Decorating a Home Office in the Old World Style
Old World refers to pre-modern European decor. It's characterized by dark colors and larger pieces of furniture in combination with wood and stucco or plaster. Because Old World covers a broad span of years, elements can be as disparate as Gothic and Renaissance. Using just a few of these design elements will create an Old World ambiance. Decorate a home office in the Old World style by using any or all of these basics. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dark wood Area rugs Leather furniture Venetian plaster Paintings or maps
Instructions
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Install a chair rail and use dark panels of the same color in the space underneath it. Use Venetian plaster on the walls above the chair rail in warm earth tones, or omit the rail and panels and do the entire wall with plaster or stucco.
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Put faux cross beams on the ceiling in a dark color. Use the same Venetian plaster you used on the walls between the beams.
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Finish the floor with stone or dark wood and scatter tapestry area rugs over the floor.
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Hang antique maps or paintings that depict old world scenes.
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Build floor-to-ceiling bookcases that match the color of the chair rail. Display decorative wrought iron art or an antique globe.
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Use a trestle table as your desk. Conceal wires from your computer and peripherals in a wire organizer. Choose dark leather for your office chair or use a simple high-backed chair with a crewel-work seat.
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Put file cabinets in a closet or armoire. Hide your printer and fax machine in the armoire.
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Place a dark leather side chair or sofa across from your desk.
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Hang a wrought iron chandelier over the desk. Find one that is designed to look like it should hold candles. Install curtain rods that are the same color as the chandelier and hang heavy brocade drapes.
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Tips & Warnings
Heavy furniture and dark colors may make a small room seem smaller.
Resources
- Photo Credit My Map Man, Brad Schwartz, Pottery Barn, Absolute Rugs, Furniture From Home
