by Carolyn Anderson
Co-Principal, Desa Design

In the design world, people are always talking about the latest trends and newest styles. It's all about products you have to see and sources you need to know. The funny thing is, lately, it seems like everything new and hot has actually been borrowed from the past. It's true--many of today's high end homes boast design reminiscent of the classic Olde World style.

It Starts With The Front Door

If you've been visiting upscale model homes you may have noticed that entry doors are bolder and heavier, with distinctive hardware. Many of the doors we're seeing feature wood that has been treated to add irregularities. Stains are uneven to create that aged appearance. The grain and texture of the wood is celebrated and enhanced rather than sanded and stained away. Hardware is often made of cast or forged iron, and is bold and heavy in design to match the scale of the door.

Floor, Wall, and Ceiling Treatments Add Character

One of my favorite elements of the Olde World look is the unusual finishes we see on walls. From texturing that looks like plaster, to paint treatments that use glazing or crackling to create the illusion of an old European Villa, these walls are everything but beige and boring. I've even seen grass cloth and Berber carpets used on walls with spectacular results.

On floors, we're seeing a variety of interesting materials like tumbled stone in slate, marble or limestone. When choosing floor coverings-or countertops for that matter-think beyond color and look at the grain or movement of the natural elements you are considering. Granite and marble come in a variety of colors, but the same color can look dramatically different on a slab that has a lot of flowing movement to the grain as opposed to a speckled slab that has no movement.

Wood continues to be a popular choice for flooring. A new twist is aged wood flooring. A source called Olde Boards offers beautiful wood flooring in a variety of unique finishes. Each board is selected by hand for grain, texture, and character. The boards are cut, assembled, and carefully scraped and hued. All color work is designed to show age and enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

Ceiling treatments can also contribute to the Olde World flavor of an interior. Huge, rough, hand-hewn ceiling beams instantly warm a room by adding texture and visual appeal.

Furnishings Finish The Look

Furnishings to enhance an Olde World decor are typically grand in scale and rich in texture. Natural wood pieces are distressed and feature unusual hand-rubbed finishes in either dark or light tones. Chunky turned or carved legs enhance wooden pieces, as do iron or metal accents. Tables topped with natural stone like slate or marble are popular choices. Upholstered pieces also tend to be oversized. Nubby, textured fabrics look fabulous, especially in soft natural hues. Patterned fabrics can be rubbed to show wear and warm patina. The goal is to create a soft, comfortable look that inspires a relaxed mood.

Rage Against The Machine

Why are we investing all this energy to make our new homes look old? Perhaps the invasion of technology into every aspect of our lives has made us crave Old World craftsmanship and quality natural materials. In this age of smooth, cold plastics, steel, glass, and laminates, it's not surprising that we want warmth and texture in our homes. Things that are rich in texture tend to have a calming effect, and certainly, we all want a calm home. If you're thinking about how to make your new home a quiet respite from the rest of the world, you may want to consider Olde World. So while your computer may be out of date by the time you get it unpacked, your interior selections won't be--because in the world of interior design, everything "Olde" is new again.