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Furnishing styles
In the course of my life and career, I have become familiar with many interior design styles and have also tried them out. In this post, I’d like to introduce you to some of the most intriguing European interior styles that can transform your rooms into unique and stylish environments. Feel free to check out my articles on design basics for even more helpful information.
History of furnishing styles
The roots of the furnishing styles we know go back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans decorated their homes with statues, murals, and mosaics. In the Middle Ages, the Gothic style dominated with its high vaults, arches and decorations. The Renaissance style in the 15. and The 16th century was characterized by a return to antiquity and led to a renewed flowering of classical architecture and art. In 17. and In the 18th century, the Baroque and Rococo styles emerged, which were characterized by their opulent decorations and ostentatious aesthetics. Since then, many different furnishing styles have evolved, each with its own features and characteristics.
European furnishing styles
The Gothic style
The Gothic style is a style of furnishing that originated in the Middle Ages and is reflected in particular in architecture and art. Typical of this style are high vaults, tapered arches and decorations such as tracery and pinnacles. These features have also been adopted in the interior. Furniture, such as beds and wardrobes, is characterized by its dark color scheme and intricate carvings. Decorations such as coats of arms and tendrils are also typical of the Gothic style. The Gothic style is particularly suitable for large rooms with high ceilings, as it creates an imposing and majestic atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more impressive.
The baroque style
The baroque style is a style of furnishing that is used in the 17. and 18th century in Europe. As already mentioned, it is characterized by lavish decorations, sumptuous furniture and opulent colors. Typical features of the baroque style are curved shapes, elaborate carvings and elaborate details. The color palette includes bold colors such as gold, red, and green. Furniture made of high-quality materials such as mahogany and oak, as well as textiles such as velvet and brocade, complete the overall picture. The baroque style is particularly suitable for large and open spaces, as it creates a luxurious and opulent atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more spacious.
The French style
The French interior design style is an elegant and refined style that is often associated with Parisian chic. Furniture made of high-quality materials such as mahogany and oak, as well as textiles such as silk and velvet are typical of this style. Playful details such as curved shapes, intricate carvings and embellishments such as floral motifs and fringes are also characteristic. The color palette often includes pastel shades such as pink, green, and blue, as well as gold and silver tones as accents.
Above all, the Toile-de-Jouy pattern was and still is very common in wallpaper and on fabrics. The French style is particularly suitable for large rooms with high ceilings and plenty of space, as it creates a luxurious and elegant atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more spacious.
The German style
The German interior design style is a timeless and traditional style that is characterized by a combination of functionality and aesthetics. Typically, this style includes furniture made of high-quality materials such as oak and beech, as well as textiles such as wool and leather. It is also characterized by clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic characterized by a neutral color palette. The German style is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized rooms, as it creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes the room more homely and functional.
The Italian style
The Italian interior design style is an elegant and refined style that is often associated with the Mediterranean lifestyle. Furniture made of high-quality materials such as mahogany, cherry wood or olive wood, as well as textiles such as silk, linen and cotton are typical of this style. Artistic details such as carvings and embellishments such as floral motifs and marquetry are also characteristic. The color palette often includes warm and earthy tones such as terracotta, brown, and beige, with gold and silver tones as accents. Ceramics and glassware from Italy are also popular decorative elements. The Italian style is particularly suitable for medium to large rooms, as it creates a luxurious and elegant atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more spacious.
The Spanish style
The Spanish interior design style is a warm and welcoming design, infused with the history and culture of Spain. Often associated with traditional Spanish villas and country houses, this style is characterized by a combination of rustic and elegant elements. Typically, this style includes furniture made of dark wood, such as oak or walnut, as well as textiles such as leather and velvet. Also characteristic are decorations and carvings, which are often found in furniture and walls. The color palette often includes warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow, as well as earth tones. The Spanish style is particularly suitable for large rooms with high ceilings, as it creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere that makes the room more homely and welcoming.
The English style
The English interior design style is a timeless and elegant style that is often associated with traditional mansions and country houses. Typically, this style includes furniture made of high-quality materials such as mahogany and oak, as well as textiles such as velvet and leather. Also characteristic of the English style are check patterns and floral motifs, which are often found in curtains, cushions and carpets. The English style is characterized by a warm and cozy atmosphere, created by muted colors and a mix of traditional and antique elements. This style is particularly suitable for large rooms with high ceilings and plenty of space, as it creates a luxurious and elegant atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more spacious.
The Scandinavian style
The Scandinavian style has been very popular for a few years now, and for good reason. It is characterized by bright, minimalist spaces that are loosened up by natural materials and warm accents. The combination of light colours and natural materials creates an open and bright atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and friendlier. Typically, this style includes furniture made of light wood, such as birch or pine, as well as textiles in muted colors such as gray, beige, or white. Plants and decorations made of natural materials such as wicker or wool complete the overall picture. The Scandinavian style is particularly suitable for small rooms, as it creates an open and bright atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and friendlier.
Other furnishing styles
The industrial style
The industrial style is another interior design style that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is characterized by a combination of rough, industrial materials such as metal, concrete and bricks, as well as vintage elements. Dark shades such as black, gray and brown dominate this style, creating a rugged and urban atmosphere. Furniture made of rough wood and metal, as well as vintage lamps and decorations made from old factory utensils complete the overall picture. The industrial style is particularly suitable for large, open spaces, as it creates a robust and urban atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more spacious.
The boho style
Boho style is an interior design style inspired by bohemian culture. It is characterized by a colorful mix of different textures, colors and patterns. Typically, this style includes furniture and decorations made from natural materials such as wood and rattan, as well as textiles in bold colors such as orange, red, and green. Plants and decorations from a wide variety of cultures such as India, Africa or Morocco complete the overall picture. The boho style is particularly suitable for small spaces, as it creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere that makes the room more homely and welcoming.
The modern style
The modern style is characterized by clean, simple lines and a minimalist aesthetic. It is characterized by furniture made of smooth materials such as glass and metal, as well as a color palette consisting mainly of black, white and gray. This style is very versatile and can be used for both small and large spaces. By purposefully adding pops of color or eye-catching artwork, you can also add a personal touch to this style. The modern style is perfect for people who prefer a clean and minimalist aesthetic and want to create a modern atmosphere.
The classic style
The classic style is a furnishing style that is timeless and elegant. It is characterized by furniture made of high-quality materials such as mahogany and cherry wood, as well as a color palette of soft colors such as cream, beige and blue. The classic style often includes antiques and works of art as well. This style is particularly suitable for large rooms with high ceilings and large windows, as it creates a luxurious and elegant atmosphere that makes the room appear larger and more spacious. The classic style is perfect for people who want to create timeless elegance and a luxurious atmosphere.
How to find the perfect interior design style for you
It’s important to note that everyone has different tastes and personalities, so there’s no perfect interior design style that works for everyone. Before deciding on a style, you should think about what atmosphere you want to create in your room and what colors and materials you like best. For example, if you want to create a bright and open atmosphere, the Scandinavian style is a good choice. If, on the other hand, you want to create a robust and urban atmosphere, the industrial style is the best choice.
It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t buy all the furniture and decorations at once. It is better to approach the style slowly, gradually buying furniture and decorations that match the chosen style. A good way to find inspiration for your own interior design style is to look around furniture stores or online platforms and look at pictures of different interior styles.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many different interior styles, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to choose the style that best suits your personality and the desired space. With the right combination of furniture, decorations and colours, you can transform your space into a unique and stylish environment that reflects your personality. What is your favourite interior style? Do you like to stay true to one Stik or do you prefer to mix different styles to develop your very own style? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
Have a wonderful weekend!
All the love
Christina
“It is true that in former times a vain and costly desire impelled me not only to supply my needs with the books, but also to regard three out of four as furniture, as it were, which was to adorn my room and thus make an impression on me; but I have long since shaken off this fluff.”
Michel de Montaigne
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About the author
Christina Ernst is founder and CEO of Linen & Quince. She is also a designer, author and real estate expert. She shares her experiences and knowledge not only on our Linen & Quince blog, but also on her personal blog, christinaernst.net , where she writes about financial knowledge, starting a business, real estate knowledge and personal development. She loves interior design, art, antiques, as well as elegant, sustainable and high-quality fashion.
