Old is new

Developing the look of old world chic interiors need not be as expensive as purchasing a room full of antiques. Antiqued gold and silver tones bring a sophisticated old world charm to any room.

Solid color floors that are stained or painted to look old in browns, grays or deep neutrals have an aged appearance. Floors in classic, oversized graphic or checkerboard patterns give age and character to a room. Turn old area rugs or bound carpets upside down to the jute side for a natural luxury look.

Walls that are painted to look like crumbling plaster, painted in deep wood tones or glazed, give a room character. Inexpensive small moldings that are carefully applied as wainscots or in a series of vertical rectangles create rooms that have old world style.

At windows, simple burlap, muslin, washed canvas painter’s drop cloths or old used damask curtains installed on inexpensive rods near the ceiling will add height and drama to a room.

Worn, traditional, tufted leather sofas or chairs have old world appeal. Slip covered upholstered furniture tailored in washed canvas drop cloths have personality. Old wood chairs, chests or tables with character can be sanded, stripped, oiled, painted or waxed to regal glory.

Aged mirrors, architectural fragments, gilded or silver leafed empty frames, art sketches and unique vintage oil paintings or portraits make interesting art. For vases and accessories search for interesting odd shaped bottles to complete inexpensive worldly rooms.

Select furnishings and accessories that balance proportion, rhythm and style.

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