Bring Newport Inspired Charm Into Your Home Decor

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At the start of October this year, we had the pleasure of visiting the charming, harbour-side town of Newport, Rhode Island for a friends wedding. It was almost like walking through a movie set, like we owned a house in the Hamptons and we were just there for a weekend vacation... The yachts, the mom-and-pop stores, incredible seafood and a combination of exquisite European architecture from the 1850s and 1900s.

If you've ever seen the show, Gilded Age, you'll have an idea for what life was like back then. Newport architectural styles are primarily defined by the Gilded Age mansions with a combination of Beaux-Arts, French Chateau, Italianate, Greek Revival and Colonial. These "summer cottages" originated from wealthy tycoons from New York and Philadelphia, to emulate European royalty and display social status. After having travelled to some of Europe ourselves, we definitely noticed this influence and actually mentioned that it had a very European vibe.

When it comes to incorporating this style into your home, I'll admit a lot it is out-dated. I don't think anyone particularly aspires to have draped curtains, elaborate coffered ceilings and 500,000 cubic feet of solid marble in their homes anymore... But there are a few design elements that I believe you can take from this historic, coastal town that could take a modern home back in time for just a moment.

3 Ways To Bring Newport-Inspired Charm Into Your Home Decor & Interior Design

Walls of marble inside The Marble House, Newport Mansion

1. Marble Surfaces

Marble is a very luxurious material. In homes nowadays it's often used for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms (as opposed to entire rooms for flooring and decorative wall features). But it is very expensive and can be hard to come by! So for a more realistic, budget-friendly marble-alternative option, you could try using quartz or granite. Both of these materials still give a luxury look for a fraction of the price. They're also incredibly solid, durable and resistant to stains, heat and general wear. If you select a stone grain that resembles real marble, it's hard to tell the difference!

Incorporating marble-look features throughout the home decor can also perceive a luxe look. Use a stone or marble tray as a display platter with a centrepiece arrange. Or a marble-top side table next to a window sitting area. A stone-look sculpture is another way you could add luxury home decor inspired by Newport architecture.

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2. Luxurious Occasional Chair

One thing I noticed walking through the Newport Mansions was the amount of seating options throughout the entire home! There was never any shortage of chairs. While I don't encourage clutter, a quiet seat in a reading corner could be the perfect way to bring a piece of this simpler time into your home. Whether it's a studded back, linen upholstered or rattan occasional chair, these are timeless styles that never really go out of fashion.

3. Nautical Decor

I'll be the first to say that beachy home decor can be a bit tacky and over done. However, I believe the antique, traditional nautical pieces that I noticed throughout the town of Newport, could be subtly placed around the home to create a coastal narrative. We went to Bannisters Wharf for a seafood lunch at one of the well-known restaurants, The Black Pearl. The seafood chowder is a must-try here! Taking inspiration from this restaurant, use these wooden ship bookends in a dark and moody office.

Almost every large home in Newport, especially the mansions, had Hydrangea flowers planted along driveways and garden beds to frame the main enterance of the home. These lush, vibrant blooms are long lasting and give a luxurious, elegant, classic and high-end look. If your home isn't in the climate these plants need or you don't have a garden, bring them inside using fresh cut flowers or artificial silk hydrangeas for a touch of refined beauty and luxury into living rooms, dining rooms, and foyers.

Newport is known for it's wealth and seafood. Without going overboard (pun intended) on coastal artwork, try this trendy wall art above a bar cart cocktail station.

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These are just a few pieces of inspiration I took from this charming, harbour-side town. If you haven't had the chance to visit Newport in Rhode Island, I highly suggest you do! It's the perfect weekend vacation destination where you will find plenty of inspiration.