Call Me Home
Home is where the heart is. It’s also where we eat, sleep, live and play. As such, the idea of ‘home’ has meant drastically different things to generations of families throughout history. From thatched huts to multi-story mansions, homes around the world are constructed, decorated and lived in in very distinctive ways.
There are endless styles of home decor that span the furthest reaches of the globe and feature every material known to man. If you’re looking to redecorate, this prospect is rather overwhelming when you’re searching for the perfect inspiration. Here are three ‘quintessential homes’ from around the world that combine form, function, and style beautifully to create the ideal dwelling.
The Comfort of the British
The traditional British home is intended to welcome guests. Living rooms and lounges are designed to accommodate several people comfortably by using upholstered sofas, armchairs, and large area rugs that generate a sense of warmth and connection. Many English homes have a fireplace or a wood stove to infuse style into their living space, as well as make it cozy. Fire effectively gives meaning to the term ‘hearth and home’, creating a quaint, typically English ambience.
Textiles are often mixed and matched creating a lovely range of patterns in warm and pretty colors. Inspiration from the English garden also makes its way inside with floral patterns and soft pinks that remind guests of a rambling cottage garden growing just outdoors.
The Caves of the Turkish
The mountainous terrain of Turkey’s central region has been home to communities for thousands of years. Over the years, the rocks of Cappadocia have eroded to create a series of conical structures that Turkish communities call ‘fairy chimneys’. Even ancient communities made use of the rock to build houses, churches and monasteries. Today these same structures as well as new ones have become hotels, shops and homes for modern residents.
The various fairy chimneys of Cappadocia are well connected via underground tunnels that have existed for centuries. The caves today boast modern satellite dishes fixed to the ancient structures and include TVs, internet, and plumbing. Often decorated with colorful floor pillows, rich woven textiles, and sumptuous lighting, Turkish style is a perfect, unique blend of East and West.
The Zen of the Japanese
Japanese decor is simple, spacious and sophisticated. Working entirely under the mantra ‘less is more’ Japanese style uses polished wood, natural fibers and fabrics as well as architectural vegetation to create a singular home style.
The standard Japanese abode features decor displays that are changed seasonally and sometimes expressly designed to honor special guests. Shoji screens are wooden grids covered with paper which are used as doors, screens, walls and window shades and are found in almost every Japanese home. Many Japanese homes also use traditional Tatami mats as floor coverings. They’re walked on, slept on and sat on throughout the day and have a distinctive fragrance that characterizes many homes in Japan. Style in the home is also highly efficient and many items there will serve at least one purpose.
Whether you’re looking for a new style or simply to bring a breath of fresh air to an existing home, it’s always a great idea to look around the world for inspiration. You may even develop your own particular style, or perhaps head out there to take it all in for yourself.
