Creating an “Old Money” aesthetic in your bedroom is all about cultivating a sense of timeless elegance and understated luxury. This style leans into the idea of wealth that’s built over generations, characterized by quality materials, classic designs, and a refined sense of taste. Wall decor plays a crucial role in achieving this look, so let’s explore some ideas to transform your bedroom into a sanctuary of sophistication.
Antique Mirrors
Mirrors are a staple in Old Money design, reflecting light and adding a sense of grandeur. Choose antique mirrors with ornate frames, perhaps in gilded or silvered finishes. The aged patina and intricate details contribute to a sense of history and refined taste. Place the mirror above a fireplace, dressing table, or even strategically on a wall to create the illusion of more space. Consider mirrors with beveled edges for added elegance and a subtle touch of Art Deco influence.
Chinoiserie Wallpaper
Chinoiserie, the European fascination with Chinese art and design, is experiencing a revival in interior design. This style features intricate floral patterns, birds, pagodas, and landscapes in soft, muted tones. For a subtle Old Money touch, choose wallpaper with a background in a calming cream or pale gray, and a delicate pattern in gold or silver. Consider a single feature wall behind the headboard or a portion of the wall, creating a striking focal point without overwhelming the space. This pattern provides a subtle hint of history and sophistication, evoking a sense of travel and worldly experience.
Family Portraits
An Old Money bedroom often features a curated collection of family portraits, adding a personal touch and telling a story. The portraits can be framed in classic gilded frames or antique silver frames, showcasing a lineage of refinement. Consider black and white portraits for a timeless and elegant feel. Hang the portraits in a gallery wall arrangement, focusing on symmetry and balance. This creates a sophisticated backdrop, showcasing a sense of heritage and tradition.
Gilded Artwork
Gold accents are a hallmark of Old Money design, adding a touch of opulence without being overly ostentatious. Choose artwork with gold leaf frames, or consider a painting with delicate gold details. This could be a still life featuring fruit or flowers, a landscape scene, or even an abstract piece with a touch of gold. The artwork should complement the overall color scheme of the bedroom, adding a touch of elegance without being overly flashy.
Embroidered Textiles
The Old Money aesthetic often features handcrafted textiles with intricate embroidery. Consider an embroidered tapestry or a framed piece of needlepoint, adding a touch of artistic craftsmanship to the space. Choose a pattern in muted tones like cream, beige, or soft blue, adding a touch of texture and visual interest to the wall. The embroidered details will evoke a sense of tradition and timeless elegance, creating a calming and sophisticated ambiance.
Decorative Plates
A collection of antique or vintage plates can add a touch of whimsy and history to the bedroom. Choose plates with delicate patterns and subtle colors, perhaps in blue and white or floral motifs. Arrange the plates in a symmetrical pattern, creating a visual focal point on the wall. This adds a touch of history and personal style, showcasing a curated collection that speaks to a refined taste.
Sculptural Wall Lights
Wall lights are essential for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opt for sculptural wall lights in classic materials like brass, bronze, or silver. The design should be simple and elegant, perhaps with a geometric shape or a graceful curve. These lights provide a subtle yet impactful design element, adding a touch of sophistication and a statement of refined taste.
Vintage Maps
Vintage maps, particularly those with a focus on world exploration or historical destinations, add a touch of wanderlust and intellectualism to the space. Frame the maps in classic wooden frames or simple black frames to maintain a clean and timeless aesthetic. Hang them in a gallery wall arrangement or individually above a desk or nightstand, adding a touch of personality and a sense of history to the bedroom. The maps can evoke a sense of adventure and knowledge, adding depth and interest to the design.
Framed Botanical Prints
Botanical prints, showcasing intricate depictions of flowers, plants, and insects, evoke a sense of natural beauty and intellectual curiosity. Choose prints in a muted color palette like soft greens, browns, and creams, framed in simple wooden frames or elegant brass frames. These prints can be displayed in a gallery wall arrangement or individually on a bedside table. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication, creating a tranquil and calming atmosphere.
Antique Clocks
An antique clock, with its ticking hands and intricate details, adds a sense of timelessness and history. Choose a clock with a classic Roman numeral face, perhaps in brass or silver. Place the clock on a mantelpiece or a shelf, allowing it to become a statement piece in the room. The antique clock evokes a sense of permanence and tradition, adding a touch of sophistication to the Old Money aesthetic.
Vintage Travel Posters
Vintage travel posters, with their bold colors and graphic designs, evoke a sense of adventure and global exploration. Choose posters featuring destinations that hold personal significance or represent a style of travel associated with the Old Money aesthetic, such as classic European cities or exotic locales. Frame the posters in simple black frames or vintage wooden frames, adding a touch of whimsy and a sense of history to the space. This creates a conversation-starting feature on the wall, showcasing a refined and worldly taste.
Fabric Wall Panels
Fabric wall panels, often in luxurious materials like silk, velvet, or linen, add a touch of texture and sophistication to the space. Choose panels in rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep blue, or burgundy, creating a focal point on the wall. Consider using fabric panels to create a headboard or to accentuate a portion of the wall behind a seating area. The texture and richness of the fabric add a touch of elegance, creating a sense of opulence and refinement.
Hand-Painted Murals
A hand-painted mural adds a unique and personalized touch to the space. Choose a scene that reflects your personal style or your travel experiences, perhaps a romantic landscape, a charming cityscape, or a whimsical floral motif. The hand-painted detail adds a touch of artistry and sophistication, creating a unique focal point in the room. This is a statement piece that adds a touch of personalized history and a sense of curated craftsmanship to the space.
Vintage Luggage Trunks
Vintage luggage trunks, with their worn leather and brass hardware, evoke a sense of travel and adventure. Choose trunks in different sizes and styles, placing them on the floor or stacking them against a wall. These trunks can double as storage for blankets, linens, or other belongings. The vintage luggage adds a touch of rustic charm and a sense of history, showcasing a worldly and sophisticated taste.
Framed Letters or Documents
Framed letters or documents, particularly those with historical significance or personal meaning, add a touch of history and sentimentality to the space. Consider framing a vintage love letter, a family heirloom, or a handwritten recipe passed down through generations. This personalizes the space and creates a sense of family history and tradition.
Ornate Bookcases
Ornate bookcases, often with intricate details and a classic wood finish, provide both storage and decorative appeal. Choose a bookcase with glass doors to showcase a curated collection of books, antique artifacts, or family photos. The bookcase adds a sense of intellectualism and sophistication, creating a focal point in the room and showcasing a love of learning.
Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Wrought iron wall sconces, with their elegant curves and classic design, add a touch of sophistication and artistry to the space. Choose sconces with a simple black finish or a touch of gold detailing, adding a touch of warmth and character to the walls. These sconces provide a subtle yet impactful design element, adding a touch of elegance and a sense of understated luxury.
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