Things You'll Need:
- Art History Books
- Gothic Furniture
- Parchment Lamp Shades
- Encyclopedias (study Gothic, Renaissance and Medieval periods)
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Step 1
Note that Old World decor, European in origin, goes as far back as the 12th century, but is more often concentrated in the 16th or 17th. It includes Italian and French Renaissance styles as well as late-medieval and Gothic designs from throughout Europe.
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Step 2
Consider the overall ambience. It will be a rich, elegant feel of antiquity and may be darkly atmospheric, with rooms that seem to fit castles or centuries-old stone houses.
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Step 3
Scrutinize the walls. In the Old World room, the trademark look will be rough plaster or stone, with color exposed in layers that suggest the walls have been painted many times and worn down by time. There may also be rounded or pointed archways connecting the rooms.
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Step 4
Check out the other finishes in the room - stone is likely to be used in floors. Woods may be stained (often dark); painted finishes tend to be layered, with newer pieces glazed for an aged effect.
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Step 5
Study the furniture. It is usually grand in scale, often with intricate carving, but it may also be primitive. Gothic pieces, such as chair backs and headboards, may have the pointed tops that echo Gothic architecture. Furniture legs may be carved, turned or square.
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Step 6
Study the accessories, which may include tapestries, floor cloths, carved picture frames, stone lamp bases and bookends, and parchment lamp shades. Renaissance looks may include red walls, accessories in gold and other metal tones, and stained glass.
Comments
thenannysden said
on 9/3/2008 Neat article!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Consider a faux thin brick wall, accessorized with vines and pottery.