From the first time it is very difficult to find an exact definition that characterizes the European style in the interior, because anything can come to mind: from concise design to romantic and frivolous. Each of the countries of Europe has unique features and traits that, one way or another, influenced the formation of this direction.
Rules for interior design in European style
Objectively speaking, the European style was not created as an independent trend. This is a kind of combination of several directions that have appeared on the territory of Europe.
European style is subject to constant changes under the influence of modern trends, but in the design world there are a number of rules with which you can create the perfect interior.
Rule 1: we develop the concept of future design
“In the beginning there was a concept” - it is with these words that it is worth starting the process of creating a project for a future European-style interior.
Design is not born spontaneously. It is entered into a certain idea or philosophy, which will subsequently be reflected in the interior. As a basis, you can take the style of one of the European countries, a certain set of items, colors, special finishing materials.
Although the concept will limit you to the chosen idea, in the end you will be able to create a custom design that will not look like another copy of the IKEA showroom.
Rule 2: Prefer an open floor plan
The European style in the interior of the apartment is similar to, because a characteristic feature of both directions is an open layout. You can choose your own option for combining rooms, but we will give advice - do not combine such private rooms as a bedroom and a nursery with other rooms, let secluded corners for privacy and personal affairs remain in the house.
In European style, most often they combine a kitchen and a dining room, a dining room and a living room, a hall and a living room. Use various design techniques to visually zone an open-plan interior: contrasting color combinations, combinations of different materials and textures, tricks with furniture and lighting.
Rule 3: the dominance of functionality and minimalism
European style in the interior involves the creation of the most functional space. The situation is carefully thought out in order to exclude useless items. Deprived of unnecessary details, the room in combination with an open plan will look especially spacious and free.
The minimalist environment has another undeniable advantage - it is much easier to keep order in a room that is not overloaded with unnecessary furniture.
European-style interior design is functionally logical and consistent. For example, it is no coincidence that Europeans choose an island kitchen layout, because the island can be used both as a work surface and as a full-fledged dining table.
Rule 4: we bet on sustainability
Europe has long been embraced by the fashion for environmentally friendly and natural materials. It is they who bring a special atmosphere of comfort to the European style. The amazing beauty of marble, the unique texture of wood and the bewitching patterns and veins on natural stone make these materials independent decorative elements.
The modern trend of recent years is eco-furniture made of wood and epoxy resin, as well as natural interior items. Such products are very popular, and the collections of brands such as Max Lamb and Alcarol can be found at the world famous furniture exhibition Salone del Mobile in Milan.
The trend of recent years is saw-cut furniture
Rule 5: choose a calm color scheme
When planning a color scheme for a European-style interior, remember that light colors are preferred. A warm palette of pastel shades is mainly used. Modern designers prefer to decorate the interiors in white, which allows you to visually make the room more spacious and light.
The European style also includes neutral colors. Noble dark shades are most often chosen as accents. In the process of interior design, they try to discreetly use various patterns and ornaments.
Rule 6: convenience or beauty?
European-style furniture is designed to make the surrounding space as useful and comfortable as possible. Therefore, when choosing items for design, bet on their functionality. In the European interior there is no place for grandmother's dressers, bulky sideboards and useless coffee tables. They were replaced by transformer cabinets, storage consoles, modular sofas and armchairs.
It is absolutely not necessary to meticulously select items in order to make a set. The European style looks organic in combination with furniture from different brands and from different collections, the main thing is to follow the concept and achieve a harmonious and holistic design.
An unusual combination of different chairs is a great way to spice up the interior.
Despite the laconic appearance, modern furniture has incredible functionality. In addition, it is distinguished by high European quality.
But what about those who do not want to choose between beauty and convenience? Believe me, furniture from leading European designers will give odds to extravagant models.
Rule 7: a few words about lighting
The European-style interior does not tolerate bad lighting. It is necessary to think over a competent lighting scheme that will allow you to evenly distribute light fluxes throughout the room.
For this, various light sources are used. Diffused lighting is created using ceiling lights and chandeliers, and floor lamps, wall sconces, spotlights and table lamps are responsible for highlighting nooks and crannies.
Rule 8: we place accents
Properly placed focal points are a hallmark of the European style in the interior. Most often in the design there is one visual center, around which the composition is built.
You can bring the effect of dynamics and diversify the monochrome interior in soothing colors with the help of accent trim, furniture in contrasting colors, original lamps or colored accessories.
But when choosing bright colors as focal points, do not forget that European style is a minimum of flashy tones, so you should carefully bring additional colors to the design.
When deciding to decorate your home in a modern European style, do not forget that this direction requires a thoughtful approach and restraint in detail, and then you can achieve brilliant results.
The old tiny studio on the first floor of a Parisian house had been in the status of a dim closet for quite some time, until a 20-year-old student moved in here. The new owner could afford only economy class repairs, but she still spent money on designers. Flora Auvray managed to equip a complete kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room here.
It seems that the interior of this studio is extremely simple - but it is not. Firstly, the designers pulled out the maximum of natural light: the light from the windows enters the kitchen with an open doorway, and the bathroom - through a glass block wall and a sliding glass door, and on the mezzanine - due to the peculiarities of its shape.
Secondly, smooth curves were deliberately introduced into the strict geometry of the apartment - the border between the living room and the kitchen is so unusually decorated, and the same line is used in the outlines of the sides of the double bed. This technique is not only beautiful, but also a cunning move: a long smooth line visually expands the space, confuses the eye.
The hostess loves purple, which is why they took him in the company of "expanding" white and neutral gray. But clean accents would look flat, so a softer “dusted” shade was chosen for depth. Under the double bed on the mezzanine is a seating area with a sofa bed. On the sides there are two large wardrobes: one serves as a dressing room, the other - storage for appliances and all sorts of household items. All partitions in the apartment are at the same time built-in wardrobes for storing things. Renovating an economy class apartment is often expensive because it requires individual solutions. In this project, a kitchen was made to order, in which a refrigerator and a washing machine were immediately built in. Sliding bathroom door saves space. Pipes and electrics in the kitchen and bathroom were hidden under the ceiling. The sharp corner did not allow for a regular shower tray, so a shower drain was used.
In the photo: renovation of an economy class apartment; final layout 20 sq.m
The interior of an apartment of 15 sq.m in Paris: simple and bright
The renovation of this miniature apartment on the third floor of an old Parisian building lasted four months. To begin with, a dwelling with an area of 15 square meters was freed from partitions, the old lining was removed from the walls, and the parquet was restored. The design of the studio was largely made for the new tenant - a young student. The Marion Alberge Decoration studio decided not to "whiten" the space, as is customary in small apartments, but, on the contrary, to enliven it with the help of color. In order to preserve the feeling of spaciousness, the designers used an old trick: paint one (only one) wall in a bright color. Here the color is blue. As a result, the living space received additional depth and looks more interesting. But all cabinets, shelves and racks, on the contrary, are made white and as concise as possible, without decor and even handles - so as not to distract attention.
What else can you learn from this apartment
The IKEA kitchenette is the go-to for small student apartments like this one. Open shelves and wall-to-wall countertops visually lengthen the room. The tabletop serves as a dining and working table. The living room uses a set of coffee tables that compactly slide under each other. To fit the toilet, sink and shower on two "squares", special compact plumbing was used. White faience improves lighting even in a windowless room.
In the photo: renovation of an economy class apartment; layout 15 sq.m
Interior of an apartment of 16 sq.m in Paris: on the floors
This Parisian apartment of 16 square meters, the owners - Francoise and Bruno - decided to finish it in order to rent it out to a young couple. These plans required an accurate calculation: two people is twice as many things, a wider bed, etc. The architect Cyril Reims was called to help, who ate a dog in miniature squares. Cyril's "specialization" is multifunctional furniture. Although, if you look closely, it becomes clear that the success of his projects is not so much in furniture, but in thoughtful ergonomics. Here, in this apartment, the architect placed a double bed on a low “wardrobe” with drawers. The bed smoothly flows into the desktop, under which there are shelves for books and papers, and above it there is a wardrobe hidden. Another jewelry decision is related to the location of the kitchen, toilet and bathroom: the architect used niches and ledges to place all functional areas on about six "squares" (see plan).
What else can you learn from this apartment
A white backdrop and red accents are an easy way to make a featureless space feel as vibrant as possible. Such interiors of apartments are especially liked by young people. The project used a thin electric heater with a glass surface that can be written on with a marker like on a blackboard. According to Cyril, even in economy class projects, it is impossible to leave less than 150 cm between the bed and the ceiling, otherwise it will be psychologically uncomfortable for the person lying down. The door to the wardrobe was set high enough not to interfere with the computer. And in order to visually "distance" it somewhat, the box was painted gray. A huge subway map on the wall also hides an old chimney.
In the photo: renovation of an economy class apartment; layout 16 sq.m
Interior of an apartment of 19 sq.m in Paris: a bedroom on the second floor
This studio apartment in Montmartre is an example of competent handling of non-standard space. The owner decided to re-equip the room with high ceilings (under 4 meters) so that he could safely receive guests here. The designers suggested using high-rise ceilings and equipping the apartment with an extra bed - right on the "roof" of the kitchen. Steps, grouped into two blocks, lead to the mezzanine. These steps are another highlight of the project: one block is a closet for outerwear, and the second, smaller one is for linen and other things. Access to storage spaces is open from all sides: the lowest steps are drawers, and hinged doors are made for the rest of the space on the side.
From the point of view of coloring, the project is decorated in a manner traditional for small spaces: warm wood on the floor, light walls and dark accents that emphasize the volume - in this case, they are the countertop and spectacular bar stools.
What else can you learn from this apartment
The countertop in the kitchen smoothly flows into the dining table.
The kitchen is assembled from different IKEA blocks and components.
In order to climb onto the second tier it was not slippery, a carpet was laid on the floor of the mezzanine.
A sliding door to the bathroom saves space in the kitchen.
Instead of a shower cabin, they made a shower compartment, fencing off the space with glass, the drain is hidden under a small podium.
In the photo: renovation of an economy class apartment; layout 19 sq.m
Interior of a 21 sqm apartment in Madrid: multi-level space
The owner of this non-standard matchbox apartment had no other choice but to organize a two-level space. But a full-fledged second floor on an area of 21 sq.m, even with a ceiling height of 4.7 m, threatened with tightness and darkness. Therefore, the architects of the Madrid bureau MYCC Oficina de Arquitectura offered the owner an unusual project with two mezzanines of different levels and a podium. On the mezzanine there is a kitchen and an office, below them there is a bathroom and a bedroom. The podium hides storage systems. The apartment occupies the basement, so the entrance to it is located through the kitchen, and all the differences in the project are due to ease of movement.
What else can you learn from this apartment
Almost all zones and even furniture in this dwelling perform several functions at once. For example, stairs from the kitchen to the living room and from the living room to the bedroom are also seating areas. And the office, if necessary, easily turns into a guest bedroom.
Given the complex layout of the apartment with drops, stairs and steps, the architects firmly adhered to the principles of minimalism in the decoration. For such apartments, design without massive decorative elements is a forced decision. Even heavy curtains can "overload" the interior.
The bathroom is the smallest room in the apartment. In order not to aggravate this effect, the partitions inside the room were not made to the full height of the wall, but slightly above half.
In the photo: design of an economy class apartment; layout 21 sq.m
Interior of an apartment of 13.5 sq.m in Milan: a miracle box
Designer Silvana Citterio bought this one-bedroom apartment to provide a place to stay during her visits to Milan. True, at first she was overcome by doubts - even for the economy class, an apartment of 13 square meters was too small. But the historic district captivated Sylvanas, and the task of making comfortable housing out of this “material” seemed so interesting that the deal went through.
Most of the room is occupied by a multifunctional furniture complex, assembled on site according to the project of local carpenters. The lower tier is occupied by a kitchen and wardrobe, above them there is a bed and a dining area. The stove, sink and work surface in the kitchen are covered with hinged lids. If necessary, the dining table is moved to the side, the lid rises - and you can cook. To get into the wardrobe, you also need to move the table.
The floor and steps in the apartment in the photo are made of noble teak, they also play the role of visual accents on a white background.
What else can you learn from this apartment
A large mirror located opposite the bed makes the room look more spacious.
The clever layout of the kitchen made it possible to accommodate a small dishwasher, stove, mini-fridge and several drawers for dishes and other utensils.
Knives and spice jars are attached to the hinged lid using magnetic panels - this solution saves space.
To make the miniature bathroom seem more spacious, lacquered white panels reflecting light and glossy brick-like tiles are used as partitions.
In the photo: design of an economy class apartment; layout 13.5 sq.m
Interior of an apartment of 16 sq.m in Paris: the sea is calling
As we have already said, the “economy” class for an apartment in itself does not at all promise savings on repairs. But sometimes it has to be done suddenly, and the task of the designer becomes even more interesting. It was under such conditions that the interior design of this Parisian studio on the Canal Saint-Martin was conceived. The apartment where the young bartender lives was flooded with neighbors. The owner just wanted to update the finish, because he did not expect anything grandiose from his 16 "squares". Fortunately, he met designer Mariam Gassman, who was not embarrassed by either the small budget or the modest area.
Mariam did not design complex podiums and multifunctional blocks - the guy does not need a large kitchen or a guest bed. The emphasis in the decoration was on expanding the space and trying to capture the atmosphere of the place: the beginning of the 20th century, the roofs, the canal. To make the small apartment “take off”, Mariam used the fresco technique - the walls are painted by hand from the bottom, and the color changes: the higher it is, the lighter it is, turning from blue to blue, and then to white. Thanks to this focus, the room seems higher, and the “taste of the sea” is felt - freshness appears in the interior. Two gypsum false fireplaces, acting as a table and a niche for a radiator, as well as an antique mirror are responsible for the historical “context”.
What else can you learn from this apartment
The floor was repainted in matte black - this added depth to the room.
To mask the kitchen, smooth white fronts without handles were chosen. In the design of small apartments, this technique is often used.
External wiring on the ceiling is placed in copper plumbing pipes - with their help they added rhythm to the interior.
The doors in the closet next to the bed imitate an old "window" with blinds, so as not to be dissonant with the rest of the decor.
In the bathroom, part of the white tiles are highlighted with black grout: this contrast looks very stylish, especially when combined with accessories from the “30s”.
Interior of an apartment of 23 sqm in Paris: a thin red line
This apartment on the second floor of an old house belongs to a young couple. Initially, the owners were not going to make a full-fledged repair here, but they could not stand the tightness and demolished all the partitions. The design of the family nest was entrusted to designer Sandrine Carré. As a result, a copper-colored oak parquet was laid on a new screed, and a built-in light was hidden in the false ceiling. The studio was left open, but the bedroom still has its limits - a half-wall partition separates it from the living room. The bed is not visible from the kitchen-living room, but there is enough light and air for both halves of the studio. The niches formed in the kitchen were used to equip a mini-study and a TV cabinet with storage space. The main palette of the interior is restrained, in natural shades: gray, white, blue, brown. Against this background, the red stripe on the border of the living room and bedroom looks especially bright. One such element is able to bring rhythm, invigorate a calm Scandinavian interior.
This popular design trend has gone through many metamorphoses, and also freed itself from the narrow framework and classic rules for decorating living space. Modern interpretations of the European style are able to satisfy the requirements of completely different people, whose tastes are radically different.
Features of the European style in the interior
The updated European-style interior has the following distinctive features:
▫ Open floor plan. An interesting "curiosity" has become an integral element of the interior. A striking example of housing design in this style are studio apartments;
▫ Expanded space. Demolition of walls, high windows, lack of curtains - all this provides a feeling of freedom and lightness. However, it is worth noting again the inconstancy of the European style in the interior, because lately massive curtains and even wooden shutters on the windows have become increasingly relevant. Modern designers predict the end of the era of openness, which is gradually losing ground to privacy and more intimate settings;
▫ Comfort. The concept of comfort in the European interior also does not have clear standards, so it is important that in such an environment it is convenient for a particular person and his family to live; 
▫ Minimalism. The European style in the interior combines high technology and the absence of clutter. Any detail of the interior of the apartment should be concise, environmentally friendly and comfortable;
▫ Restraint. To create a European-style interior, you need to have a genuine sympathy for pastel shades. The color scheme of the room should be modest, but not boring. It is very important to choose the right ones. In rooms decorated in European style, spring mood, lightness and freshness always prevail.
Materials and finishes
Ceiling
There are several popular options for decorating a European-style ceiling. With a more conservative view of home improvement, a ceiling with decorative beams is appropriate. This interesting feature is borrowed from . Owners of houses that keep pace with the times prefer multi-level ceilings with different lighting schemes. In the interior of the living room, stretch fabrics are more often used.
Walls
The main "highlight" of wall decoration in this style of interior is a combination of different textures. They should be a harmonious background for furniture and other interior elements in the room. So, one wall can be painted in a relatively bright color, and the other wall can be pasted over with laconic wallpaper with an interesting pattern. When painting walls, it is important to consider that the European style is characterized by matte surfaces.
Floor
The flooring in such a room can be a parquet board, tile, natural wood or its imitation. The floor should be several shades darker than the walls and doors. In the European style of the interior, various types of carpets are acceptable (both knitted fabrics and carpets with a high pile). This element of decor allows you to balance the austerity and warmth of the atmosphere in the apartment.
Furnishing a home in European style does not tolerate conservative rules. It is much better if representatives of different headsets meet in the same room. Although they differ in color and shape, they share little in common. 
To maximize the free space in the room, it is advisable to give preference to multifunctional furniture.
Furniture in the European interior traditionally has smooth and even surfaces, and its finishes correspond to the spirit. Depending on the interior design accent, modern or vintage furniture is selected.
Vintage European style implies the presence of carved cabinets and shelves, round coffee tables and stools with curly legs. The geometry of furniture in modern European style is simple and restrained.
Upholstered furniture should be light, high quality, low, attractive and comfortable.
In the interior of European cuisine, there is often a massive wooden table located strictly in the center of the room.
Details and decor
Despite the fact that there should not be anything superfluous in the interior, decorated in European style, you still cannot do without accessories.
Possible decor options that emphasize the individuality of European housing:
- Photos within;
- Aroma candles;
- Vases with fresh flowers;
- Indoor plants in pots;
- Bright designer accessories;
- Books and glossy magazines;
- Laconic figurines made of wood and porcelain.
Creating a European-style interior is an easy task, especially attractive to those who are looking for simple and affordable solutions.
European style in the interior - photo
Studying European interiors, you might inadvertently think that people there live in villas with luxurious pools, and Europeans simply have not seen ordinary high-rise buildings with small apartments. In fact, citizens of all countries and continents are forced to fight the problem of small-sized dwellings, and Europeans are no exception. Spanish and Swedish designers have achieved great success in this direction, they turn ordinary small apartments into treasure troves of style and luxury.
The interiors of Sweden captivate the imagination with an unsurpassed combination of conciseness and maximum comfort. Even the smallest apartments there give the impression of being spacious, as they are clean, uncluttered and create a feeling of lightness due to the furnishings, usually done in pastel colors. Light fullness and the frequent predominance of white, combined with soft contours, create a feeling of warmth and comfort in the room.
There is something to pay attention to in the works of the Spaniards, who try to keep up with their foreign colleagues in such a difficult issue. In this sunny country, design experts offer many of their options to combat the lack of space, of course, taking into account their national characteristics and local color.
In relation to the apartment, the main sign of beauty for the Spaniards is a spectacular, but at the same time harmonious color palette. At the same time, an equally important task is to maintain ease of perception and a sense of spaciousness. The Spaniards always succeed in such creativity with the same success. Optimal zoning of small-sized housing, including the use of color accents, can be considered a "horse" of designers from Spain. In addition, each specific situation inspires them to use individual and unique techniques.
- Creation of a European interior
- European style living room
- European style kitchen
European style has gone through a lot of changes throughout its history. However, almost everyone likes its modern interpretation. It is fashionable, stylish and very comfortable. The main distinguishing feature of the style is the almost complete absence of walls. Such studio apartments are now very relevant and an increasing number of people are remodeling their ordinary homes in this way.
Creation of a European interior
To introduce European style into your apartment or house, you must fulfill its basic requirements:
- In no case should you overload the interior with furniture, especially bulky cabinets. Let all the furniture be more decorative. Ideally, one room should be taken under the dressing room and all things should be stored there (for example, in Khrushchev houses, you can turn an ordinary pantry into a dressing room). If you do not have the opportunity to equip such a room, try to choose compact wardrobes.
- Using armchairs and a sofa from one set in the interior is boring and banal. This design is long gone. Let the chairs absolutely not be combined with the sofa in shape and color.
- Give preference to mobile and transformable pieces of furniture. With their help, you can easily change and refresh your interior.
- The European style is characterized by a combination of light doors and dark floors.
- To match the light doors, try to choose a light plinth for the walls. Moreover, the plinth should be wide enough - about 10 cm. This is not only a stylish solution, but also very practical.
- The bathroom and the room and the toilet are best decorated with small light tiles. In this case, light is not necessarily just white. The European style welcomes the use of mustard, brick, light green and other non-standard tones in the bathroom interior.
European style living room
Decorating a living room in a European style is quite simple. First of all, it must meet three main points:
- All upholstered furniture should be beautiful, very comfortable and made in bright colors.
- The decor for the living room should be simple, but elegant and sophisticated.
- In the interior it is important to use only natural materials.
The entire interior of the living room is built around an object. It can be, for example, a beautiful coffee table surrounded by a sofa and a couple of armchairs. Such a solution will be very comfortable, because in the living room you will gather with family and friends, and such an arrangement of furniture will make communication as comfortable as possible. Don't forget to add some "zest" to the design. A great decoration will be a large number of bright sofa cushions.
The second option for the center of the interior is a fireplace. The hearth will make any room very cozy and homely, and this is the most important thing for the central room of the house. If you decide to opt for a fireplace, you will have options to choose from. First, you can install a real wood burning fireplace. This option is for residents of private houses. The advantages of wood-burning fireplaces can hardly be overestimated, because they give both soft light and cozy warmth. Secondly, you can purchase an electric fireplace. This solution is suitable for residents of city apartments. A high-quality electric fireplace practically does not differ from the real one. Thirdly, you can get by with a simple imitation of a fireplace. Of course, this option does not look very convincing, and it does not give heat with light, but on the other hand, you can create an imitation of a fireplace with your own hands, and it will fit perfectly into the interior.
European style kitchen
When creating a kitchen, as well as when creating a living room, there will be special rules:
- First of all, you need to carefully consider the zoning of the room. European style pays a lot of attention to zoning. And for practical purposes, this is a very useful procedure. Even the smallest kitchen with the right approach can accommodate everything you need.
- The next step is to optimize the storage system. Of course, a lot of things are stored in the kitchen: household appliances, stocks of cereals, vegetables and so on. Each item on this list should have its own, strictly defined place.
- And finally, you need to choose compact and practical furniture for the kitchen.
Finishing the kitchen space consists in painting the walls and doors in light colors. The floor should be in contrast with the walls. When finishing the floor, you have two options - ceramic tiles and moisture-resistant laminate (specially designed for kitchen areas). As for the ceiling, it should be light and smooth. It is better to give preference to some modern option, for example, a two-level plasterboard ceiling or a stretch ceiling.
Be sure to pay enough attention to the lighting of the kitchen. In a European interior, it must be very bright and include at least a few lighting fixtures.
The ideal lighting option is a built-in light in the ceiling. This is very easy to implement if you have chosen one of the modern ceiling options listed above. Decorative lighting should be present on cabinets and shelves. It is beautiful and practical, as it facilitates work in the kitchen. It is very convenient and economical to make such a backlight using LED strips. Above the dining table, you can place either one large chandelier, or several hanging identical lamps.
And, of course, European cuisine should be equipped with the latest technology. All elements of technology should be thoughtful, practical, built-in if possible. As a rule, a standard European-style kitchen includes: an electric or gas stove with an oven (it is important that the oven has a wide range of all kinds of additional functions), a refrigerator and a freezer, an extractor hood, a microwave, a dishwasher, small household appliances ( toaster, slow cooker, bread maker, coffee maker, double boiler, etc.).
