What the world's most beautiful train stations can teach us about design

As life slowly begins to return to normal, we're all thinking about our next journey. However, when we're heading out to travel on a summer holiday or just taking the morning commute, we've probably never stopped to notice our surroundings when bustling through some of the world'smost beautiful train stations.

After spending so much time at home, Trainline have analysed the world's most visually beautfiul stations around the world, using instagram data, the number of sculptures and pieces of artwork to showcase how incredible they really are.

THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL TRAIN STATIONS

These are the most beautiful train stations in the world – prepare to be enchanted.

1. GRAND CENTRAL STATION – NEW YORK, USA

Both commuters and tourists alike travelling through New York's Grand Central station can find many examples of exciting, intricate architecture and interior design including the famous four faced opal clock, a 25,000 sqft mural and vaulted ceilings. Other famous sights include the station's gustavo tiles, as well as statues from Greek myth, including Mercury, Hercules & Minverva.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCT3v79B_zN/

Architects/Creators: Reed & Stem, Warren & Wetmore

Style: Beaux arts, with influences from parisian artist, Sylvain Saliéres

See:The 10 most popular interior design trends in the UK – and how to achieve the look in your home

2. PROSPEKT MIRA STATION – MOSCOW, RUSSIA

As with many of Moscow's metro stations, Prospekt Mira is specifically designed with a classical interior in-mind. The station includes many staples of Russian Imperial architecture including chandeliers, floral ceramic bas-relief friezes and chequered flooring.

Architects/Creators: Vladimir Gelfreykh

Style: Russian Imperial

See:This is the UK's most Instagrammed National Trust house

3. ST PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL, LONDON, UK

St Pancras International is well known for its impressive Neo-gothic architecture, but visitors should also look out for other features including its historic drinking fountain which was one of the first in London to provide fresh water to the public. Fans of interior design can't miss the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, a haven of gothic styles and features.

Architects/Creators: George Gilbert Scott / William Henry Barlow

Style: Gothic Revival

See:2020's most popular interiors on Homes & Gardens' Instagram

4. ARTS ET METIERS – PARIS, FRANCE

Arts et Metiers station was actually designed by a French comic book artist, who wanted it to ressemble the interior of a submarine. As a result the décor is mostly comprised of copper-looking plating, with the occasional porthole.

Architects/Creators: Francois Schuiten

Style: Industrial

5. KANAZAWA STATION, KANAZAWA, JAPAN

Kanazawa station is an impressive sight from the inside and outside. Externally, visitors will notice the glass roof, which is comprised of 3,019 pieces of glass. When travelling through the station, commuters will notice the 'Welcome Gate' or 'Sacred Gate'. This is one of twelve gates in the station, and is a nod to the design of Buddist shrines.

Architects/Creators: Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa (Saejima and Nishizawa and Associates)

Style: Classical / modern

See:The 10 least loved home décor trends – andthey may take you by surprise

6. STOCKHOLM METRO STATIONS – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Stockholm has 100 metro stations, of which 90 have been decorated in some way. The various stations are all carved directly into rock faces to give a cave aesthetic, with each one having a different vibrant design. Popular stops on the metro include Stadion Station for its iconic rainbow mural, and T-Centralen Station for its traditional blue & white patterning.

Architects/Creators: Various

Style: Modern

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7. UNION STATION – DENVER, USA

Commuters travelling through Denver's Union Station will notice the building's stunning floral arch work, but they might not know that there are over 2,300 individually carved Columbine flowers in the station's interior. The station's iconic slogan - 'Travel by Train' is a throwback to the 1960's, when American rail companies were under threat from the rise in domestic air travel.

Architects/Creators: William E. Taylor, Thomas Walsh, Aaron Gove

Style: Neoclassical / Beaux Arts Classicism / Italian Romanesque

8. GARE DE LYON – PARIS, FRANCE

Paris's 'Le Train Bleu' (The Blue Train) restaurant is a must-see destination for foodies and interior design enthusiasts alike. The restaurant is designed to transport diners back to the Belle Epoque, and is famed for its fantastically detailed murals, gold-leaf arch work and original period features such as wooden panelling... as well as the food, of course!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ybXnegWFv/

Architects/Creators: Marius Toudoire

Style: Neo-Byzantine / Neo-Gothic (Belle Epoque)

See:The 10 most popular interior design trends in the UK – and how to achieve the look in your home

9. UNION STATION, LOS ANGELES, USA

LA 's Union Station is famous for its iconic interior design,containing an original 110 foot long ticket desk fashioned from American Black Walnut wood. Other features include the stations 40 foot windows, which are framed in brass, the art deco interior styling which is complemented by original chandeliers, and the marble floor, which is finished off with hand-painted mission tiles.

Architects/Creators: John & Donald Parkinson

Style: Mission Moderne (Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, Art Deco)

10. LONDON BRIDGE STATION WALKWAY, LONDON, UK

The new 'Community' Walkway, opened at London Bridge Station in late 2018, features piece of artwork by Mark Titchner. Entitled 'Me. Here. Now.', the piece is comprised of stainless steel domes decorated with geometric patterns, which are said to encourage passersby to stop and reflect amidst their hectic daily commute.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B19liDIAXhm/

Architects/Creators: Mark Titchner