An homage to classic European decor of the 17th through 19th centuries, usually English or French, and its later reinterpretation in America. Although elegant, the style also emphasizes simplicity and comfort and typically utilizes warm rich colors, deep wood tones, and architectural detailing.
Reminiscent of European manors and estates of the 15th through 17th centuries, the style evokes a sense of antiquity and grandeur. Influences are as varied as Medieval to Renaissance and Italian to Spanish: the one constant being the overall feeling of regal stateliness, distressed and aged, yet undiminished by centuries of wear.
The style, as it’s name implies, was born in the patoral countryside of Provence, France. Simple and unpretentious, earthy and worn, rustic – not crude, the decor suggests that each cherished object has been handed down from the hardworking generations before.
Decor of the present-day – current and of the time; it is the antithesis of Traditional decor. With a strong emphasis on line and form, it is an entirely uncluttered, minimalistic approach to design. Rooms are designed with abundant open space, giving significant import to the items placed within. Less is indeed more.
Typically, associated with the American Atlantic coastline, the style may assume the traditional look of a Cape Cod saltbox, the more sleek lines of a Miami condo, or the cluttered collected appearance of a Key West cottage. Coastal interiors blur the distinction of inside/outside, introducing the exterior elements and palette to the interior decor.
The merchandising of the German “Row Homes” (town homes) utilized furnishings obtained in Europe and accessorized with art, materials, and objects imported from the United States. It was an extremely successful partnership introducing German home buyers to the emotional aspect of purchasing a home in addition to the sturdiness of its construction.