About Old World, French Country, and Tuscan Home Decor | eHow

The Old World style of decor is taken from the medieval and Renaissance periods, according to the website Home Decorating Made Easy. Old World furniture has a heavy look. Beds tend to have large posters, and chairs have ornate backs in dark wood. Fabrics for bedding and window coverings in Old World style are heavy and dark. Brocade and velvet are often used in Old World decor. Window coverings are tied back with braided ropes for detail. Colors used in Old World decor are often grays, browns and golds. Floors are typically hardwood with rugs in neutral colors.

French Country decor is characterized by a sophisticated, antique look. While many colors can be part of French Country decor, the website French Country Decor Guide recommends an emphasis on violets, creamy yellows and Mediterranean blues. Furniture in this style has an antique look and is often curvy and soft. Fabrics are light with small floral patterns or toile designs. French Country walls can be plaster or faux plaster, and sometimes include wood paneling. Floors in this style are often stone or terracotta, and can be painted with simple designs.

Tuscan decor uses influences from the outdoors to create a warm, cozy look. This style is often used in kitchens. Home Decorating Made Easy says that color is the main element of Tuscan decor. Terra cotta and other neutral, earthy colors are the basis of this style of home decorating. Stone is commonly used both as flooring and in furniture. Furniture can also be made with aged natural woods, with wood beams adding detail to ceilings. Ceramics are used to add an artistic element to a Tuscan room. Textures are also an important part of Tuscan decor. A textured look is achieved by using stone or faux stone as well as with textured painting techniques. Tiles are also commonly used in Tuscan style kitchens and floors.

Antiques are useful in any European style of decor, and true European antiques give the decor a sense of tradition and authenticity. Old World style antiques could include medieval artwork, while genuine Italian ceramics are Tuscan style antiques. Any French decor from the 18th century could be used in French Country decorating. An entire room could be inspired by just one piece.

Get ideas for interior decor by looking at design books and websites that show pictures of particular styles of furniture, wall coverings, and window treatments. Inspiration can also come from touring homes decorated in these styles.