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Interior living around the world
NEW ENGLAND STYLE
What could be more quintessentially American in style that New England
colonial. With its comfortable home furnishings and practical down to earth
furniture, New England interiors are full of robust practical cabinetry
which is attractive and suitable for today's home interiors. The landscape is very evocative of autumn, the images of red
leaves covering the garden of a Nantucket home brings up typical New England
nostalgia, but the winter landscape is quite picturesque as well. Snow
blankets the ground and hides everything in sight apart from the shingle
or saltbox houses dotting the landscape.
   New England Style |
 
Living in New England |
  New England Rooms |
  Fireworks: New England Art Pottery |
New England Links
www.newenglandlifestyle.com
www.historicnewengland.org
www.newenglandfurniture.com/
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AFRICAN INTERIORS
Africa south of the Sahara is intriguing. This vast continent is very
diverse, but 2 of the elements that affect interiors are somewhat
consistent, the climate and the art. To adapt to the tropical climate, think
Colonial style - to me, ceiling fans and mosquito nets are very evocative of
this period and style of design. Add quality pieces in solid wood and you
complete the look. In colder climes, this look can still be adapted - simply
omit the fans and nets!
African designers are very artistic and in recent times, they have been
taking inspiration from their cultures and stamping it on their furniture
and crafts. These pieces of furniture are usually in solid dark wood and can
be used in European and American homes whatever the weather, making them a
worthy investment whilst assisting African craftsmen with Fair Trade.
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African Interior Design
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Traditional African Designs |
 African Style |
 
African Textiles |
African Links
www.trackuk.co.uk
www.safaristyle.co.uk
http://www.terredivoire.com
http://www.theafricahouse.com/
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SPANISH INTERIORS
Spanish interior design falls into the broad category of Mediterranean
style. This means that it has French and Italian influences. Expect hot,
spicy, vibrant colours that reflect the Mediterranean region. Floors are
usually tiled and you can find beautiful hand-painted tiles alongside the
standard terracotta. In Spain in particular, Arab influences abound and you
can easily incorporate mosaics in your decor. With the addition of some
wrought iron pieces such as wrought iron tables and sofas, it is easy to
create Spanish style in your home.
You can be as ornate or as rustic as you like. Introducing period pieces
from the Baroque period add that element of grandeur and many fine examples
exist in and outside Spain, in America in particular, Spanish Revival
decoration is popular in areas such as California. Alternatively, keep it
simple with sparse wooden and wrought iron furniture and simply bring in
that Spanish feel by adding an abundance of tapestries and ceramics from
Spain.
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La Casa: Southern Spanish Style |
Spanish Decorative Ironwork |
Ibiza's Houses and Palaces |
Spanish Ceramic Designs |
Spanish Links
www.polixromia.com
www.madaboutfurniture.com
www.andalucia.com
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FRENCH INTERIORS
Ooh la la! Chic, elegant, glamorous - words that spring to mind when
thinking of French interior design. Over many many centuries, the French
have inspired us with their effortless style throughout the ages - from
Roman times, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque periods through to art- deco and
contemporary.
And its not just the elegant designs found in palaces fit for kings and
queens that inspire us , its also the warm and rustic French country style
that we find so appealing. Today, antique shops are full of French furniture
but for good bargains, nothing beats visiting France itself and sourcing
your very own authentic French treasures from flamboyant French markets.
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French Country
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The French Chateau |
 Grand Book of French Style |
Unmistakably French
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For French inspiration:
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Many people move to France and
live their dreams. Others simply buy holiday homes. Which ever you want
to do, getting your own place in France can be a rewarding and
fulfilling experience and is not as hard as you may think, Vivre La
France!
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French links
www.glasshouseinteriors.co.uk
www.faccents.com
www.ligne-roset.com
www.scumble-goosie.co.uk
SCANDINAVIAN
INTERIORS
There's a unique play of light so the colours are light and fresh. The sea is never
very far away so there's always a cool breeze blowing through. The winters
are freezing, you need to be warm and cozy. Think white and pastels to let
in as much light as possible - think
red accents to warm you up. Think pale wood floors and walls to keep things
simple - think practical yet stylish
furniture.
Scandinavian interior design encompasses distinct
styles from Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The main styles are Gustavian, Country and Modern.
Gustavian style developed during the reign of
King Gustav III of Sweden (1746-1792) and was heavily influenced by French
Neo-Classical style. A pioneer of Scandinavian design was Carl Lasson
(1853-1919), a Swedish illustrator who captured rural life in his watercolours.
Today, the modern style is accessible to everyone who loves Scandinavian
design with shops such as IKEA making it easy for people to create this look
in their homes.
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Scandimodern
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Neoclassicism |
New Swedish Style |
General Swedish
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For Scandinavian inspiration:
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To take Scandinavian living to another
level, why not try taking this look to your outdoor areas - the patio, sunroom
or summerhouse.
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In future editions...............
Global styles: Spanish, French, American (New England, Shaker,
Wild West etc), Mediterranean,
African (Colonial, Moroccan etc), Eastern.
Rooms: Kids rooms, playrooms, bathrooms, living, kitchens, open plan,
home office and more! |
