Needless to say, European villas are breathtaking. They’re so unique and each of their styles vary from country to country. They have beautiful archways that line a room and an array of textures that catch your eye. It must be a beautiful feeling to wake up in a home that overlooks the sea or even acres on acres of vineyards, and if this is your style, you know its a dream. It’s time to stop dreaming however as you can turn your condo into a European style villa in a few easy steps!
Yes Europe is miles away, but we can still take what we’ve learned and channel it into our own homes. Condo’s are usually plain, giving us a fresh new canvas to design and decorate on! So, if you hear the villa style calling your name, but love your life in the city, then this is your chance to flip your home into that oh-so-dreamy European villa.
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The Kitchen
The kitchen is where many Europeans spend their time. Food is at the centre of their culture, and like most Europe households, it’s where you spend all of your time! These kitchens love to display their dishware, a bowl of fresh fruit, beautiful kitchen cloths and have touches of wood everywhere!
If you have an empty wall in your kitchen, try adding a shelf that allows you to display all your dishes! To find funky, original looking décor pieces like jars, pots, containers try checking out your local thrift store.
When it comes to dishes and cutlery, never be afraid of displaying them on your kitchen container or a shelf. If you get your hands on cute containers, you’ll be able to organize them perfectly! If you like wood, but its a bit too costly to rip out your entire kitchen, try finding a wooden butcher block to put on top of your counter or try one of IKEA’s wooden work bench islands.
The Cutting Board and Butcher Block Shop: Teakhaus 106 Edge Grain Teak Board
IKEA: RIMFORSA Work bench, stainless steel/bamboo
Fabrics are extremely important in achieving the European villa vibe and the best way to implement them is through your dish cloths, table cloths and runner rugs. Look for checkered or stripped style black, blue or burnt orange dish cloths, a white, free flowing table cloth and get funky when it comes to your kitchen rug!
Wayfair: Bonney Oriental Sky Blue/Light Gray/White/Navy Area Rug
A European style kitchen wouldn’t be one without a curtain under the sink! This might not be your style, but it’s something that will really elevate your kitchen. The change is simple, just unscrew those cabinets and install a rod that will fit your mini curtains. Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and bring all these textures to life!
Final kitchen touches are to bring in your favourite flowers, mine are baby’s breath and hydrangeas! Try setting up a bowl or plate with fruit, European homes usually display lemons, oranges or pears!
The Living Room
A villas living room is my next favourite space. Big doors usually lead you into the space and floor to ceiling windows are scattered along the room. Curtains line each window perfectly, while bold patterns and statement lamps are seen across the room. I follow the styles of Italian villas and how they’re able to put everything together!
I know all of this furniture may seem like a lot for your condo, but if you find the right pieces, you’ll be able to mimic this style in no time! Look for an elegant arm chair, a metal chandelier, textured pillows and most importantly, long linen curtains and a huge area rug!
Wayfair: Duffield Wide Armchair
Pottery Barn: Classic Belgian Flax Linen Rod Pocket Curtain
When styling your living room, think of the strangest fabric and texture combinations and go with it! There are endless possibilities when picking out the right villa-style living room!
The Bathroom
Beware, this might be the place where you or your guests easily fall in love with! European villa bathrooms come in a range of styles, but my personal favourites are the farmhouse style. It’s a mixture of modern marble tiles with hints of wood and the beloved clawed bathtub… Imagine sipping on your favourite glass of champagne while soaking in your lovely bathtub, could there be anything better?
Investing in one of these tubs is a game changer and switching out all your hardware from stainless steel to gold will make a huge difference! Another touch would be to buy a bath caddy to lay across while soaking in those bubbles!
Simons: Bamboo Bath Caddy
Another popular style of bathroom involves playing with colour and tile designs. It brings the fun and fresh vibe and is something you can easily do in your own bathroom!
