How to Design a Tudor Room

Lay wood plank floors, the wider the better. Distress them before painting or staining them a dark color. Consider fieldstone or brick to capture an old-world feel. For a sumptuous feel, spread large Oriental area rugs on the floor, or lighten the mood with those of natural fibers such as coir and sisal.

Panel your walls with intricately carved wood. Opt for carvings in the Tudor Rose (so named because it was often used in Tudor-era castles in England) or fleur-de-lis pattern. Cover the walls from floor to ceiling or install the paneling as wainscoting half way up the walls and finish them with stucco, plaster or textured paint. Hang large tapestries on the wall to warm them.

Arrange furniture in conversation areas on the rugs. Choose heavy, carved furniture in dark woods such as mahogany,oak and rosewood. Finish less expensive wood pieces with dark stains.

Install a large stone fireplace against an outside wall. Add a heavy, intricately carved mantel made from dark wood or choose one of stone or marble. Craft an archway above the mantel featuring exposed half timbers. Hang a tapestry, coat of arms or large painting framed in a gilt or carved-wood frame in the arch.

Expose the ceiling beams or install rough-hewn beams or a carved wood cove ceiling featuring curved molding that echoes the archways common in Tudor design.

Replace some existing windows with those featuring small leaded-glass panes. Consider replacing a few clear panes with stained glass.

Brighten the room with traditional Tudor colors of red, blue, purple, green and pink jewel tones. Go for sumptuous fabrics such as brocade, damask, and silk for upholstery, pillow covers and window treatments. Add a royal touch with gold and silver highlights in fringe used on pillows, linens and draperies. Tie back draperies with tasseled rope. Choose gilded picture frames.

Mount large sconces on the walls. Choose some fashioned from heavy wood, wrought iron or copper. Add table and floor lamps with leaded-glass shades.