Interior Design Differences Between U.S. and Europe

 

Designers who want to build or renovate a house that combines the best of both the American and European cultures should be aware of the differences. The European and American homes are completely different, despite sharing a common language and slight dialects and writing variations.

Interior Design Differences Between U.S. and Europe

Designers who want to build or renovate a house that combines the best of both Europe and America need to be aware of the differences between the two. Our experts will discuss the most significant interior design differences between Euope and U.S. today. Our NYC modular cabinets can be a perfect way to marry both American and European styles in your own home.

Difference #1: Materials

These two continents have almost no common home designs. Every aspect of their design is unique, including their sizes, shapes, and the materials they are constructed from. Most people are aware that the majority of American homes are made out of lightweight materials such as brick, plaster, or wood. Europeans, on the other hand, prefer heavier-duty materials that are durable and can last hundreds of years. Their homes are often made of stone or wood and are usually older than the United States itself.

Kitchens can also be completely different. American kitchens are more likely to have tiled floors while European homes tend to have marble or stone floors. Both continents have a passion for granite worktops in the home and thick, wood flooring throughout the house. Different needs and cultural factors can explain the use of different materials.

Difference #2: Energy Efficiency

Because European homes are smaller than American homes, it's not surprising that they have higher energy efficiency. Many European governments have energy efficiency laws and are pushing to increase insulation and efficiency. The materials they use are better at keeping heat inside. In contrast, Americans don't place as much importance on energy efficiency.

The vast majority of interiors in the US are open-plan. High ceilings and galleries make it difficult to keep homes warm and efficient. Because the average American home is three times larger than Europe's, it makes sense that the winter months will be more demanding.

Difference #3: Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Americans have traditionally rented large houses with numerous upgraded bedrooms to ensure that each child has their own room. They prefer houses that have spare rooms they can use as guest rooms, or multi-functional rooms. The number of bathrooms is also a factor. In the US, there are typically two bathrooms for every three bedrooms in a house.

Europeans, on the other hand, prefer smaller houses with fewer rooms to go around. They might be content with a home sharing a single bathroom. There are also large European houses that feature a private bathroom in every bedroom, especially in houses where the number of bedrooms reaches four or more. 

Difference #4: Furniture

To make their home look elegant, Europeans love to keep grand antique pieces and traditional furniture. Americans, on the other hand, prefer to use bright colors and modern furniture in their rooms. American homes believe that symmetry is the most important theme. They pair furniture and accessories in a well-organized way. Their house appears cohesive when the furniture matches their interior decor.

Difference #5: Home Planning

Perhaps the most important difference between these two continents is how homes are designed. While the US floor plan encourages open living spaces and Europeans prefer to keep rooms separate, they are very different.

The majority of homes in Europe have separate dining and kitchen areas. In the United States, however, they are often connected by an open plan. It is not unusual to see interiors that combine all the rooms into one large living space in the United States.

Find the Perfect Design for Your Home Today

Whether you are looking for a modern American look or you want to line your kitchen with traditional European cabinets, our large selection of installments at LEICHT NY is sure to catch your eye. Browse our inventory today and get in touch with one of our representatives to see how we can turn your home design dreams into a reality.