Curating a romantic home with European aesthetic
In a world where industry and manufacturing reign, there’s a growing number of interior stylists, designers, and homeowners going against the tide and into designs inspired by old world and even gothic styles.
This romantic, European inspired design has notes of Mediterranean, English, Spanish, French Provincial, Italian, Swedish, and Parisian architecture and interiors. It’s a romanticized blend of classic and iconic European styles.
This trend plays out when a single home has stained glass windows, paneled walls in the kitchen, shaker cabinetry, Carrara marble countertops, picture molding, beautiful archways, curves, and cast iron furniture, for example. But it doesn’t look old - pops of modern furniture, lighting, and white space brings the home into today.
I personally started recognizing this romantic, European style when I discovered Carley Summers, an expert interior designer. Her work has once been coined “romantic bohemian” which I believe is drawing from moody tones and rustic materials.
The beautiful use of antiques, white space, mix of old and new, and contrast in color and textures is what drew me to Summer’s style. One cannot miss the global influence in her design style. In her work you can find aged pottery, delft tiles, Moroccan rugs, sculptures and architectural details from Spain, France, and England. She incorporates romantic curves through modern furniture, ironwork and has stunning textiles.
Key Elements to the Romantic European Style
Antique or Vintage Furniture & Décor
This part is quite non-negotiable: you need to source some antique or vintage pieces. You could have a completely white room and modern white shelving, but old, patinaed décor is what will give your space that depth and character. Browse thrift stores, antique stores, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and Ebay for some great finds. Look for pieces that truly speak to you and honestly, make you gasp. If you’re blown away by it at first glance, you’ll probably love it for years to come.
I’d suggest looking for items such as aged pottery that has been signed on the bottom, brass décor, carved wood furniture, furniture with curves (have an eye to see how it would look reupholstered or with a slipcover), delft tiles, custom frames, chinoiserie, Wedgwood, glassware, statues, marble, French inspired furniture, gilded mirrors, chandeliers, tassels, and bentwood chairs.
Tips for finding vintage at auctions, thrift stores, or antique stores
Whitley Semrow, my friend and interior designer from DL Home Co. shared with me some of her tips for finding vintage:
Always keep the look in mind whether it’s a mood board or a few words. For example, you could think “Old Money European.” Use your imagination and buy what you think matches that aesthetic.
Have a list, but be open to something unexpected that’s still within your style.
Use Google Lens and compare sold prices on Ebay and Etsy.
If you’re shopping at an auction, carefully look through pictures for damage.
Be careful when purchasing anything with fabric or rugs. Professional cleaning is best to ensure against pests.
When shopping for pewter, brass or silver, use a magnet to make sure it’s not metal with a faux finish.
When bidding on a piece at an auction make sure you have a dollar amount that you won’t go over. It can be easy to get caught up in the fun of bidding. You can decide this number by researching what things have sold for on Etsy or Ebay.
Keep your gallery wall growing
A creator that is exceptionally good at thrifting these sort of finds is Ashlyn from @davilla_home on Instagram. Her style is neutral but layered with so many beautiful finds, including tapestries, and feels modern through the furniture and layout of her home.
There are also so many amazing vintage shops online that already have the eye for this style. So if you don’t have time for the hunt, they’ve done it for you! One of them is Tezori Home. Brigitte’s family is from Malta so she has a lot of Italian influence in her design and yet French and pops of modern as well. She and her husband have a YouTube channel that takes a dive into people’s homes so that could be a great way to gather inspiration if you love watching videos.
Other vintage shops that I’ve discovered online are:
Florals, Trees, Plants, & Foraged Delicate Branches
Adding some greenery or natural, organic movement to a space gives it a romantic touch, especially when shadows of delicate branches are displayed on the walls as their own artwork. If you’re not a good plant parent, no fear! Foraged branches with dried leaves or no leaves at all can be beautiful all year round and still give some beautiful interest to your space.
I love how in Brigitte’s home (@tezorihome) she has a delicate tree that creates shadows on her walls. Carley Summers makes a statement with foraged branches on her mantel.
Notre Dame Original Drawing
Artwork, Tapestries, Antique Mirrors
I shared that vintage finds are a must for this look, but there are some pieces that really make an impact: large scale oil paintings, tapestries, and large antique mirrors. Pieces such as these can add grandeur and are inspired by the beautiful estates you can tour in Europe. Adding pieces like these can bring your style out of a countryside or farmhouse look and more into a refined Victorian style.
Below I’m sharing Deborah Folglia’s home with an oil painting portrait and tapestry in the background. Mallory Fletchall’s home (@reserve_home) incorporates oversized antique style mirrors.
Architectural Details
The scope of architectural details that you could add has no limit - but what comes to mind for me is intricate molding, Mediterranean style arches, niches, hearths, stained glass windows, and corbels.
Below, I’m sharing Julia Arceri’s kitchen (@arceriinteriors) which is actually in a newer home! You can see the impact that trim and molding can make.
Neutral Walls: Think plaster, white washed stone, but also a mural
Most often, this romantic European style has walls that are neutral to help the antique finds, tapestries, and artwork shine. The range of tones varies and interest is brought in through trim and molding instead of color. My example below is Bridgette Muller’s apartment (@hummusbird). Her white walls allow her stunning décor to have a moment and draw attention. If there is color, it’s often earth tones.
However, there is a chance you might find a mural, neutral wallpaper like in one of Carley Summers’ latest projects (below).
Go for textiles that are linen, velvet, sheer for a layered look
When looking for textiles, play with textures or neutral patterns with earth tones. A variety of textures all working together than feel collected and romantic. See below how Deborah Foglia (@seekinglavenderlane) uses sheer, neutral curtains in her living room.
Brigette Muller uses neutral earth toned curtains to divide her bedroom from her living room.
When it comes to rugs, think natural fibers, Persian rugs, or, actually, none at all.
I’ve fallen in love with this romantic, European inspired design style and since it’s classic and timeless, it seems like a style that’s here to stay. Enjoy your thrift and antique store hunts, have fun, and remember: curating a home takes time. The more time you take, the more layered your home will feel. Embrace the process!
If you’re new here, I’m Sara and am the artist at Nelson Art & Design Co. I primarily create European scenes that have a vintage and romantic feel. Take a look around and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions!
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