Decorating with a Turkish theme is a wonderful way to add exotic flair and richness to your home. Drawing inspiration from Turkey’s long and storied history, integrates vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and luxurious textures into your space. Here are some key elements to creating an authentic Turkish style.
Fabrics
Rich, heavy fabrics like velvet, brocade, and damask are commonly used in Turkish décor. Opt for textiles with elaborate embroidery or metallic accents. Traditional patterns feature floral and geometric motifs. Try using Turkish kilims (flatwoven rugs) as wall hangings or incorporate tassels, fringes, and braided trim. The lavish textures and patterns will create a dramatic, opulent look.
Colors
Look to the vibrant palette of the Bazaars for inspiration. Red, blue, green, gold and turquoise are commonly seen. Don’t be afraid to use bold tones together in an eclectic mix. Contrast them with soft neutrals like ivory, tan and grey. Add pops of color with pillows, lanterns, vases and other accessories.
Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect of Turkish style. Use stained glass lamps, ornate metal lanterns and candle chandeliers. Place them strategically to create intimate, romantic areas. Try hanging pendant lights low over dining tables. Use lamps to softly illuminate seating areas and highlight decorative pieces. The warm, flickering glow will enhance the exotic ambience.
Furniture
Look for ornately carved wood pieces with inlaid mother of pearl or metal. Detailed motifs and curved lines are featured. Tufted leather ottomans and chairs with claw feet work well. For a modern twist, juxtapose the traditional silhouettes with sleek upholstery in vivid hues. Accent with luxurious fur throws and silk pillows.
Accessories
Display Turkish copper pieces like platters, pots and trays. Intricate mosaics, tiles and marquetry panels make striking wall accents. Use mirrors and frames with Islamic-inspired patterns. Bring in fresh greens and florals with potted plants, trees and vases of white orchids or roses. Complete the look with embellished boxes, vases, candlesticks and bowls.
Entryway
Welcome guests with a dramatic Turkish entry. Paint the front door a dark, saturated hue like emerald or sapphire. Flank it with mosaic tile planters sprouting tall palms. Hang a fringed lantern overhead and place a patterned rug underneath. Add an ornate console topped with a gilded mirror and fresh florals.
Living Room
Create an exotic lounge with Turkish inspired décor. Use a deep navy or forest green on the walls, trimmed in gilded molding. Add a tufted leather sofa, dark wood coffee table and velvet ottomans. Roll out a Turkish kilim rug in vibrant hues. Drape the windows in rich patterned fabrics and embroidered sheers. Display mosaic candleholders, blue and white pottery and framed Islamic tilework.
Dining Room
Set an opulent Turkish dining scene. Cover the walls in a warm neutral like tan or ivory. Use a dark wood pedestal table surrounded by intricately carved chairs with jewel-toned upholstery. Suspend a hammered metal chandelier low above the table. Use gold chargers, turquoise glassware and patterned plates for lavish place settings. Add tall candlabras with dripping wax candles.
Bedroom
Create a relaxing Turkish inspired suite. Paint the walls a spicy red or deep blue. Use an ornately carved bed frame, dressed in luxurious linens with tasseled pillows. Add nightstands with Turkish mosaic tiles. Drape the windows in sheer embroidered panels. Use a wool kilim rug layered over plush carpeting. Include seating like an embroidered slipper chair paired with a tree stump stool.
Bathroom
Incorporate Turkish elements for exotic flair. Use mosaic tile on the floors and walls, featuring traditional patterns and colors. Display Turkish vessels, candles and soaps. Add intricately woven towels and embroidered shower curtains. Use clawfoot tub fitted with a mosaic tile skirt. Include stained glass lanterns, gold framed mirrors and fresh florals. Keep fixtures sleek and modern for contrast.
Kitchen
Warm up a kitchen with Turkish décor. Use cabinetry with carved details, in a dark finish. Contrast with light marble counters and a mosaic tile backsplash. Include a hammered copper sink and pendant lights over the island. Use turquoise and yellow ceramic canisters, blue and white dishware. Roll out a geometric patterned rug. Accent with fresh herbs, spices and vases of white blooms.
Outdoor Space
Bring the exotic flair outside. Paint a pergola or terrace ceiling a saturated blue or green. Add lanterns and candles for ambient lighting. Use patterned cushions on wicker seating around a stone firepit. Place a kilim rug underneath. Include copper planters with palms, ferns and fruit trees. Add a floor mosaic fountain and Turkish hanging lamps. Display ceramic urns and white blooms.
Turkish Inspired Party
Host an exotic Turkish bash with authentic details. Send patterned invitations. Greet guests at a vibrant painted door with lanterns and flowers. Serve aromatic Turkish coffee, tea, baklava and lokum. Use low seating on cushions and kilim rugs. Play traditional Turkish music featuring trilling vocals, lush strings and exotic percussion. Decorate with candles, orchids and ceramic pieces. Gift fragrant oils, spices, Turkish delights or evil eye charms.
Bringing It All Together
When decorating with a Turkish theme, don’t be afraid to mix patterns, textures and colors. Turkish style embraces vibrant hues, exotic motifs and lavish details for dramatic effect. Contrast timeworn traditional elements like kilim rugs, mosaic tiles and copper pieces with sleek modern furnishings. Add ambience with flickering candlelight, fresh florals, aromatic cuisine and authentic music. With its rich cultural heritage, Turkish design creates an opulent, seductive and unforgettable interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about decorating with a Turkish theme:
What are the key features of Turkish style decor?
Some main features include vibrant colors like red, blue and green, ornate patterns, luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk, intricate metalwork, mosaic tiles, Turkish kilim rugs, carved wood furniture, and exotic lighting like lanterns and candle chandeliers.
What colors work well in a Turkish inspired space?
Traditional Turkish palettes feature bold primaries like red, blue and emerald green contrasted with earthy neutrals like tan, ivory, grey and black. Gold and turquoise accents also work well.
What are some good Turkish inspired fabrics to use?
Look for textiles like velvet, brocade, damask, embroidered sheers, silk, tassels, fringes and trims. Kilim flatwoven wool rugs are also a classic Turkish fabric.
How do I choose Turkish inspired furniture and decor?
Opt for ornately carved wood furniture, etched metal pieces, intricate mosaics, Turkish kilim pillows and rugs. Display ceramic pots, copper platters, evil eye charms, lanterns and candles.
What are some tips for lighting a Turkish inspired space?
Use layered lighting with stained glass lanterns, wrought iron candle chandeliers, and table lamps for an exotic glow. Hang pendants low over dining tables. Use candles and lanterns to spotlight decor.
How can I bring Turkish inspiration to a small space?
Use bold Turkish hues on accent walls. Display a hand embroidered tapestry, Turkish rug or mosaic. Add patterned pillows and a copper tea set. Include a stained glass lantern and fresh florals.
What are some good resources for Turkish decor?
Check out World Market, Pier 1, and online specialty stores for kilims, pillows, lanterns and accessories. Visit Turkish import stores for authentic copper, ceramics and textiles.
Conclusion
Decorating with a Turkish theme allows you to create a dramatic, exotic look rich with culture and history. By combining opulent fabrics, vibrant colors, intricate patterns and ornate detailing, you can transform any space into a lavish Turkish inspired oasis. From lighting to textiles to furnishings, there are so many ways to incorporate this eclectic style. Mix and match patterns confidently, display treasured Turkish artifacts, and use bold, saturated hues to fully emulate the bazaar ambience. With its deep traditions and undeniably glamorous aesthetics, Turkish décor will immerse you in old world romance and intrigue.
