When your home starts to look a little tired, it’s easy to feel as though your interior design scheme is stuck in a rut. However, as you don’t want to have to redecorate every few months, it can be difficult to find a look that will be adaptable and stand the test of time.
Of course, on top of all that you need your home to be practical and suit the needs of your household. There’s no point in investing in overly-fussy decor, where you have to continually worry about things being broken or getting in the way.
Rather than struggling to keep up with the latest look, you could instead turn your attentions to style traditions that have been popular overseas for generations. Here are some of the countries that have long led the way when it comes to interior design.
France
You may be wondering why we have suggested France as a place to look for guidance, when we also advised avoiding fussy interiors. After all, this is the country that built Versailles – one of the most ornate homes in history.
However, this is far from being the most commonplace look. Instead, many homes are kitted out in shabby-chic and rustic furnishings, where nothing matches and yet everything complements each other beautifully. This is a great scheme to try out in the kitchen. Invest in key items of furniture, like a large wooden dresser to display your china and a solid oak table to prepare meals on and eat around.
Don’t be afraid of embracing patterned textiles and wallpaper either, as this adds to the rustic charm. You can use a dense floral pattern on your walls and keep everything else neutral, or inject colour using tablecloths, cushions and curtains.
Morocco
This is a great look to try in your hall and entrance way. It is deceptively simple and makes a big impact – and any guests you have round to visit are sure to appreciate the spice of this look.
In north Africa, the temperature is frequently so high people will stay indoors for long periods of time to avoid the heat. This means that their homes and businesses very much capture the look of bringing the outdoors inside.
Earthen tones are popular for walls and floors, but there are often also pops of colour provided through the use of tiles and rugs. Reds and browns always work well with bright blues, and a little gold paint or a gilt tile or two will add a little something extra.
Complete your entrance hall with a green plant and a Moroccan hanging lamp. These are statement pieces that really draw the eye, which is why they work so well in the entrance to a home as there are few other items to steal focus.
Scandinavia
The UK has been having a love affair with Scandinavian design for generations – and little wonder as it is both stylish and practical. This makes it a great scheme to try out in your living room.
This is a place you want to look great but also be functional and inviting. You probably spend a large portion of your time in here, as well as using it to entertain friends and family, so it is important you can use it.
Choose simple pieces of furniture in blonde woods that have been built to last. Modern styles work well if you want to create a Scandinavian theme. You can then dress the space up, either by hanging an eye-catching piece of art on the wall or purchasing a statement rug for your floor.
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