europe: a design tour
If you followed my Instagram during my time in Europe, you've probably already seen the design lessons I posted from my #tendaysoftravel. If you missed them, don't worry! I'm going to recap them here on the blog along with a few added bonus tips that didn't make the Instagram cut.
The Original Ten Lessons
Lesson 1 from Paris // Use all the natural light, in all ways, at all times.
I hope you already know this about me, but I am in a very serious relationship with natural light. It is the cure-all for design. That light, bright, warmth can correct any faux-pas. So the more of it you can get into your space, the better.
On Location: The Louvre, Paris, France
Lesson 2 from Paris // Gold is always appropriate.
Very straightforward and very very true. *mic drop*
On Location: Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, France
Lesson 3 from Paris // A little greenery goes a long way.
Natural light and natural greens go hand in hand in my book. One certainly promotes the other and the two make a great team when in comes to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Scattering plants around your house can literally breathe life into your room. It's food for the soul to have the privilege of fostering growth in something separate from yourself and it does my heart good to see plants (mostly succulents) scattered throughout my home. Yes, the Versailles gardens are an extremely means to a simple end: to spur you to foster more growth in your home.
On Location: Versailles Gardens, Versailles, France
Lesson 4 form Paris // Splashing around some color never hurt anyone.
I'm preaching to myself with this one. My natural tendencies draw me towards simple non-colors like grey and beige and white. I have great admiration for designers who not only use color but relish it. Splash it everywhere, mix it together, let it meld and create tension and contrast.
On Location: Orangerie Museum, Jardin Tuileries, Paris, France
Lesson 5 from Genova // Collect flowers and apply liberally.
Bringing nature from outdoors to indoors brings a lightness to a room like none other. Flowers, greenery, succulents - any of it infuses a room with sheer, natural life.
On Location: Genova Train Station, Genova, Italy
Lesson 6 from Cinque Terre // Sometimes the wild and unexpected can be a blessing. Just make sure you keep good company.
Ok, less of a design lesson, more of a life lesson. It was a particularly crazy day with a couple of scary unknowns that made me even more grateful to have my sister as my travel companion. But the truth remains in the design aspect that you don't need everything to fit perfectly in a box. Sometimes letting decor get a little out of hand can actually take you in a good direction.
On Location: Hiking Trail from Corniglia to Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy
Lesson 7 from Florence // Structure your space to feature what you want, exactly how you want, and settle for no less.
I just could not get over how much the David was enhanced simply by his surroundings. The arches that framed him no matter which way you looked and the skylight that bathed him in pure, clean light, highlighting every ridge and cut in the marble. Take this idea into your living room, kitchen, bedroom. Design your space to highlight what you love most about it.
On Location: Accademia Museum, Florence, Italy
Lesson 8 from Rome // Simple, clean lines will never disappoint.
Our Airbnb in Rome was a designer's dream. The whole apartment was brimming with clean, simple, understated details that really gave it character. Each room had an accent like this, where a line sliced across the wall revealing the deep, rich brick underneath.
On Location: Apartment near Campo de Fiori, Rome, Italy
Lesson 9 from Rome // Be lush. Push the envelope. Create something undeniably eye-catching.
I know I've found the design elements I'm drawn to in other people's homes are the things that I would never think of: the patterns I would never mix, the colors I would never coordinate, the pieces I would never place together. So when decorating your space, follow your own instinct and push the limit based on your own senses, and sooner or later you'll turn somebody's head.
On Location: Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
Lesson 10 from Rome // Simple does not equal boring. Be bold enough to leave some spaces blank.
On top of admiring the unique combinations that others can put together, I have consistently admired designers who maintain negative space. I always act on the impulse to fill empty spaces, but when I reign that in, I'm amazed at the effect it can have!
On Location: Apartment near Campo de Fiori, Rome, Italy
The Bonus Lessons
Lesson 11 from Rome // Don't shy away from visual conflict. Allow contrast and you will be rewarded.
Clean whites are the color of the day and I have written off darker woods as heavy and outdated. But opening opportunities to incorporate the two together creates a counter-play that highlights the beautiful extremes of both - the airiness of the lighter and the richness of the darker.
On Location: Apartment near Campo de Fiori, Rome, Italy
Lesson 12 from Florence // Open your windows - for heavens sake open your windows!
Take open concept to the next level - embrace the fresh air and natural light. Find a way to open a window every day and let the fresh air rush in.
On Location: Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy
Lesson 13 from Florence // When that lightbulb above your head illuminates, chase after that genuine idea. If you dream it, you should do it.
Chances are you have an authentic, original idea on your hands and it could turn out even better than you would expect.
On Location: Florence, Italy
Lesson 14 from Versailles // Pay attention to the details - they deserve it.
Down to the trinkets on your coffee table, giving those details the credit they're due will take your space to the next level.
On Location: Versailles Gardens, Versailles, France
Lesson 15 from Paris // You only get one first impression, so make it big!
I literally walked into this store solely because of those flowers on the awning. That's how
important the first few steps into your home are. What kind of tone does your entryway set?
On Location: Champs-Elysées, Paris, France
Thanks for reading!
Ciao and au revoir!
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