Dabbieri Blog

3 Ways to Incorporate French Riviera Design into Your Home

The French Riviera has long inspired interior design and décor. From the sparkling blue of the ocean to the stark white homes dotting the seaside, this coastal paradise is the source of plenty of design inspiration. Like many trending design styles, French Riviera is marked by the merging of indoor and outdoor styles, and, of course, is inspired by the coastal landscape the area is known for. 

This trend can be broken down into three categories:

• Neo-Classical
• Contemporary 
• Mediterranean. 

All three of these styles share their ties to the French Riviera but each uses the elements a bit differently. To make it easier for you to bring coastal French charm into your home, we’ve compiled all three styles and offered our tips on how to incorporate them into your home design.

1. Neo-Classical

Biyork Flooring

Neo-Classical French Riviera design is likely what someone would picture if they were to think about Mediterranean-inspired interiors. This design style focuses on pale greys, blues, and of course, white. All about finding the balance between luxurious elements and décor, Neo-Classical emphasizes open-concept spaces. An easy way to add a Neo-Classical edge to your space is by adding smaller elements, like hanging artwork or gilded mirrors, that tie back to the classic coastal French Riviera feeling. 

This design trend also focuses heavily on dark woods, like ebony or mahogany, especially in furniture and flooring. Larger antique pieces, like dining tables, armoires, etc. are often a staple for true Neo-Classical design, however, smaller antique elements can also be a great way to freshen up your space without making any major changes. Neo-classical style can be summed up as the modern take on vintage French Riviera home design. 

2. Contemporary 

Contemporary French Riviera design combines elements from both modern and vintage Mediterranean home design. While much of the focus in Neo-classical design is on the furniture and décor, Contemporary design is more about the way that your space feels. Mirrors, windows, and the color white are most prominent in this style, as it makes spaces appear lighter and more open. Another reason windows and natural light are important facets of this design style is that they help accomplish the purpose of contemporary design, which is to merge not only vintage and modern but also the indoors and outdoors. 

With light and open space being two flagships of the Contemporary French Riviera design, it’s no surprise that this trend tends to lean more toward minimalism. Though, even within the minimalistic tendencies of this design, there are exceptions, the most important being plants and other natural greenery. Incorporating plants help create the feeling of a blurred line between indoors and outdoors that this design style strives for. 

3. Mediterranean

Emily Morrow Design 

As the culmination of the two previous styles, Mediterranean French Riviera interior design incorporates the best of both designs. The color palette still focuses heavily on the color white, but it also includes other neutral, earthy tones that offer a stunning contrast to monochromatic spaces. There is a focus on larger wood furniture pieces, but typically only one per room or space, as the rest of the décor is used to compliment the statement piece. From intricately carved fireplaces to dark wooden four-poster beds, the focus of your Mediterranean design is entirely up to you. 

Mediterranean style also leans heavily into the coastal feeling of the French Riviera itself, utilizing exposed stone, wood, and other natural elements to make your space feel like it belongs on the shores of the Riviera itself. To make it more your own, use rugs, curtains, and other textiles to add a pop of color. Beige-toned pinks and crystal blues are the perfect shades to bring in some color while also staying true to your coastal French Riviera design roots. 

How To Create A Retro Inspired Interior

If you’ve been paying attention to the top design trends in 2022, you’ve probably realized that many of the trending styles look familiar. From bright retro inspired oranges and teals to rattan furniture and décor, we are seeing a resurgence of all things 60s and 70s. This new wave of design comes on the heels of modern minimalism, which was characterized by monochrome palettes, metal accents and firm, clean lines. So why the shift to such an opposing design trend?

Wood Shutters by Graber

Well, this retro, decades inspired resurgence in interior design has come largely in part of the pandemic and the now extended time people are spending in their homes. For so long, many had no way to escape into nature and enjoy the peace and comfort it provides, so moving forward in design, they chose to bring the natural elements they longed for into their space. We see this in all aspects of design – color palettes made of warm browns and oranges paired with bright greens and teals; botanical and animal prints on the walls, on the floors and everywhere in between; and of course, natural materials like rattan and wicker used as décor and furniture alike.

Many of these design elements are reminiscent of the retro style of the 60s and 70s, carrying out style trends that are less centered in nature. Décor using shag rugs, fun shapes and maximalist design is having a comeback. With so many ways to add some decades-inspired style to your space, we wanted to make it easy for you to find the best design solutions for your home. Check out these three easy ways to incorporate retro style into your interior design.

Retro Color Palettes

Color Wheel Mosaic by Daltile

One of the easiest ways to bring some retro elements into your space is to utilize a 60s or 70s color palette. This means using bright colors –specifically orange, green and other similar hues. If you’re looking for a more subtle inclusion of retro style, you can choose a simple wall color, like sage green, and use a more neutral burnt orange for an accent. Or if you’re feeling bold, go for it by incorporating fun patterned wallpaper, and bright accent pieces. Don’t forget to add in some plants or greenery to stay true to your retro design roots!

Botanical Prints & Eye Catching Patterns

Nostalgia Saga Ceramic by Emser Tile

Another easy way to bring retro style into your home is by utilizing bold, bright patterns. Because of its call back to nature, botanical prints are especially good for bringing in the touch of 70s style you’re looking for. Even less-natural patterns, like a white and grey ornamental design, still bring the dimension and life you’re hoping to add with a retro inspired design. Especially when paired with natural wood furniture, these bright patterns are perfect for creating a subtle homage to a bygone decade.

Rattan Décor & Furniture

Denim Multicolor Area Rug by Nourison                                 

A staple of retro design, rattan and wicker elements are almost always found in any 60s or 70s inspired interior. Whether you’re looking for larger statement pieces, like chairs, tables or room dividers, or smaller elements like lamps, wall hangings, or even just a basket or two, it’s easy to find something that suits your style and your needs. This natural element brings the outside world into your home and is the perfect subtle 70s element to keep your space fresh and on trend.

How to Incorporate Bespoke Design into your Home

Bespoke design has taken the interior design world by storm, and has no plans of going away anytime soon. If you have yet to see or hear of this uniquely personal design trend, allow us to introduce your new favorite style. Bespoke design focuses on one-of-a-kind elements that make your home entirely unique. It is based completely off of your own personal wants and needs, and differs from regular customization options by allowing you to choose even the smallest of details.

From shelves made to fit the oddly shaped alcove in your entryway to the custom bar you’ve been dreaming of putting in that empty living room corner, bespoke design is about finding and creating furniture, art, and other design elements that perfectly fit what you want and need. While it may sound tedious to pick out all of the small details, it’s much easier to incorporate bespoke design than you might think.

Combine Vintage & Modern Elements

Are you skilled in finding the best furniture in every thrift store? Have you been trying to figure out what to do with the antique chest of drawers passed down to you by a great, great grandparent? Maybe you have unique family heirlooms that are currently housed in a box in your attic. Whatever the case, vintage furniture and knickknacks are the perfect way to bring in personal elements that are the signature to bespoke design.

Combining vintage furniture or items with more modern pieces allows you to create a perfect balance between the old and the new, and will help you create the bespoke paradise you desire. One of the easiest ways to do this is to start with a larger element, like a vintage dresser, and then add things like plants, small knickknacks you’ve collected and whatever other elements you’d like. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it – one of the most important facets of Bespoke design is your own personal taste, so there’s really no wrong way to go about it!

Personalize Your Space

National Marble Res tile in Rushmore by Daltile

To create a cohesive bespoke design, the best thing you can do is to find your personal style and use it to guide your design choices. If your taste is more modern, you can create a unique bespoke feel by using customized furniture elements that reflect your needs in that specific space.

Consider adding a custom vanity to your bedroom that includes floor to ceiling shelving to maximize space. In your dining room, you could work with designers to create a custom bench made to match the marble countertops you love so much. Or if you’re not looking to go out and find new furniture or work with a designer to create it for you, there is always the option to make your space your own using items you already have. Maybe you already have a desk in your office, but you choose to replace the hardware with something more to your taste or you’re re-staining it to paint it a shade that better suits your style. Upcycling furniture is a great way to personalize your home without having to break the bank.

Anthracite Res tile by Daltile

However you choose to incorporate bespoke design into your space, remember that the most important element is making your space feel like home.

 

Design to Fit Your Personality

Everyone loves a good home makeover but not everyone loves the same design styles. Ever wonder what type of design would match your personality? While there are a plethora of design themes out there from whimsical cottagecore to practical mid-century modern, and even boutique luxury, we’ve pulled together four styles based on four personality types that just might suit your taste.

For the Bold and Daring

Lavaliere Kapali Mosaic by Daltile

If you like to live life on the edge and stay on top of the latest design trends, go big and bold with beautiful tile mosaics, wallpaper patterns, and plush furniture. Use color palettes like black and white or navy and gray for dramatic effects. You can even do this simply by adding gold finishes in the form of light fixtures or hardware to contrast your bright whites cabinets or black marble tiles. Luxury is top of mind when it comes to bold design, so incorporate high pile carpets and soft materials (i.e. wool rugs, cashmere throws, or silk bedsheets). Hang up antique mirrors, layer curtains, and use vintage-inspired bookcases and mantels to showcase your one-of-a-kind finds.

For the Minimalist

Oltre Res Tile by Daltile

On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re drawn to simplicity, opt for a minimalist look. The first step to achieving a minimalist style is by removing clutter and unnecessary items from your space. Then, incorporate stylish storage through cabinetry, bookcases, and hidden shelving. Creating a neutral base is key to creating a successful minimalist appeal, so keep your color palette neutral with off-whites, creams, beiges, and grays.

For the Bright and Airy

Pleated Shades by Graber

For those natural sunlight lovers, bright and airy designs are perfect for making the most of daylight. Use neutral color palettes with light hues and open windows to capture light. Encourage openness through open concept living areas and ground your design in natural, earthy hues and organic materials. Airy materials like wicker, rattan, wrought iron, and lighter woods are also great when looking for furniture for a bright space. The trick is not to overwhelm your design with too many pieces and to avoid using heavy fabrics like wool or leather. Instead, opt for light linens and smooth cotton throughout the home.

For the Eclectic 

Finnegan Stripe Rug by Stanton

When you’re confident in your taste, you can afford to have a little fun with your design choices. Maximalism and art deco are in right now, so dare to defy the odds and combine crazy patterns, colors, and textures to create a space that’s unique to you. Eclectic design often encompasses a variety of periods and styles, tying them all together with common colors, textures, shapes, and finishes. Oftentimes it's hard to find the fine line between eclectic and cluttered. One tip to consider when using an eclectic design approach is to include negative space through unifying neutral colors or blank spaces. This gives the viewer’s eyes a break and allows the design to be more palatable. 

What is your design style? How do you express your personality through your home design?

Integrating the Wallpaper Trend into Your Home Design

As we move forward into 2022, a key trend to keep your eye on is wallpaper. Inspired by nostalgic home design styles like cottagecore and grandmillenial, the wallpaper trend is a quick way to add a bit of color and ground your interior in textures. Whether you’re looking for traditional stencils with Trompe l’oiel patterns or contemporary geometric wallpaper with architectural designs, wallpaper comes in an endless collection of patterns and can brilliantly elevate your design when used properly. 

Upgrade Your Bathroom Walls

Faux Wood Blinds by Graber

One of the easiest ways to incorporate wallpaper into your interior design is in the bathroom. Choose a wall that you want to be your focal point. Oftentimes, this is the wall where your sink and vanity rests. Use wallpaper to accentuate the color theme or even add textural value to the space. If you have a small powder room, you can also wallpaper a corner of the bathroom to create an illusion of more space, as patterned wallpaper has a disrupting effect on your eyes.

Inspire a Bedroom Headboard

Sombrero Hardwood by Biyork Flooring

Try wallpapering the space behind your headboard in the bedroom. Wallpaper accent walls are the perfect place to apply a pop of color or busy print without overwhelming the whole room. There are several ways to go about this: you can choose a wallpaper print that works well with the existing bedroom design taking into consideration factors like other wall colors, bedding, and overall style. Or, you can pick the wallpaper first and let the colors and textures in your design influence the room around it.

Use as an Accent

Parmesso Marble carpet by Louis A. Dabbieri

Pack a visual punch by using wallpaper as an accent. You can do this by creating a feature wall, wallpapering the ceiling, decorating the inside of a bookcase, or hanging wallpaper as art. A wallpapered feature wall is the ideal way to draw eyes to a focal point in the room. Enhance a striking feature wall in your room by installing wallpaper behind the fireplace or t.v. You can even install two complementary wallpapers on one wall (like stripes and toiles) to create a chair rail effect and liven up the room even more.

Provide Texture

Wallpaper doesn’t just have to be one-dimensional —thanks to special printing technology, textural wallpaper has become increasingly popular. From grasscloth wallpaper that creates a natural textured look to crocodile black wallpaper that gives your room a sleek, dramatic appearance, the stylistic choices for textured wallpaper are endless. Visual wallpaper, which creates the look of a 3-D appearance while maintaining a flat surface, uses shadow and highlights to provide textural options like brick, clouds, and marble.

How have you incorporated the wallpaper trend into your home design this new year?