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Get Cozy with Traditional Old-World Decorating
As winter approaches, it's time for a return to the past for warmth and comfort
Forget modern minimalism! This season is all about getting cozy and making a house feel like a home. There's no better way to do this than with traditional styling, based on European décor of 18th and 19th centuries. Though often considered formal, it has a warm and personal vibe. It also withstands the test of time. With a traditional style, you're free from following fads and trends. You might even discover the joys of skipping the television viewing and instead spending an evening sitting in front of the fire with family and friends.
You can easily create this look in your own home by extracting the key elements of traditional style and incorporating them into your space. Keep reading for tips on how to create this homey, comfortable look.
You can easily create this look in your own home by extracting the key elements of traditional style and incorporating them into your space. Keep reading for tips on how to create this homey, comfortable look.
by Hull Historical
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Soft colors and fabrics combined with interesting architectural details make this a dining room that welcomes you and encourages you to linger. Note how the backs of the chairs mimic both the curved pieces above the mantel and the shape of the firescreen. To achieve this look, tone down anything too modern and streamlined. Instead, find a few great wooden antique pieces with plenty of ornamentation.
Get the look on a budget: Hunt around antique shows and thrift stores for pieces that can be refinished. You'll find one-of-a-kind furniture and can score some amazing deals.
Get the look on a budget: Hunt around antique shows and thrift stores for pieces that can be refinished. You'll find one-of-a-kind furniture and can score some amazing deals.
by Hull Historical
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In your living room, the fireplace should be the focal point. Arrange a seating area in front of it so you have a place to welcome family and guests for an old-fashioned conversation. Even if your furniture is more casual than traditional, the arrangement can still be formal and classic.
Get the look on a budget: Play up your fireplace so it makes a statement, even if the design elements in the rest of the room are simple.
Add fringe to the bottom of your sofa to instantly give it a more formal look. Then hang a few gold-framed pieces of art over the fireplace and display your china plates on the mantel.
Get the look on a budget: Play up your fireplace so it makes a statement, even if the design elements in the rest of the room are simple.
Add fringe to the bottom of your sofa to instantly give it a more formal look. Then hang a few gold-framed pieces of art over the fireplace and display your china plates on the mantel.
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When choosing a color palette, look for neutral or jewel-based tones. Wood paneling also fits in with a traditional look, and ornate moldings are a must.
Get the look on a budget: Installing a chair rail around the room will add a finishing touch.
Get the look on a budget: Installing a chair rail around the room will add a finishing touch.
by Hull Historical
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Antiques and pieces that tell a story are key to Old-World styling. Personalize your home with old framed photos, portraits and other objects that will make your guests want to ask questions and learn their history.
by Hull Historical
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Luxurious brocade or toile fabrics are a great choice for both upholstery and heavily layered window treatments. For a truly traditional look, you can even use fabric instead of wallpaper.
Get the look on a budget: Accessorize with a few large brocade pillows trimmed with tassels and fringe.
Get the look on a budget: Accessorize with a few large brocade pillows trimmed with tassels and fringe.
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If you can splurge, this Dahlia Chair upholstered in purple velvet is a great accent piece! It is so versatile that you can put it just about anywhere.
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Another splurge: This pink Marla chair not only adds a twist to traditional decorating, it adds a splash of color to a bland room.
How will you make your home cozy this season?
More: Traditional Home Goes Coastal
Wainscoting and Paneled Walls
How will you make your home cozy this season?
More: Traditional Home Goes Coastal
Wainscoting and Paneled Walls
Ideabook updated on Nov. 15, 2011.
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Suzy Q
...as I divest myself of MCM pieces, I find that I'm drawn to more traditional pieces - for some reason, they just seem to have more character.