighting creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere
  • tinted glass, amber and natural colors
  • stylized floral or geometric shapes
  • Natural light from windows is emphasized

Arts & Crafts Art & Decor

Decor is kept to a minimum to keep a clutter free look. There is an emphasis on craftsmanship and connection with nature.

  • detailed craftmanshi[
  • portraits
  • simple vases
  • rural scenes in artwork
  • landscapes
  • botanical studies
  • woven tapestries
  • Pottery and ceramics
  • mosaics
  • vibrant colored rugs
  • jute or sisal rugs
  • woven baskets
  • pottery
  • minimal wall decor

The Elements of the Minimalism Style

Minimalism Style Color Palette

The color palette is monochrome neutrals.  They can be either warm neutrals or cool neutrals.  Often there is a statement color used along with the whites, creams, grays and blacks.  There is typically only 2 or 3 colors used in the color palette.

Minimalism Forms & Line

Clean and simple lines are used. They are straight or organic with minimal ornamention.

Minimalism Style Furniture

The furniture is functional, pared down and clutter free. Storage solutions are important in this style.

  • contemporary and low
  • track arm or square arms
  • medium and dark woods
  • light woods – bamboo, beech, rattan, maple or pine

 

Minimalism Style Architecture

Minimalist style does not have any definitive architecture elements that distinguish this style.

Minimalist Patterns & Prints

This style uses shiny and smooth surfaces with mostly solid colors.

  • Pattern is minimal if non existent
  • simple and geometric

Minimalism Textures, Materials and Finishes

The textures of the minimalist style nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

  • shiny or matte metals
  • smooth woods
  • natural textures and materials like wool, linen, cotton and leather

Fabrics in the Minimalist Style

Unfussy and natural fibers

  • natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and leather

Window Treatments

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Bare and simple drapes are used. Simple shades and narrow blinds offer minimal lines. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

Lighting

Lots of natural light or sleek and clean lines are seen in the LED lighting.

  • Few details
Photo: Alex lvrs

Art & Decor

Decor is kept to a minimum to keep a clutter free look. There is a connection with nature.

Artwork is often used as a focal point with the limited furniture in the space.

  • modern mirrors
  • abstract art
  • simple vases
  • geometric art
  • ceramics
  • mosaics
  • vibrant colored rugs
  • jute or sisal rugs
  • woven baskets
  • pottery
  • minimal wall decor

This video from Suzie Anderson Home does a fabulous job explaining the Minimalism style with lots of pictures.

Elements of the Contemporary Style

Contemporary Styles

Lisa Holt –Styles within this category share some similar elements. Clean simple lines. Minimal ornamentation on the different elements. Concentration is on shape, mass and form and texture. Color palette makes a statement either in monochrome neutrals or statement pieces. Limit to 2-3 colors.  Minimal pattern and statement made by layering texture.  Single focal point in architecture or design a element to contrast with subtle stories. clutter free looks

Contemporay Style Color Palette

The styles within this category share the common color theme of using neutrals as a base and bringing in bold pops of color

  • neutrals
  • black and white
  • pop of color

Mid-Century Modern

Keep to 2-3 colors

  • warm neutrals
  • warm earthy tones of brown and golds
  • Pops of color: mustard yellow, deep reds, aquas and pumpkin orange
  • blush pinks, sages
  • black and white

Scandinavian

keep to 2-3 colors

  • bright crisp white
  • pops of color: light, soft and muted colors
  • predominantly white with neutrals and earth tones

Minimalism

Keep to 2-3 colors

  • monochrome
  • warm or cool neutrals
  • pop of color: your choice
  • whites, creams, gray and black

California Coastal

Art Deco

Hollywood Glamour

Global

Pop Maximilism

Rustic Contemporary

  • stone fireplace focal point
  • large windows
  • rustic in contemprary home

Industrial

Urban Modern

Blends industrial and Mid-Century modern elements

  • Contrast of hard and soft
  • statement piece of art, rug or furniture or lighting

 

Modern

This style uses little to no wood.  It’s signature look is monochromatic.

Contemporary Style Furniture

The furniture is what sets this style apart from the previous age of traditional wooden furniture.  Contemporary furniture incorporated new elements from the industrial age. Plastics and metals were used in home furnishings.  The furniture of these styles will start to incoporate these new elements.

Mid-Century Modern

  • medium and dark woods
  • splayed legs
  • straight and tall legs
  • tapered legs
  • hairpin metal legs
  • molded plastic
  • wire chairs
  • metal frames

Scandinavian

  • light woods like bamboo, beech, rattan, maple, pine
  • splayed legs
  • straight legs
  • tall legs
  • metal hairpin legs
  • spindle back chairs

Minimalism

  • light woods like bamboo, beech, rattan, maple, pine
  • medium and dark woods
  • metal frames

 

Elements of Transitional Styles

Transitional Styles

This is a broad category of styles that seeks to combine elements of traditional with contemporary together.

Features clean lines and neutral color palette. mix of textures. feels traditional but lighter and brighter color palette.

Look into each specific design style to get a more specific elements that is unique to that design style combination.

Modern Farmhouse

Blend of rustic charm with contemporary elements, resulting in a comfortable and updated look.

Urban Modern

Integration of technology and smart home features to enhance convenience, comfort and efficiency.

Modern Traditional

Modern Bohemian

Combines traditional Bohemian elements with clean lines and simplicity.

Coastal

Relaxed living featuring a fresh light color palette and beach inspired decor.

Shabby Chic

Blending of vintage chic elements with rustic charm

Modern European

Japandi

Merging of traditional Japanese style with contemporary scandinavian style

Gustavian Scandinavian

Combination of shabby chic and scandinavian contemporary design

Wabi Sabi

blend of Japanese simplicity with organic shapes of contemporary design

Modern European Villa

blending of mediterranean chic and rustic elements of country living

French Country

Blending of elegant and refined elements of vintage traditional with rustic elements of country living

Modern Western

Maximilism

Large whole room statement using layered colors, patterns and textures using an intentional color palette. Elements from contemporary and traditional

Eclectic

combination of elements from two or more styles

Grandpa Chic

layered combination of masculine pattern and textures with a traditional time period

Cottage Core

Blend of Traditional and farmhouse

The Elements of the Mediterranean Style

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Coastal Mediterranean Style Color Palette

The color palette varies slightly depending on the region around the Mediterranean. Italy loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown and terracotta and greens where Greece’s color palette is more connected to the sea and its various hues of blue. There is a strong Moroccan influence in this design style as well. All these areas use vibrant hues along with either pure crisp white or warm neutral walls.

Mediterranean Forms & Line

The bulbous round shapes of pottery

  • curved and organic
  • decorative ornamentation
  • simple
  • arches
photo source: artfasad.com

Mediterranean Style Furniture

A variety of furniture styles can be paired with this design style. Think natural woods and comfort when choosing furniture.  Low profile seating is often seen with this style for a comfortable and easy going aesthetic. Natural materials like this bamboo sofa frame and rattan pendant light pairs well as in this picture from artfasad.com.  Wrought iron accents and vintage pieces are also often used.

photo source: pointstudio.co

Mediterranean Style Architecture

There is a strong architectural statement in this style.  Whether the walls are white or a creamy neutral, the textured stucco or plaster walls create a rustic and inviting atmosphere.  The stone or hardwood floors are often distressed and earthy as if they have stood the test of time where generations have walked. Arched windows and doors abound with their gracious curves.  Colorful tile is often seen in the kitchen and decorative ironwork may be seen.

  • terra cotta tile
  • arched doorways
  • natural exposed wood beams
  • decorative ironwork
  • french doors
  • natural stone
  • colorful tile
  • outdoor spaces for family living
photo source: lightwave laser

Patterns & Prints

This style loves its pattern.  Even though Morocco is on the other side of the sea, it does have its influence.  You may see this influence in the cut metal pattern in the light fixtures which create unique patterns of light on the stark walls. The prints are in delicate balance with the solid neutrals.

  • arabesque
  • moroccan
  • upholstery is often a solid neutral but the pillows can bring in pattern and color
  • repeating geometric
photo source: cheapstairparts.com

Textures, Materials and Finishes

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

  • natural textures and materials
  • patina
  • rattan
  • wicker
  • bamboo
  • wrought iron
  • terra cotta
  • distressed and weathered woods
  • mosaic and patterned cement, porcelain or ceramic tile
  • clay pots
  • dark metal finishes

Fabrics

Unfussy and natural fibers

  • natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool
  • seagrass
  • rattan
photo source: shippmanndesign

Window Treatments

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms bright and airy. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

  • sheer curtains
  • wood shutters
  • wrought iron grillwork
  • lightweight shades
photo source: pointconcept.co

Lighting

Lots of natural light through large windows and doors.

  • wrought iron chandeliers and glass
  • lanterns
  • sconces
  • woven shades
Photo source: artfasad.com

Art & Decor

In keeping with the connection with the outdoors, green plants are used generously in these neutral rooms. in this example a large potted plant is used along with woven baskets on the wall and on the floor.  A highly textured pillow is thrown on the floor which adds more high texture.  The bed look as if it has natural cotton linens.  A vibrant color was not chosen for this room but they let all the textures be the star.  Even the rug is high in natural texture.

  • ceramics
  • mosaics
  • vibrant colored rugs
  • jute or sisal rugs
  • woven baskets
  • pottery
  • minimal wall decor

This video from Suzie Anderson Home does a fabulous job explaining the Mediterranean style with lots of pictures.

IDEAS FOR DECORATING IN TRADITIONAL STYLE

Traditional Style

Traditional Design Styles

Rustic Farmhouse

simple functional homes of rural areas. cozy and warm atmosphere. natural materials. weathered look

Rustic

English Cottage

Coastal Mediterranean

Victorian

Bohemian

Vintage Cottage

Arts and Crafts

Late 1800s. Lots of wood with craftsmanship

Traditional Style Color Palette

The Traditional Style color palette is warm.  Warm neutrals, off white, tans, beige and ivory are the foundation to the Traditional Style.  Rich warm hues of deep reds, blues, and greens are introduced in a balanced and thoughtful way. Even the soft pastels are often used in this style.

Traditional Style Furniture
Photo Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Furniture in the Traditional Style

Some features of Traditional Style furniture might include:

  • Upholstered seating with carved or turned wood frames
  • Skirted upholstery
  • rolled arms with decorative trim or nails
  • button tufting
  • dark woods like mahogany and cherry

Examples of Traditional Style Furniture:
(Look for the above features in the following pieces)

  • upholstered wing back chairs
  • upholstered chaise lounges
  • upholstered loveseats
  • upholstered club chairs
  • upholstered sofa
  • wood framed occasional chairs
  • secretaries
  • hutches
  • chests
  • wooden benches
  • wooden stools
  • vintage pieces

Architectural Influences in the Traditional Style

Photo Source: The Brass Pine

Archiectural Features abound and may include:

  • Built ins
  • paneling and wainscoting
  • crown molding and trim moldings
  • hardwood floors of oak, walnut, cherry, maple or mahogany
  • coffered ceilings
  • arches
  • chair rails
  • columns and pillars
  • detailed ballusters
  • defined rooms rather than an open floor  plan
  • strong symmetry in window placement
Patterns & Prints in the Traditional Style

Patterns and Prints in the Traditional Style

Look for these patterns and prints in the Traditional warm color palette

  • Florals
  • Solid Colors
  • Stripes
  • Plaids
  • Small prints
  • damasks
  • brocades
  • chevron
Photo Source: Luxdeco

Form & Line

This picture from Luxdeco demonstrates the soft curved lines in Traditional Style furniture seen in the stuffed upholstery, furniture arms and carved wooden legs often contrast with the crisp linen lamp shades and straight lines of the room’s architectural features.  The tall vertical lines in the draperies and architecture draw the eye up and give a sense of grandeur.  The symmetrical placement of furniture also offers straight lines toward a focal point.

The Traditional  style is all about balance of  form and line.

Photo Source: sofaandstuff.com

Textures, Materials & Finishes

Look for using natural materials, smooth textures, warm metal finishes and finishing details

  • natural materials like wood, brick, glass and stone
  • dark polished woods
  • button tufting and piping
  • brass
  • nickel
  • bronze
  • copper
  • glossy ceramic
  • antique finishes like gilded frames
  • polished surfaces
  • smooth and luxurious
  • braided trims
  • tassels

Fabrics

Fabrics in the Traditional Style are made from natural fibers with smooth lustre finishes like chintz, brocade and toile

  • velvet
  • silk
  • linen
  • cotton
  • wool
  • chintz
  • toile
  • leather
  • brocade
  • lace
Photo Source: Anne Wagoner Interiors
Photo Source: Anne Wagoner Interiors

Window Treatments

Look to use the Traditional Style fabrics in the following treatments:

  • pinched pleated full length draperies
  • valances
  • cornices
  • light weight sheer curtains
  • fabric roman shades
  • wooden plantation blinds
  • use of trim embellishments like pull backs, tassels and ribbon
Photo Source: The Ivory Lane

Lighting

  • crystal chandeliers
  • candelabras
  • lantern style
  • picture lights
  • fabric lamp shades
  • urn table lamps
  • candlestick table lamps
  • wall sconces
Photo Source: Anne Wagoner Interiors

Art and Decor

Look for antique finishes like gilded frames  or carved wood for your artwork

  • Vintage pieces
  • sculptures
  • framed botanicals
  • gilded frames
  • porcelain pieces
  • mantle clock
  • decorative globe
  • leather bound books
  • boxwood topiary
  • fiddle leaf fig
  • english roses
  • hydrangeas
  • orchids
  • china
  • carved wood
  • abundant pillows
  • plants and flowers
  • landscape art
  • floral art
  • collections
  • portraits
  • still life paintings
  • oriental rugs
  • tapestries
  • wall to wall carpet
  • sunburst mirror

… Variations of the Traditional Style

Do you like the balanced and layered look of the Traditional Style but don’t like the colors? Or perhaps you like other materials or finishes?

Check out some of the styles within the Transitional Category.  They combine traditional and contemporary or more modern styles.

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