Spotting Old World Style
In the 1st century A.D., Rome was a bustling metropolis of 1 million souls. The violent gladiator displays, the triumphant parades of conquering Roman legions, and endless wars might have been too much for the sensitivities of some of her citizens that they travelled to the winding hills of the central region of Tuscany to lead a more subdued life. The down home villas that these out goers began nearly 2000 years before are still the inspiration for what we now call old world style. Houses in Livorno, Arrezo, Pisa, Sienna, Florence, and the rest of the area illustrate the old world style. But just what is it that sets old world styling aside from other decor themes, and how do we spot old world style?
Roofs crowned with terra-cotta and bricks bleached by the sun. Old world architecture is really distinctive. Terra-cotta roof tiles in identifiable red-brown covering structures in white are its classic characteristics. Simplicity is a fundamental part of old world style and thus, its collective appeal. Stone walls that have seen better days? So what, beauty's found in timelessness. Sun-faded bricks speaking their story through color? Yes, stone also ages. Years showing through solid wood furnishings despite years of polishing and upkeep? Even better.
Minimized and unpretentious. The old world style demands residents to loosen up and slow down. In true old world style, walls and other wooden surfaces are many times left bare and unpainted. Who would care to alter something that looks to be already ideal?
A palette of color that is overshadowed by deep browns and rich yellows and reds. Inside, the visitor is met by a strong and easygoing ambience. Houses are built along classical lines. An aesthetically gratifying home is the result of this combination. Tapestries, gold leaf, and ornate detail of moldings complete the ambience, especially when accented with wall sconces for candles. Outdoor spaces are key and receive equal attention as inside spaces when decorating in the old world style. One will often see a water fountain set up in the courtyard. Marble statues are also popular in the courtyard in a Tuscan styled home. Old world style is shown in stone or brick walkways and driveways; contemporary concrete and pavement are nowhere to be seen.
Interior walls are oftentimes painted subdued white or gray, and may be stuccoed. Walls are then finished using faux painting, color washing, or Venetian plaster.
Floorings are constructed of terra-cotta bricks, clay tiles, or rough stone, although wooden planks and timber boards are also used. Another standard style component of old world styling is marble accents, typically found on counter tops, table tops and elsewhere. Marble is usually utilized in pillars and floors. Typically, you will also find metal wall grilles throughout the home, which is a Tuscan basic.
Wrought iron and marble furniture are standard, as are pine and other wooden furniture. One principle should be observed: nothing should look new. Commonly enclosed by a fence, you will find wrought iron being used in gates as well.
Windows remain exposed.
The ambience of the old world is carried over into the kitchen. In the kitchen, open cupboards provide an uncomplicated style and functionality. A vital requisite is a long wooden table. Kitchen furniture might be of wrought iron; including wall mounted wine racks and pot racks to display copper pots. A kitchen basic is a kitchen sink constructed of stone or porcelain. The typical old world atmosphere is finished with lots of fresh flowers and braiding of garlic or onion.
Roofs crowned with terra-cotta and bricks bleached by the sun. Old world architecture is really distinctive. Terra-cotta roof tiles in identifiable red-brown covering structures in white are its classic characteristics. Simplicity is a fundamental part of old world style and thus, its collective appeal. Stone walls that have seen better days? So what, beauty's found in timelessness. Sun-faded bricks speaking their story through color? Yes, stone also ages. Years showing through solid wood furnishings despite years of polishing and upkeep? Even better.
Minimized and unpretentious. The old world style demands residents to loosen up and slow down. In true old world style, walls and other wooden surfaces are many times left bare and unpainted. Who would care to alter something that looks to be already ideal?
A palette of color that is overshadowed by deep browns and rich yellows and reds. Inside, the visitor is met by a strong and easygoing ambience. Houses are built along classical lines. An aesthetically gratifying home is the result of this combination. Tapestries, gold leaf, and ornate detail of moldings complete the ambience, especially when accented with wall sconces for candles. Outdoor spaces are key and receive equal attention as inside spaces when decorating in the old world style. One will often see a water fountain set up in the courtyard. Marble statues are also popular in the courtyard in a Tuscan styled home. Old world style is shown in stone or brick walkways and driveways; contemporary concrete and pavement are nowhere to be seen.
Interior walls are oftentimes painted subdued white or gray, and may be stuccoed. Walls are then finished using faux painting, color washing, or Venetian plaster.
Floorings are constructed of terra-cotta bricks, clay tiles, or rough stone, although wooden planks and timber boards are also used. Another standard style component of old world styling is marble accents, typically found on counter tops, table tops and elsewhere. Marble is usually utilized in pillars and floors. Typically, you will also find metal wall grilles throughout the home, which is a Tuscan basic.
Wrought iron and marble furniture are standard, as are pine and other wooden furniture. One principle should be observed: nothing should look new. Commonly enclosed by a fence, you will find wrought iron being used in gates as well.
Windows remain exposed.
The ambience of the old world is carried over into the kitchen. In the kitchen, open cupboards provide an uncomplicated style and functionality. A vital requisite is a long wooden table. Kitchen furniture might be of wrought iron; including wall mounted wine racks and pot racks to display copper pots. A kitchen basic is a kitchen sink constructed of stone or porcelain. The typical old world atmosphere is finished with lots of fresh flowers and braiding of garlic or onion.
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