How to Create a Palatial Interior
We all love that feeling of wonder and awe as we walk through the rooms of grand stately homes and royal palaces. The beautiful fabrics, lustrous furniture and priceless ornaments create an air of opulence and luxury that can only be achieved with power and wealth…or can it? Palatial interiors are taking the designer world by storm this season with many items and accessories making their way into our high street stores. If you wish to create a palatial and regal home interior that is fit for royalty then here are a few ideas to get you started…
Wallpapers are a great way of introducing this trend into your chosen room as they create an eye-catching statement that can be used to highlight a chimneybreast, alcove or wide feature wall. For a classic palatial style opt for floral motifs in soft renaissance colours such as pastel blues and pinks with hints of gold for a truly luxurious feel. If you prefer a more flamboyant design then select large and bold rococo or baroque style patterns in rich and deep purple, red or grey with accent of gold or flocked overlays for an exquisitely opulent finish. You can co-ordinate your chosen wallpaper with matching cushions, curtains or a rug for a complimentary finish that is elegant and refined.
No palatial home should be complete without a large and illuminating mirror that will create a sense of space and light in smaller rooms of the home as well as providing a stylish and functional focal point on an otherwise plain wall. If you have plenty of space, opt for a large full length mirror that can be hung vertically in a bedroom or dressing room or horizontally above a sofa or sideboard for added visual impact. For smaller rooms select a more compact oval shaped mirror that can be hung above a fireplace, hallway table or dressing table for a small yet striking finish. Opt for heavily carved designs with ornate mouldings and frames and select gilded gold and silver frames for a lavish and luxurious look or simple black or white for a more refined and sophisticated design.
If you are anything like me then the first thing you do when you enter a stately home is look up, because this is usually where I find my favourite interior feature; a chandelier. Palatial interiors provide the perfect canvas to display the most lavish and luxurious light fittings where they can become the centrepiece of the entire room. Stick to traditional and classic French or Italian style designs with gold or pewter frames and simple yet elegant crystal droplets that will create an illuminating focal point in the centre of the room. For smaller rooms or landing spaces place one chandelier in a centralised position or for longer rooms such as dining rooms or hallways, place multiple fixings in a linear position where they can illuminate the length of the room.
Luxury upholstery provides the perfect way to add a splash of opulence to your chosen room in a simple and cost effective manner. Heavily carved French style furniture works really well in palatial interiors it oozes the glamour and opulence associated with this trend. Select a sofa, chaise lounge or occasional chair with a carved framework in silver, gold or sleek black. Upholster in a rich velvet fabric in deep black, purple or red or a shimmering satin fabric in pale blue, pink and grey for an eye-catching and functional finish. A large carved bed frame can be given added opulence with a velvet or satin upholstered headboard with button or rivet detailing for an authentic antique feel that can be further complimented by a matching bed set and throw.
When it comes to selecting furniture for a palatial home interior then the more lavish the better! If you cannot stretch your budget to afford genuine antique pieces then you can find some fabulous replica designs on the high street as well as modern takes on classic shapes and designs. Wooden furniture should be varnished and highly polished with tortoiseshell inlays for added visual detail. Shapes should be fluid and curvaceous with oval table tops or fluted cabriolet legs. Gold painted furniture is a hugely popular choice for a renaissance style palatial home and should feature heavily carved exteriors to accentuate the shimmering finish. For a more baroque or gothic style of furniture, select mahogany or black painted items with floral style carvings and elongated legs that will showcase their marriage of masculine and feminine design features.
For more ideas on creating a palatial home interior, take a look at our latest Pinterest board – Pinterest – Palatial Interiors