22 Formal, Fabulous and Fantastic Interiors
Symmetrical furniture arrangements, deliberate focal points and extensive mouldings are perfect for polite company
There is something deeply reassuring about formal interiors. The symmetrical arrangement of furniture, the drawing of the eye to a defined architectural feature and the well-upholstered furniture come together to create a welcoming scheme that elevates gatherings beyond the ordinary. Here, we present you with some perfectly executed traditional examples of this style, as well more modern interpretations of the genre. Draw up a chair and enjoy.
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: The brief to Alexander James Interiors was to create an elegant interior to complement the traditional period features of this refurbished Victorian property. Fine ebony wood, parquet flooring, antique silver finishes and rich fabrics work beautifully to enhance the heritage aspect of this building.
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Why we love it: The brief to Alexander James Interiors was to create an elegant interior to complement the traditional period features of this refurbished Victorian property. Fine ebony wood, parquet flooring, antique silver finishes and rich fabrics work beautifully to enhance the heritage aspect of this building.
Learn how to make your home look like a million bucks
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: The scene – rich, dark walls, complete with gilt-framed artwork, a centrally hung chandelier and cosseting armchairs – is cleverly lightened and modernised by upholstery in a white fabric and parquetry in a pearlescent grey.
Why we love it: The scene – rich, dark walls, complete with gilt-framed artwork, a centrally hung chandelier and cosseting armchairs – is cleverly lightened and modernised by upholstery in a white fabric and parquetry in a pearlescent grey.
Location: New York, USA
Why we love it: This home really dedicates itself to a nautical theme (it has round windows and a compass floor inset) yet still has the hallmarks of a formal interior.
Why we love it: This home really dedicates itself to a nautical theme (it has round windows and a compass floor inset) yet still has the hallmarks of a formal interior.
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: The entirely present yet restrained wainscoting and the extensive floral enrichment in the ceiling plaster work are just glorious. As are the plump cushions and welcoming, elongated sofas. And as for the unerring focal point: An appropriately aristocratic ancestor perhaps?
Why we love it: The entirely present yet restrained wainscoting and the extensive floral enrichment in the ceiling plaster work are just glorious. As are the plump cushions and welcoming, elongated sofas. And as for the unerring focal point: An appropriately aristocratic ancestor perhaps?
Location: Perth, WA
Why we love it: This James Said set-up showcases the beauty of pairing so well – the lamps, sconces, coffee tables… even the columns.
Check out these effortless ways to style a coffee table
Why we love it: This James Said set-up showcases the beauty of pairing so well – the lamps, sconces, coffee tables… even the columns.
Check out these effortless ways to style a coffee table
Location: Sag Harbour, USA
Why we love it: Because it shows how important a focal point is when setting the tone of a formal room. The oversize photograph above the mantel speaks volumes about the owners’ passions, and gives this room an incomparable sense of place.
Why we love it: Because it shows how important a focal point is when setting the tone of a formal room. The oversize photograph above the mantel speaks volumes about the owners’ passions, and gives this room an incomparable sense of place.
Location: Miami, USA
Why we love it: Because of the way the semi-transparent linen curtains frame the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the silver and crystal leaf motif chandelier alludes to the garden outside. It’s formal but light, a difficult combination to achieve. Plus, baby-blue walls. Just saying.
Why we love it: Because of the way the semi-transparent linen curtains frame the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the silver and crystal leaf motif chandelier alludes to the garden outside. It’s formal but light, a difficult combination to achieve. Plus, baby-blue walls. Just saying.
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: Because we have died and gone to decor heaven. The restrained yet textural backdrop, the jewel-coloured, plush seating, and the Neo-Gothic chandelier exude such confidence. Gold star.
Why we love it: Because we have died and gone to decor heaven. The restrained yet textural backdrop, the jewel-coloured, plush seating, and the Neo-Gothic chandelier exude such confidence. Gold star.
Location: Houston, USA
Why we love it: It has the requisite symmetry, focal point and pairings, but the owners haven’t let that get in the way of adding a little pizzaz. We like the way they’ve taken this genre and livened it up a little.
Why we love it: It has the requisite symmetry, focal point and pairings, but the owners haven’t let that get in the way of adding a little pizzaz. We like the way they’ve taken this genre and livened it up a little.
Location: Atlanta, USA
Why we love it: Ditto here, with taking elements of a genre then breaking all the rules. Plus, a yellow tufted sofa thematically tied to the matching planters outside? Love.
Why we love it: Ditto here, with taking elements of a genre then breaking all the rules. Plus, a yellow tufted sofa thematically tied to the matching planters outside? Love.
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: Because it embodies a kind of interior perfection. The wallpaper, the upholstered pelmets, the deeply reassuring colour scheme and highlighted dado rail completely conform to one style. This is a great example of an interior scheme respecting the form of a home.
Why we love it: Because it embodies a kind of interior perfection. The wallpaper, the upholstered pelmets, the deeply reassuring colour scheme and highlighted dado rail completely conform to one style. This is a great example of an interior scheme respecting the form of a home.
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Why we love it: It’s formal and French provincial at the same time. Tres belle.
Why we love it: It’s formal and French provincial at the same time. Tres belle.
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: Symmetry. Shine. Fabrics. Flowers.
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Why we love it: Symmetry. Shine. Fabrics. Flowers.
Take a look at these 10 trending photos of dining rooms
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: Same as above, plus well-placed artwork.
Why we love it: Same as above, plus well-placed artwork.
Location: New York, USA
Why we love it: Is there a rule that says chandeliers should only be reserved for common areas of the house? No. Here, symmetry, proportion and luxe soft furnishings make for a sumptuous yet simple bedroom.
Browse through a selection of spell-binding chandeliers
Why we love it: Is there a rule that says chandeliers should only be reserved for common areas of the house? No. Here, symmetry, proportion and luxe soft furnishings make for a sumptuous yet simple bedroom.
Browse through a selection of spell-binding chandeliers
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: This modern take on a formal room obeys all the rules (a focal point, symmetry, pairings) but updates the look with a sleeker, more contemporary furniture selection. Also laudable is the beautiful use of neutrals, punched up slightly by the soft green matching lamp bases and black accents.
Why we love it: This modern take on a formal room obeys all the rules (a focal point, symmetry, pairings) but updates the look with a sleeker, more contemporary furniture selection. Also laudable is the beautiful use of neutrals, punched up slightly by the soft green matching lamp bases and black accents.
Location: London, UK
Why we love it: Those mirrors. The unobtrusive yet perfectly rendered side tables. And most of all the bold decision not to embellish the fireplace surround, leaving the amazing pendant light to be the standout feature of the room.
Why we love it: Those mirrors. The unobtrusive yet perfectly rendered side tables. And most of all the bold decision not to embellish the fireplace surround, leaving the amazing pendant light to be the standout feature of the room.
Location: Chelsea, UK
Why we love it: It’s so very sumptuous, yet the wallpaper adds a whimsical aspect that is rare in this style of interior. And that soft lavender hue? To die for.
Why we love it: It’s so very sumptuous, yet the wallpaper adds a whimsical aspect that is rare in this style of interior. And that soft lavender hue? To die for.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Why we love it: It demonstrates that you can co-opt some elements of formal style to anchor a room… but tone down the look by mixing in unexpected elements and single items. How very Australian to take an idea and make it your own.
Read more:
50 Very Formal, Very Gorgeous Dining Room Designs
Tell us:
Are you a fan of formal decorating? How have you decorated different areas of your home? Share images and tell us your thoughts in the Comments below.
Why we love it: It demonstrates that you can co-opt some elements of formal style to anchor a room… but tone down the look by mixing in unexpected elements and single items. How very Australian to take an idea and make it your own.
Read more:
50 Very Formal, Very Gorgeous Dining Room Designs
Tell us:
Are you a fan of formal decorating? How have you decorated different areas of your home? Share images and tell us your thoughts in the Comments below.
Why we love it: Formal interiors are designed to attract attention and this room, with its crystal chandelier, silver candlesticks, matching porcelain pooches, deep wall panelling and highly polished table, absolutely draws you in.