Your Home: Updating Your Old-World Decor
Posted on February 21, 2019 by Laura Lucky
Living room and kitchen before.
Living room and kitchen after. Photo courtesy: Chris Jovanelly Interior Design
The Old-World, Tuscan style that was so incredibly popular for Scottsdale homes 10-20 years ago has – how shall we say it – worn out its welcome. If you’d like to transition your interiors to a more modern aesthetic, read on for some tips and advice from Allied ASID member Chris Jovanelly, principal of Chris Jovanelly Interior Design, LLC.
“The Old-World style was dominated by dark color palettes of brown, gold, burgundy, terra cotta, and reds,” Jovanelly explains. “Furniture was upholstered in heavy fabrics such as chenille and velvet, and accessorized with lots of tassels, trims, and bullions. Metal finishes included wrought iron and oil-rubbed bronze. Floors were covered in travertine tile and walls were embellished with Venetian plaster or faux finishes. Today’s décor trend is so much fresher and more approachable. It’s lighter, brighter, and has an air of easy sophistication.”
If completely gutting your interiors and starting from scratch isn’t an option, there are ways to work with some of your existing furnishings and design elements to bring your interiors up to date.
“If nothing else,” advises Jovanelly, “redoing walls, window coverings and lighting will go a long way in freshening up your décor. Remove the dark, ornate and overbearing pieces and replace with lighter, more airy elements. I love using lighter colors with pops of white mixed in. And palettes of multiple shades of white with black accents are on-trend today.”
Dining room before.
Dining room after. Photo courtesy: Chris Jovanelly Interior Design
When it comes to transitioning to the new, modern design style, strive to be more of a minimalist. The Old-World look encouraged an abundance of accessories that today can seem overpowering. Instead, choose a few accessories that you cherish, and use items that are both functional and beautiful. Heavier patterns such as floral or tapestry should give way to clean solids or contemporary geometric shapes.
“It may seem overwhelming to update an entire home’s interiors, but with some design expertise, and my ‘tricks of the trade,’ I’ve been able to help homeowners all over the Valley update to a fresh and unfussy home they love!” smiles Jovanelly.
Powder room before.
Powder room after. Photo courtesy: Chris Jovanelly Interior Design
