Trending on Remodelista: 6 Old-World Design Ideas to Steal for the Holidays

This week the Remodelista editors embraced old-world elegance (and ingenuity). Here are five design ideas to steal for Europe for the holidays:

Vintage Steamer Trunk

Above: In an apartment remodel in Kiev, Ukraine, a vintage steamer trunk that once belonged to the client’s grandfather is repurposed as a coffee table. Photograph by Mikhail Loskutov, courtesy of Emil Dervish.

See more of the architect-designed space in An Apartment Called Birdsnest: A Kiev Architect’s Well-Planned Lair for a Friend.

Shaving Soap

Above: Made for dry skin, Le Baigneur Shaving Soap comes in a porcelain case to extend the life of the soap when not in use; €39 at Zangra.

“One of the great joys of life is the pleasure of tiny fancy things,” writes Alexa. She rounds up 12 Petite Gifts from the Old Country (aka Europe) for our 2018 Gift Guides.

Advent Wreath

Above: The Austrian tradition of hanging a lighted Advent wreath adds a glow of candlelight (or faux, clip-on lights) to dark nights. See tips to make your own in DIY: Simple Advent Wreaths Made from Foraged Flora. Photograph by Justine Hand.

Annie rounds up her favorite European traditions for holiday décor (and tips for how to recreate the look) in The European Holiday: 14 Ways to Decorate the House, from France, Sweden, and More.

Ceramic Switchplate

Above: The Amerelle (3020DBT) Allena Biscuit Ceramic Duplex Wallplate is $5.49 at Wall Plate Warehouse.

Alexa deconstructs the details that add old-world charm to a kitchen remodel in an 1890s house in Catskill State Park, New York. See more details in this week’s Steal This Look post.

DIY $10 Mantel Garland

Above: “I have to admit, I picked up the $5 seeded eucalyptus branches from my local Whole Foods with the idea of incorporating them into a more lush display, but my minimalist tendencies won out,” writes Justine. Photograph by Justine Hand.

See step-by-step instructions to make your own minimalist Christmas decorations at DIY: Minimalist Holiday Mantel, $10 Edition.

Coffee Table Book

Above: Featuring 14 distinctive townhouses full of charm, character, and style, Perfect English Townhouse (Ryland Peters & Small) is $26.33 from Amazon.

“Design writer and former World of Interiors features editor Ros Byam Shaw is the creator of the “Perfect” series of books: Perfect English made its debut in 2007, followed by Perfect English Cottage, Perfect English Farmhouse, and Perfect French Country (all highly recommended),” writes Julie.

See more of Julie’s picks: She rounds up the best interior design books of the year in Holiday Gift Guide 2018: 9 Favorite Design Books of the Year.