A Faded, Friendly Formality

Casual living may be today’s design catch phrase, but a whole range of more formal; Southern European looks are resonating with American homeowners. From Venice to southern Spain, furniture designers have drawn inspiration for collections that are rich in color and ornate in form, though always keyed to contemporary lives. The look is a broken-in Baroque, a warm, worn and touchable elegance.

“The wearing of finishes and fabrics, the faded sunset colors — time has made this elegance friendly and usable, and that’s so right for today,” says one furniture manufacturer. The general move toward over-scaled, ornate and distressed-finish pieces springs from a desire for well-worn, elegant but approachable European flavor. “In a very casual time, there is still that yearning for a kind of hand-me-down elegance,” says another furniture manufacturer.

Good for larger families

Fortunately, it’s a look that can be created without a house full of worn family heirlooms through the smart use of color, texture and a few choice pieces.

Consider color-washing your walls (sponging one or more thin layers of color over a neutral base coat) for a rich, time-patinaed effect.

Make a rich jumble of fabrics: accent pillows with braids and tassels, tapestry fabrics in muted tones or mellowed throw rugs layered over floor or carpet.

In slipcovers and upholstery, look for sunset colors: golden hues, terra-cottas and faded amber, as opposed to vibrant reds and golds. The look you want is of red velvet left out in the sun for years.

Every decorator dream of a few choice family pieces to lend instant elegance and focus to a room: a carved marble-top table, an intricate little chest, a handsomely detailed sideboard, a striking piece of carved sculpture.

Such detailed pieces create architectural interest in the most plain-spoken of rooms, and they also infuse our surroundings with a missing sense of history. Since very few of us inherit such pieces, most of us have to hunt for our heirlooms — or future heirlooms — on our own. “People are living more casual lives, but there is still a niche for that kind of usable elegance,” says one furniture manufacturer. An over-scale armoire with handsome hardware, intricate carving and antiqued finish is the kind of piece to build a room around.

“Anything at your eye level or above seems to have more value to it,” he says. “Big pieces add massive personality.” But even a small-scale accent piece can have big impact. A sleek contemporary sofa can be offset and anchored by one curvy, carved chest or inlaid coffee table. A spare, minimalist room can be brought to life with a single gorgeous wooden carving.