STYLE : Old World Charm

Stone floors. Ochre-colored walls. Creating Old World ambience is a challenge best faced by those handy with their hands or their pocketbooks. With the proper materials and a little time, every aspect of European elegance can be reproduced: New walls appear old when coated with a thick layer of California One Kote plaster. Sponging and ragging with separate washes of taupe, grey, pale gold and terra cotta lends a rich patina to painted surfaces, including cement floors. Baroque and classic motifs are duplicated with stencils and paint. Two important touches are easier to achieve: hem draperies at least six inches longer than necessary so that they cascade onto the floor. And dine only by candlelight.