European charm is something that is always in style. Some people refer to it as ‘old world’. It’s a look that has been around for a long time, and still it endures. I predict with the popularity of the PBS series Victoria and the Netflix series The Crown, this look is going to explode in popularity. This is a look I charish, no matter whether it is ‘hot’ or not.
First what do I mean by European charm? It’s a look that the room could have existed 100 years ago in a fine English Estate or maybe in another country like France. It’s not specific to any country. It’s okay to mix in new things with the European look for fresh take on it.
Here are 5 elements that can give your home European charm.
- A plant especially an ivy in a very high end container
I love ivy and it works beautifully indoors. Many plants don’t do well indoors, or maybe that’s just me. The exception is ivy that works even in a low light situation. I like to use unusual containers like this trophy. Since it does not have a drainage hole, I try to not over-water and I put rocks in the bottom of the container when I planted it.
2. Distressed gold accents
These Florentine stacking tables have a faded charm of the old days. I like to sprinkle in a lot of gold in a room, but I rarely use a bright shiny gold color.
3. Old silver candlestickst
The new ones look very different. I love the old ones if you can get them. They tend to be ornate and delicate.
4. Vintage dishes in decor
I use them all over my house. No need to only use them in the kitchen. I tuck them in wherever I can. Here I used a gold and white monogrammed tureen.
Don’t worry about if the monogram is yours or not. Who knows if it was handed out from your Aunt Millie?
I’ve had these cabbage plates for years. I still love them 20 years later.
5. Vintage paintings in gilded frames
These can often look like inherited pieces, although mine are clearly purchased. The frame is just as amazing as the painting.
The gesso is cracked in places. That just shows how old the frame is and doesn’t take anything away from it (in my book.)
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There are many, many more things you can add to your home to give it European charm. This is just a starter list. I would love to hear your suggestions in the comments. If you don’t have a source for old things, or prefer to purchase new, then you can check out my recommendations on Amazon HERE.
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I love how you have used the Silver Platters. As a collector, having many I started to use mine in staging all rooms. From the kitchen to bedrooms. Love how you have utilized yours. thanks for an interesting read.
I loved all your suggestions. I want my house to look like it has been around since the 16th century which might be a stretch. I also love a touch of gold in my rooms, all of my framed art is in gold frames. I was introduced to your blog when my son bought me your book French Accents. He bought it on Amazon. Love the book and always have it out. Will buy any book you write. Thanks for years of ideas. Victoria
Hugs and thanks for your sweet comment Victoria.
We have just returned from a house-hunting trip in France. One of the biggest differences between the “European” or “Old World” look is not age but the sense of permanence. Walls in the old buildings in Europe are much thicker than the walls in our “new build” homes. A home with 2 foot thick walls is much quieter and more peaceful than a home with 6″ thick walls.
What can you do? If you own the home, you can make your walls thicker by application of faux brick or stone (or even real brick and stone) veneer. This will add at least 2″ of thickness to your walls. If you have the space you can furr out the wall to make it even thicker before adding the veneer. You don’t have to do all the walls, just those that have windows and doors. Adding wood or stone surrounds around window and door openings can add another 1″ to 2″ to the apparent thickness. While you are at it, adding more insulation in your walls will deaden sound AND help save on energy costs.
Is this expensive? Long term, maybe not. A wall of stone or brick veneer costs about $10 per square foot (DIY). If that wall is 8 feet high and 12 feet wide and has a door or window in it, that is less than $1,000. How much have you spent in decorative accessories in the last year or two to create the Old World feel?
The difference in cost between a sort-of-good-looking faux product and a really-good-looking faux product is not very much – maybe 10%. Do some homework. Visit brickyards and stoneyards that carry both real and faux products. It will give you some great ideas!
Check out Velvet and Linen, The Vintage Contessa, The French Tangerine, The Rambling Redhead and Penelopi Bianchi for “new builds” that have a real sense of permanence.
Extra work – yes. Worth it? In my book, YES!!!
Thank you for the great tips and your items are beautiful
Hi Anita, I just wanted to comment on how much I enjoyed your article in February’s Romantic Homes. I saw rooms that I haven’t seen before and enjoyed seeing them. I loved the touch of lavender in the pictures, it must be your favorite color. Your home is so charming and beautiful.
Wishing you a very HAPPY Day! Jo
Very interesting post with some good ideas. It is not my style totally but I see some ways I could incorporate it. Thanks!
One of your previous tips in adding aged gold accents is now a favorite of mine. Florentine tissue boxes. I need access to tissues in every room with all the allergens here. They add a great touch instead of an ugly tissue box sitting around.
Thank you Anita for giving a nod to European style—-having lived 43 yrs in Europe I am more European than American. While I love a lot about American style I find it sometimes a bit boring. Americans often convey the feeling that there is only one way to decorate—whatever is trendy in the US! As a result many homes, while beautiful, are simply a reflection of another. . and another . . . and the same. At the very same time these “decorators” are big on faux French—humm, to me it is a contradiction. For me genuine style comes from a true intergration of one’s past, and present— and I appreciate & applaude seeing other’s history in their homes & decorating styles.
Keep up the good work!
I love your style which isn’t surprising since “European” is a good definition of my style! My dining room is more French than my living room. My living room has overstuffed, nail-head trim seating and a more French style side chair. The coffee table and coordinating side tables could have come from a European home. The Bombay chest and the vintage pedestal table could have as well. The largest piece of art in the room is a landscape with a large stone building in the background and a lake with swans in the foreground. My frames are old gold but not quite as elaborate as yours. I have frame envy! I’m fortunate to have a tintype of my grandfather (circa 1901) that I had framed in an “antique” frame. I love your candlesticks. I have 5 in a similar style but they look like old wood. Thanks for the inspiration!
Blue and white porcelain, the bigger the piece the better, will ALWAYS be classic and European.
Your blog proves you have great things to say. Talk more on the podcast!
Ha, Anne, I’ll try!!!
I scored some antique European architectural engravings at an estate sale for much less than an antique store price tag. I love their timeless beauty and authentic European charm!
Anita, I love following you and had purchased several items from you when you had your mail order shop. I have been looking since last Spring for a beautiful French lamb like the one you featured several times but to no success. You said you had the name of the manufactor of yours but that order had to be in multiples. I am ready to give them a shot if you would be so kind to pass their info on to me. I LOVE that Lamb and really feel it would add so very much in our home décor. We have several religious items in our home living area and this would be such a great replacement for our nativity scene.
Thanks and God blessings to you and yours in 2018,
Ginger
I have several lambs. The only source I have currently is https://www.etsy.com/shop/edithandevelyn/items