Supported by Grand Living
There’s a new interior design style gaining momentum in Australia… a fusion style that blends classic European luxury (think French Provincial and classic Italian) with a modern aesthetic. We’re calling it ‘Contemporary meets European luxe’.
Perhaps it’s all the time we’re spending at home these days and people looking for ways to elevate their homes… or a desire to travel! Whatever the reason, we’re digging it. And here is how you can channel the contemporary meets European luxe style in your home.
Related article: The tips and tricks to styling your coffee table with ease
Related article: How to: Style a bookshelf
1. Muted colour palettes with hints of deep blue or lavender
A common theme of the contemporary meets European luxe style is an overall muted colour palette that’s broken up with accents of deep blue or lavender. These colours are associated with royalty and set a rich and luxurious tone.
A characteristic of this style is how darker accent colours are used. Forget feature walls, generally you’ll find them used on window drapes or furniture. Of course, scatter cushions and other décor also pick up on these colours to tie spaces together.
2. Hints of metallic
You’ll often see glimmers of gold or brass throughout to give spaces more sophistication and presence. And there’s no single way to inject hints of metallic. For example, furniture with metal legs or detailing, such as the Truman sofa from Grand Living pictured below, lighting or decorative objects are a few of our favourite ways.
3. Old meets new… and a bit of rustic too
Although this style gets its roots from classic European design, there’s a newfound appreciation for rustic and more earthy materials and décor. By this we mean ceramics with a beautiful glaze, reclaimed items or antiques to ground the space. Throw in some contemporary and clean line furniture and décor, and you’ve created the perfect mixing pot for the contemporary meets European luxe interior style.
Reclaimed and organic sits alongside polished and luxe in perfect harmony. It’s this juxtaposition that brings this fusion style to life.
For example, you may use a grand handcrafted French bed, like the Madeline bed from Grand Living, but style it with organic linen in earthy tones. Finish the space with a mix of homewares that ticks the boxes of old, new and something rustic too.
4. Marble accents
An iconic characteristic of the classic Italian style is the use of marble. From smaller marble sculptures and furniture (like a marble dining table) through to marble buildings, this material is celebrated in a big way.
And similarly, it plays a big role in the fusion contemporary meets European luxe style too. Look for ways you can add hints of marble to your home. A piece like Grand Living’s Bellisa marble coffee table is bang on trend and yet has timeless appeal to adapt to your style as it evolves.
5. Styling that celebrates objects
When it comes to styling, it’s all about ‘hero’ pieces. Forget busy vignettes filled with lots of smaller items, this style is all about big and bold.
For example, when styling a console table, think oversized lamps, large vases filled with stems, sculptures, and perhaps a large ornate mirror or artwork on the wall behind.
As the furniture is often decorative and a feature in its own right, there’s no need to over stuff spaces. Yet the golden rules of styling, such as using a mix of materials to create interest, and styling objects in groups of 3s, still apply.
Once you’re done, stand back and ask yourself does everything speak to this European-influenced interior style or are certain elements jarring and should be removed? Less is more and everything should be aesthetically beautiful and functional.
Are you a fan of the classic meets European luxe interior design trend? Will you be using these decorating tips to level up your styling? You can explore the full range of European furniture on the Grand Living website.
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