Romantic Relaxed Interiors: How to Add Natural Texture for Livable Luxe!

Am I the only one who thinks we need a bunch of new design style genres to describe beautiful interiors? For example, modern farmhouse is still popular, but there are so many variations of the theme! Some folks just associate it with white walls, black trim, and farm tables. Maybe I’ll try to carve out a career naming all the different iterations. For today’s design inspiration, we’ll explore Romantic Relaxed Interiors to arrive at savvy actionable ideas we can use at home to add natural texture and a livable luxe vibe.

What I mean by “livable luxe” is an elegant yet laid back look which is unfussy and invites others to touch everything and instantly relax.

Unfussy Romantic Relaxed Interiors & Livable Luxe

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Infuse a Room With Natural Texture

Interior designer Michael Del Piero is brilliant with introducing texture from natural materials, new and old. She mixes ancient with modern, yet there is so much lovely restraint that the effect feels fresh and luxurious.

Actionable Tip: If you have a room that feels uninspired to you, study it closely (maybe snap a photo) with an eye for texture. What can you bring into the space to introduce a bunch of different textures? In the space above, we see earthenware, smooth plaster, sumptuous upholstery, velvet, and more. If everything was soft and smooth, the look would fall flat.

Wendell Berry poem THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS on Hello Lovely. #wendellberry #peacepoetry

Collect Rustic Antiques

While it would be nearly impossible to recreate a look for your kitchen that approaches Ruth Gay’s romantic one in Houston, you can begin to hunt for pieces that tell a story.

French farmhouse kitchen of Ruth Gay of Chateau Domingue. See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Photo: Chateau Domingue. Proprietor Ruth Gay’s Tuscan country manor style kitchen is a revelation…certainly rustic and refined indeed! Linen softens the apron front sink and walls created with French Limestone Bugets as well as reclaimed cobblestone flooring.

This rustic kitchen table has a distressed top that is so much more interesting and romantic than a shiny polished one.

English country breakfast nook with glass roof, brick wall and built-in banquettes - Imperfect Interiors. #breakfastnook #europeancountry #interiordesign
Imperfect Interiors – also see more HERE

While Swedish antiques are pricey, there’s something so romantic about how these pieces look with their peely paint and pale appearance.

Actionable Tip: When you’re shopping antique stores, the flea market and online marketplaces like Etsy, search for pieces with interesting textures. Lots of folks will advertise furniture in need of re-painting, but the imperfect look may be just right for you without any refinishing! You can still snag rustic handmade pottery, vases, and urns without breaking the bank.

Encouraging inspirational quote by Maya Angelou on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquote #encouragementquote #mayaangelou

Transform a Sad Small Space With Romance

Sometimes more is just more, and making the most of vertical space can add function and FUN to your space. Leanne Ford created a magical guest house in a short time on a shoestring budget, mostly by using and repurposing what she had on hand.

Leanne Ford designed kitchen with dusty rose range in her Pittsburgh guest cottage - photo by Erin Kelly for Pittsburgh Post Gazette. #modernrustic #vintagestyle
Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette; Photo: Erin Kelly; Design: Leanne Ford

Actionable Tip: Don’t you love the liberties she took with the kitchen’s base cabinets? Instead of refacing or buying new, fabric skirts: soften the look, function for hiding kitchen stuff, and create an unfitted romantic look. Have a cabinet or closet or area you can add a skirt?

Light green accents in a rustic French farmhouse kitchen by Desiree Ashworth Design. #frenchkitchen #frenchfarmhouse #openshelves #subwaytile
@desiree_ashwworth_design
Funny quote about raw cookie dough and courage on Hello Lovely. #funnyquotes #humorquotes #foodhumor #cookiedough

Add Romantic Texture to a Ceiling

Desiree Ashworth’s interiors always take my breath away, and it’s hard to believe they are new spaces and not centuries old homes in Europe.

Romantically rustic elegant French country bedroom with raw rugged wood ceiling and poster bed - design by Desiree Ashworth. #frenchcountrybedroom #europeancountry
Design: Desiree Ashworth – romantic relaxed interiors as well as tips for a livable luxe design.

Even though it is fairly uncommon to see homeowners ADDING texture to the ceiling rather than subtracting it (I’m lookin’ at YOU, popcorn), when you have an otherwise boring box of a room, it may be the way to go.

Another way to add romance and texture to a bedroom is with a dramatic bed – here’s one I love for an Old World look:

Antwerp linen wingback bed
Antwerp Linen Wingback Bed…hello lovely indeed.

Nubby Upholstery & Boucle Texture for Furniture

There are sofas that invite you to relax, and then there are sofas like this…

Bold saturated neutrals in a modern abstract painting in a living room designed by Michael Del Piero in Chicago.
Michael Del Piero – Photo gallery of romantic relaxed interiors as well as ideas for a rough luxe room.

which dare you NOT to relax! I’m sleepy just gazing at this glorious pillowy cloud. In my own home, I’m a huge fan of nubby, thick Belgian linen. As far as I’m concerned, it just gets better with age.

Belgian linen slope arm dining chairs in our breakfast nook with window seat - Hello Lovely.
Shop my home HERE

Actionable Tip: Shop for upholstered pieces and fabric made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, linen, and velvet. While synthetics may be more affordable and boast that they are “easy care,” they probably won’t go the distance. Buy once, cry once applies here!

Detail of linen cushion window seat in my serene European inspired white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio. See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Hello Lovely – romantic relaxed interiors…in case you love a casual, textural look.
Bali pillow, 12x21, Serena & Lily
Bali Pillow, Serena & Lily
Belgian Linen Pillow Cover, 24
Belgian Linen Pillow Cover (Pewter), Pottery Barn…certainly charming indeed.
Inspirational quote from Ann Voskamp on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquote #inspirationalquotes #annvoskamp #christianity #encouragementquote

Tone on Tone Luxury

Interior designer Jill Egan’s own home is a master class in tone on tone! What makes it feel so relaxing is the quietness of the color story and the balance of shapes and texture.

Modern French dining room with antique farm table, Swedish apothecary chest, and crystal chandelier by Ochre. #modernfrench #diningrooms
Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Photography: Kerry Kirk

This relaxed, organic, earthy chic space by Amber Lewis is further evidence you don’t need pops of color to achieve balance and interest.

Amber Interiors designed living room with sofa and pom pom knit throw from Anthropologie. #livingrooms #californiachic #organicstyle
Knit Throw – Amber Lewis for Anthropologie

You need not be a minimalist for tone on tone schemes that feel livable and luxurious. The living room and dining area at Patina Farm are layered with antiques and art, yet contrast is low.

Modern French farmhouse style in a living room with rustic decor at Patina Farm - Velvet and Linen. #modernfrench #livingrooms #patinafarm
Velvet and Linen

Actionable Tip: If you’re after a more serene romantic luxe look, study tonal interiors and notice whether you lean toward more minimal or maximal style.

Richard Rohr inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquotes #christianity #contemplativequotes #spirituality #rohrquotes

Bring in Colors from Nature

Sage greens are definitely having their moment (we looked at gorgeous examples HERE), and can bring natural flavor to any room in the home.

Breakfast Room Green (Farrow & Ball) shutters and light green and jadeite pottery on shelves with ferns. #breakfastroomgreen #greenpaintcolors
Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green shutters – also see more ideas for sage greens in THIS POST

Try a pretty green paint color or introduce nature-themed wallpaper:

Raw or Rustic Wood Finishes Add Instant Character

There’s something so relaxed, casual, and unfussy about spaces incorporating rustic raw wood elements like this amazing kitchen with its cozy sink nook:

Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely.  See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Design: Finding Lovely; Photography: Madison Rae Photography. Sink: 28 1/4: Julien Fireclay Sink. Similar Fireclay Sink (and the exact sink in my own kitchen): 30″ Reinhard (Signature Hardware); Kitchen Faucet: Rohl Italian Patrizia Pull Down; Soap dispensers: Target; Brass Cabinet Pulls: Schoolhouse; Pendant light: McGee & Co; Rug: Ballard Designs. Paint color for walls: BENJAMIN MOORE Chantilly Lace; paint color for cabinets: SW Repose Gray…certainly lovely indeed.

While most of us cannot easily add reclaimed beams to the kitchen, there are plenty of practical ways we can bring in the warmth of wood.

French country farmhouse kitchen with rustic lanterns, farm table, wing chairs, reclaimed Chicago brick, and Sherwin Williams Alabaster white paint on walls. Brit Jones Design. See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Country French breakfast dining in a new build. Dining Table: Reclaimed Pine Table; Bench: Hand-finished and Distressed Pine Bench; Copper cookware: Find HERE; Design: Brit Jones Design…certainly lovely indeed. 

I loved this moment from Brooke Giannetti on the fireplace mantel in her Patina Farm kitchen:

Vintage bread boards on a rustic mantel at Patina Farm - Velvet and Linen photo. #frenchfarmhouse #rusticdecor
Velvet and Linen

It’s fun to hunt for boards like these:

Round vintage bread boards.
Vintage Bread Board, ChaseVintage on EtsyGorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration: Best of June on Hello Lovely In Case You Missed Any Design Photos, Ideas & Stories.
Becca Stevens quote about seeing small things as critical for change - Hello Lovely Studio. #spiritualityquotes #faithquotes #contemplativequotes

Chairs Need Not Match

A more relaxed look for dining? Mix up the chairs. In my breakfast area below, metal chairs share space with linen slipcovered ones.

Use Woven Textures to Prevent “Preciousness”

I love how Finding Lovely wrapped the pendant light (below) in rope to customize it and keep things feeling rustically rich with character.

Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely.  See more Gorgeous European Country Interior Design Inspiration on Hello Lovely. #europeancountry #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign
Design: Finding Lovely; Photography: Madison Rae Photography. Pendant (customized with rope by the designer!): McGee & Co; Chairs: Serena & Lily. Silk Pillow With Fringe: West Elm; Wide Stripe Pillows: McGee & Co; Thin Stripe Pillows: Redbubble; Table: 67″ Calacatta Marble Top Oval Table by Rowe – Similar Tulip Style Dining Table With Carrara top: Overstock. Paint color for walls: BENJAMIN MOORE Chantilly Lace; paint color for cabinets: SW Repose Gray...certainly lovely indeed.

A glossy finish on the light or glam crystal chandelier might be pretty, but it could also easily get too precious, too cute, and too dollhouse-like. In my own home, I opt for more industrial finishes like galvanized metal to balance out all the pretty white and to keep things from being fussy.

My rustic French farnhouse dining area with harvest table and Belgian linen upholstered chairs - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio: Wall paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Ashley Gray; Similar candle holder: HERE; Belgian linen upholstered arm chairs, RH – Similar HERE.

Romantic Yet Rustic Kitchens

Can a pantry be romantic? When it is this thoughtfully designed it can!

Bespoke kitchen with Flemish design influences and French farmhouse style. Design by Artichoke. Stone flooring, painted cabinets, open shelving, and rustic baskets. #frenchfarmhouse #kitchendesign
Artichoke designed this bespoke kitchen with decidedly Flemish design influences for a home in Gloucestershire, England. 

I love how Artichoke outfitted this utilitarian space with open shelves that aren’t overcrowded. Also, note how those minimal Shaker-style peg hooks are unfussy yet somehow chic.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing