There’s a golden thread running through this collection of inspiring interiors with European country aesthetic. There’s a particular optimism present that I have noticed is often missing from moodier traditional spaces trending on social media. Let’s explore.
European Country Aesthetic & a Less Moody Mood
Mixing multiple patterns, prints, textures, and an eclectic mix of bespoke design is often beautiful. Whimsical English country style, for example, can often succeed with a more is more aesthetic. I love admiring such spaces. Yet I long to live in serene, retreat-like, tranquility more than energetic boldness with busy personality and tension.
Earthy Elements & Rustic Character
Wood beams, patina from aged materials, varied textures from handmade tile and objects all contribute to a European country mood.
Limited budget and access to such resources? Paint goes a long way. Olive greens, for example, can offer contrast and natural flavor. Mountain Olive is the color on the cabinets above, and here’s one of Behr’s popular options:
While the texture created from this collection of antique baskets below is impressive, notice how the green-gray painted island also delivers earthy character:
While I’m unsure of the exact color used below, it also reminds me of Gettysburg Gray:
Sometimes a grey with green undertones will do the trick:
Elegant Textures
“Country” style is subjective. If a part of you is drawn to more formal design elements, maybe millwork with a traditional elegance will appeal. Will I ever recover from seeing this kitchen in its heavenly paneled glory?
Not likely. Are you enamored with the combination of more rustic textures with elegant refined ones?
Facebook followers are cuckoo for this kitchen which features traditional Old World style cottage elements (natural stone, marble counters, beaded board, Shaker cabinets) along with fancier ones (dentil molding, plaster range hood, etc.).
The placement of the microwave is surprising to many, and the designer told me it is mindfully placed there for her children. It isn’t strange to my eye since it is at the same level as the range. In fact, our microwave is at this level as well!
Psst. For a similar look to Jitney, though less fleshy and more grey-taupe similar to this gorgeous cozy moment:
European Country Aesthetic: Mixing Old & New
What’s the secret to arriving at an established, timeless, completed space that feels balanced and livable?
Designers understand how to use ancient, natural, and rare materials in fresh ways to feel modern or edgy. The tension can be pleasing.
Sometimes the goal is understatement…restraint, quality, and quiet contrasts.
Designers are masterful at seeing. It takes a certain sensitivity and artful eye to mix old with new. There isn’t a ratio or tutorial to learn it quickly.
RESTRAINT can be everything! Psst. While the walls in the Giannetti’s Tennessee log cabin bedroom (above) are plastered or skim-coated with plaster, the walls remind me of SW Repose Gray. I did a thorough review of Repose Gray in this.
Repose Gray is on walls in our Georgian’s dining/music room, living room, and foyer:
Our sitting room above is way too boring for most! A mix of old and new includes a wood console built from reclaimed wood from Europe. The coffee table is a handcrafted farm bench we commissioned 30 years ago. Constructed with 1800s pine from a dismantled barn in the Midwest, we’ll never part with it. The egg chair is a mid-century style and upholstered in a fine Belgian linen. Lamps are new, the painting is by me, and the room gets a modern lift from greige wall color.
Trim Color Ideas
What if you’re after a very cool crisp bright white like the color on my trim above?
Bright White Trim Idea
I especially love OC-151 from Benjamin Moore. This is the white I covered the interiors of our former fixer with:
One thing it is not? Shy.
Here it is on ceiling and trim in the kitchen:
I went into more detail about BM White OC-151 in THIS STORY.
Here’s another photo of OC-151 in our former breakfast nook with window seat:
I used the same color for walls, ceilings, and trim in our former home (above). It is getting more common to see this done with colors beyond white.
Calm Euro Country Cottage Looks
I still do a fair amount of paint consulting for exteriors and often recommend that when deciding on siding and trim colors you first take a drive to collect data about your preferences for contrast.
Once you’re clear whether you are after low, high, or no contrast, the palette can begin to take shape. I tend to favor low contrast for its calm.
Some of my favorite cozy European country interiors feature low and subtle contrast. Here’s a bunk area with painted wood floors and paneling:
Here’s Shoreline on the floor of a gorgeous kitchen:
Say what you will about sedate soft greyed neutrals, but with so much chaos beyond our walls, it can be good medicine.
What a lovely tranquil color. Is it a beautiful contender to sample? Wouldn’t it be lovely on a front door of an all white house?
Beyond Color Stories & Texture
When a room strikes you as warm and inviting, it may not be the paint colors that grab you.
And isn’t this the goal? To create a mood with texture, interest, and comfort that evokes a feeling of tranquil sophistication? When rooms feel personal, collected, and evolved, they just feel more comfortable.
If you are a gardener, perhaps your fresh flowers and plants speak louder than collections or art. For me, books show up everywhere and hint at how I relax as well as my values (learning, expanding, improving).
Even the simplicity and nostalgia of lace curtain sheers can convey cozy and speak to your unique sensibilities.
How can we overlook candles? Of course we could devote an entire post to the power of candlelight…
Because candles go a long way and make every room magic at night.
Oh that the one below were lit!
How fortunate to have access to the portfolios and feeds of eclectic designers devoted to details?
Glimpses of how they live with collections and treasures influence our own choices.
Observing real life renovators expands our vision to see what a cozy nest can become…
I hope these inspiring moments expand your vision to see the diversity and endless design opportunities awaiting.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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