And we thought IKEA was big in America.

Wait until you take a trip to Europe and stay at a bed-and-breakfast or rental apartment. IKEA must be the store of choice for the privately owned properties in the hospitality industry. From furniture, to bathroom fixtures, and right down to the flatware, IKEA’s brand can be seen everywhere. I loved how the places were decorated because they felt modern, clean, and comfortable but still had their own personality. And that’s due to a mix between antiques, iconic pieces, original artwork, and odds and ends from the Swedish chain store.

Le Limas, a lovely bed-and-breakfast in the small French city of Avignon, was the first place I noticed the selective use of IKEA furnishings. Immediately when you walk into the foyer of Marion’s well-styled property, you see a red sideboard on the left wall. It’s actually two metal cabinets attached together, with the red really bringing out the vibrant colors of the original artwork above. Avignon can get quite warm in the summer time so Marion has beautifully created an airy feeling throughout the house by placing ratan chairs in the seating areas of the rooms. These are balanced by weighty coffee tables similar to Liatorp that actually have storage under the glass, allowing Marion to insert a few items of interest.

Over Christmas we stayed at a beautiful apartment in the heart of Rome on Tor di Nona. The original beams on the ceilings, rustic fireplace, and gorgeous artwork on the walls added to the charm of the residence. Two walls were lined with IKEA bookcases, where the shelves alternated heights so that different items could be placed inside. They were the backdrop to the cozy living room where I spent the first night snuggling on the white sofa trying to get over my jet lag. Our family comfortably sat around the dinner table set for seven. And before sightseeing each day, we served ourselves breakfast while sitting on rattan chairs at the kitchen table. My sister and brother-in-law were the lucky ones who stayed in the canopy room, which had a four-poster bed similar to this and draped with sheer fabric.

This goes to show us that mixing inexpensive IKEA furniture with your own personal style can really go a long way. Bedding, drapery, and textural elements will soften the crisp yet harsher line of the IKEA pieces. Besides learning about the Italian and French culture, history, and lifestyle on our trips, I unexpectedly got a little lesson on interior design too.

(By the way, I highly recommend these two properties — Le Limas for a romantic getaway and Tor di Nona for a home away from home)

UPDATE: This post was just featured on the lovely blog, decor8. I feel so honored to be a part of Holly Becker’s blog — an inspiration in itself. Please visit decor8 for fresh finds daily.

Image credits: IKEA, Le Limas, Tor di Nona, and Avignon et Provence