Recently, a visitor commented on the mood evoked when entering my home. "It feels like I'm in Europe!"
I found this observation intriguing.
Incidentally, it was not the first time I've heard this sort of commentary about my own familiar surroundings. "Reminds me of Province..." "Did you get this in France?" "...just like the ancient castle in the villa where we stayed"
Surprisingly, I would have to agree.
I'm not sure what, about my home, would make someone think of Europe--but, I know what they mean! It makes me think of Europe, too.
(Interestingly, I've never actually been to Europe.)
It's not about the European style that is currently so popular--the perfect rows of Tuscan-style cabinetry, the ceramic tile with the "look of real stone"--there are many homes around here that have that.
It is something else. But what?
So I decided to investigate.
I did a search on "authentic European kitchens" and I came up with these images.
Take a look and see if you agree with the criteria I formulated from the clues found in the following photos...
1. Lots of timeless, natural materials are used (Wood, stone, clay, iron)--exhibiting the patina awarded only through the passage of time (scratches, chips, cracks, rust) evoking a sense of history
(Complements of hitdecors.com)
2. Detail. Craftsmanship. Pride of workmanship
(Complements of aalmarklle.com)
3. Unending warmth & charm
(Complements of access.decorati.com)
4. An eclectic style that implies the space has clearly evolved over time
(Complements of blog.paradizo.com)
5. No cookie-cutter rooms here! Unique features added wherever needed to make the room function better (Complements of carvergroupinc.com)
6. Expect the unexpected. (Rooms are made up of elements that prod you to ask the question, "Where the heck did you find that!?" or to conclude, "I've never seen anything like it at the mall!!") (Complements of greenscenelandscape.com)
7. The love of food and cooking apparent (Complements of thekitchendesigner.com)
8. And it looks like you used what you already had. You simply "made do." (complements of veranda.com)
Gotta love that Old World aura.
(Nothing like a family to contribute those dings, nicks, smears, gashes, and stains that give your home that well-worn, well-loved, "been-there-forever" appearance)
