2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09
Modern designers are increasingly turning their attention to the past in an attempt to find inspiration. That is why today one of the most popular in the process of interior decoration is the colonial style, which plays on contrasts and perfectly combines pomp and modesty.
Peculiarities
Colonial style in the interior involves the use of large sofas with attractive upholstery, lightweight wicker chairs, as well as large cabinets with threaded elements. There are other distinctive characteristics of this style direction.
- Active use of natural materials in the finishing process, including stone, wood and even metal.
- Restrained color solutions for walls and ceilings.
- Plenty of open space to ensure excellent air circulation. These can be huge windows, arched openings, or the complete absence of doors.
- The presence of dimensional furniture made of wood - bedside tables, tables, bookcases.
- Carpets on the wall and on the floor, which are distinguished by interesting oriental ornaments.
- Fresh flowers located throughout the room. It should be noted that non-flowering varieties of indoor plants are usually used here.
- A lot of items that are somehow related to the East.
One of the unique design solutions is to create an open wall inside the house. Thanks to this, it is possible to gain access to the sun's rays, as well as improve the view, because often mansions are located in picturesque areas. Of course, only those people who live in countries with a constant warm climate can take advantage of this idea.
In the process of creating an interior in this style, it is worth considering the fact that it is usually considered the best solution for large houses that can boast of a sufficient amount of free space.
Large-sized furniture will not look good in a small apartment, but you can still use some elements of the colonial style in a cramped space.
What happens?
Mixing with the colorful décor of India, the USA or Africa, the colonial style has undergone significant changes. It is thanks to this symbiosis that he became so recognizable. To date, there are several areas of this style.
English , which is typical for the UK and Australia. Its features are restraint and orderliness. In addition, in such an interior, you cannot see chaotically placed furniture, bright colors or any asymmetry. An obligatory attribute of such a room is a fireplace, which is located in the center. Doorways are usually made in the form of an arch, and large chandeliers and floor lamps are used as additional interior elements.
American , inherent in the inhabitants of the United States. They decided to completely move away from moderation and aristocracy. The American colonial style is characterized by symmetrical design. In addition, different rooms here can have different designs.
French . He was greatly influenced by the culture of Asia, as well as some African countries. A distinctive feature of this trend is freshness, lightness and airiness.
African . It is a successful combination of English consistency and African dynamism. In such an interior, you can see details that are related to the local savannas - animal skins, elephant figures and similar things. In addition, the decoration uses paints that are as close to nature as possible.
Spanish . It is considered one of the most recognizable and popular. The interior is characterized by curved lines and arches. The decoration is carried out using pastel colors, and in some places bright blotches can be found. Forged elements are often used as decor.
Georgian . It is characterized by a neutral color palette, large windows and ethnic textiles.
Materials (edit)
When creating a colonial style, wood is one of the most popular finishing materials. In addition, stone and brick are in demand. Some also prefer imitation, which looks like a modern version of the colonial style.
It should be noted that it will not work to create an interior in this style using cheap materials . You will need to plaster the ceiling, decorate it with wooden beams, and sheathe the floor with boards or ceramic tiles. As for the walls, they are very often covered with expensive fabric wallpaper.
Color spectrum
Here you can see two opposite approaches to choosing the optimal color solution. The first option assumes the presence of a large number of white elements, while the furniture is kept in dark colors. The most popular color for furniture is brown or burgundy, but the use of black is not recommended.
This color type is usually used in hot countries where it is necessary to create a sense of lightness in the room.
The second approach involves creating a real holiday . Yellow, green or red colors can be used and will go well with tapestries, carpets or furniture covers. Sofas are usually upholstered with brightly patterned fabrics. It is not surprising that these features became so popular among the colonists from England, who tried to forget about the dullness of the streets indoors.
If an ordinary apartment or studio is being arranged, then a combination of the two options will be the ideal solution.
Furniture
A distinctive characteristic of the colonial trend is that wooden furniture is most often used here. These can be rubber or tulip trees, Asian walnut species, and also a palm tree. Colonial-style furniture should be lightweight, durable and reliable. It will be an excellent option for decorating a country house, and may also be appropriate in the interior of a modern apartment.
An interior with such furniture will seem exotic and interesting.
Another characteristic of the colonial style is the presence of many wicker pieces, special inserts and natural or artificial wicker furniture. In order to provide the maximum level of comfort, such furniture is decorated with replaceable covers. The fabric that wraps around them has pastel shades and gives a feeling of lightness.
Colonial-style furniture is usually done in a dark color scheme and features unique prints.
Textile
The choice of fabric when creating a colonial style in the interior needs to be given close attention. The process of choosing the best option was usually dictated by the living conditions. Constant confrontation with nature and regular forest crossings required the use of reliable textiles. That is why cloth was in great demand, from which clothes were sewn and used in interior decoration.
Wealthy people preferred silk and velvet, which proved to be excellent in the manufacture of upholstery for furniture or curtains
If there was not enough financial resources, flax or cotton was used.
Accessories
The use of various accessories allows you to create accents and enhance the attractiveness of the room. Various chests, leather suitcases, baskets and other items can be used to highlight the nomadic life . In addition, there are many things in order to enhance the unity of such an interior. These can be various mirrors, antique clocks or figurines.
Bronze sculptures are most commonly seen, but sometimes they can be wooden . An irreplaceable decorative role is played by wall panels, chandeliers, floor lamps and other similar items that contribute to the creation of a relaxed atmosphere. The most popular combinations of materials in decor are marble and bronze, as well as leather.
For that to choose the best accessory, you first need to familiarize yourself with the ethnic style . Thanks to this, it will be possible to create an interior that will excite the soul. Competently selected accessories can make even the most lifeless interior warm, which will be conducive to a calm and high-quality rest.
Design ideas for different rooms
Each room has its own characteristics that must be taken into account in the process of its decoration in the colonial style. The main advantage of this area is its versatility, so you can arrange any room.
Bathroom
Traditionally, this style in the bathroom is associated with the interiors of colonists' mansions in hot regions. It is dominated by a lot of light, greenery and ceiling fans. A number of other features can also be distinguished.
- For the manufacture of furniture, expensive types of wood are used, which are distinguished by their resistance to the influence of water and high humidity. Teak is considered optimal, since it perfectly tolerates moisture and does not deteriorate due to its effects. That is why this tree was previously actively used to create boats.
- In addition, you can use special braided kits, as well as other materials of this kind.
- The interior is finished exclusively in a restrained palette.
- The colonial-style bathroom is characterized by large windows and small curtains with ethnic patterns.
- When decorating the shower, mosaic or ceramic tiles are actively used. The palette should also be light in order to create a feeling of lightness.
In the process of arranging a colonial-style bathroom, you will have to abandon modern innovations. You can decorate the interior with crystal vases, inlaid mirrors and palm trees.
Kitchens
To decorate the walls in the kitchen, you can use masonry, which will remind you of an ancient stove. As for the flooring, it is best to make it with a light-colored material to expand the space . An excellent solution for a colonial-style kitchen would be to use a headset in the form of an island. In the center of such a design, you can have both a dining area and a large cutting table.
If the modern kitchen does not need additional decoration, then for the colonial style this is a must . As a decor, you can use fruit baskets, a vase of flowers or designer dishes.
Living room
When creating a colonial style in a living room, the most difficult thing is to choose the right furniture, which should be made from environmentally friendly materials.
Colonial living room furniture is usually large and dark in color . Only natural varnish made from the leaves of tropical plants can be used to paint furniture. A distinctive feature of such furniture is that it needs almost no maintenance. It will be enough just to wipe it with wax once every six months.
Furniture made in the Chinese style, for example, bamboo options, will also look harmonious in the living room. The use of decorative elements is extremely important in the process of creating a living room interior . There are no restrictions here, and any exotic items will be an excellent choice. Correctly selected accessories will make the living room unique and sophisticated. You can use various lamps with lampshades, maps, a globe, textiles and much more.
Bedrooms
Colonial style in the bedroom should be distinguished primarily by the elements of antiquity. At the same time, you need to try to avoid pomp as much as possible, which looks good in the living room, but will be inappropriate in the bedroom. In the process of finishing, preference should be given to a natural palette that will resemble nature.
One of the most important conditions for a bedroom is a large amount of free space and light . It is best to decorate the room in cream colors. Initially, the colonial style did not imply the use of wallpaper, but if you want to do this, it is better to choose options that are made from plant fibers.
When choosing furniture, you should give preference to dark shades, as well as a chocolate palette that will look great in the bedroom. In addition, animalistic motifs look quite original and stylish here. In other words, you can choose furniture that is decorated with various animal figurines.
When creating an interior, be sure to pay attention to several items characteristic of the style
- Large mirror . An excellent solution would be a model with a massive frame. She will emphasize the restraint of the interior.
- Wardrobe , reminiscent of an antique version.
- Nightstand made of wood with many convenient drawers.
Colonial style in the interior is one of the best and most popular today. It will be an excellent solution for large one-story mansions and apartments where there is a lot of free space. As a decor, you can use paintings, sconces, lampshades, chandeliers, globes and any items that are related to nature.
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