Chalet… This is the name given to small alpine rural houses. Their distinguishing feature is their characteristic architecture. The word chalet is translated as "shepherd's hut". Chalet architecture originated in the southeastern regions of France, not far from Switzerland. The French call these buildings Swiss houses. Today in the Alps there are a lot of similar buildings. We invite you to get acquainted with the chalet style in modern architecture. You will learn about the features of the layout of alpine houses, interior ideas.
The main features of the chalet style
A cozy building is associated with an alpine village. Anyone will fall in love with this exquisite structure. It is reminiscent of our usual dacha. A typical chalet house is made of wood, stone and other natural materials. Glass, plastic, chrome elements are absent here. Also inside the chalet-style house there are onlynatural tones.
Another difference between the Alpine style is the presence of a kind of roof with a cornice protruding from all sides by 40-50 cm. The inhabitants of the Alps really need such roofs, they protect housing from snow, because there can be a lot of it here. Sometimes on a winter morning even the door cannot be opened. Alpine houses are built of wood, but the corners and ledges are lined with stone. When arranging the facade of a house in the style of a modern chalet, brick cladding and the use of decorative plaster are allowed.
Modern chalet houses
Modern chalets are quite common. Despite a certain conservatism in the choice of material, alpine houses can be quite luxurious. This is a safe and comfortable accommodation. It is not necessary to build a miniature house, a chic wooden mansion is possible.
The chalet house evokes a romantic mood. It is associated with a cozy place on a picturesque mountain slope. The chalet style has become popular due to the increased interest in ski holidays. Many resorts in the mountains are equipped with such houses. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy spending time there.
Modern chalets can consist of several floors. The ground floor and foundation are made of stone. The upper floors and attic are built of wood. The color of the houses is given by the fact that over time the wood can darken and crack.
Chalet-style home interior design features
In its pure form, it is not used by designers, only its elements are applied. Home decoration inchalet style resembles an old dwelling, where many generations of a large family lived. Many build such dwellings as a summer residence or a country house. The whole family rests there. This personal house is a small island of comfort and warmth. After all, it must have wooden furniture and a fireplace.
Modern chalet provides an opportunity to relax from the daily hustle and bustle. A large role in the alpine house is played by a spacious terrace. The architecture of such housing includes the presence of many windows.
Materials and shades of decoration of alpine houses
Only environmentally friendly natural materials are used for interior decoration of cottages. This is the most important thing in the construction and arrangement of a modern chalet. Wood is used for floors and ceilings. It is not painted, but only covered with varnish or special oils. The main attribute in the design of the ceiling are ceiling beams.
Today, many designers offer to make a comfortable, stylish, original home out of simple and ordinary rooms. In Alpine style, you can decorate any room: bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, hallway. There are many comfortable solutions that hosts can enjoy every day.
Rough plaster is usually used for walls. Sometimes they are faced with bricks. Former shepherd's huts made of rough wood bear little resemblance to modern chalets. Nevertheless, the originality and originality of the current buildings has largely been preserved.
The facades of such houses are divided into two floors. The first is built from natural stone, whichmany in the mountains. The stone strengthens, insulates the house, makes it safe. The second floor is finished with wood. Cold stone and cozy wood add a special touch to the home.
Brick is used in the modern decoration of the chalet house. Massive wooden frames and glass windows are replaced with innovative double-glazed windows. Many choose the profile of windows to match the color of natural wood.
A chalet-style house must match a certain color scheme inside. This stylistic direction is characterized by natural pastel colors. We althy shepherds used wood, stones, skins, coarse gray cloth obtained by processing sheep wool to decorate their homes. Alpine inhabitants did not use bright, eye-catching colors. Preference was given to neutral shades:
- grey;
- brown;
- beige;
- dairy;
- terracotta;
- black;
- graphite.
In our time, the chalet style is just as restrained and strict. Only natural color combinations are used. The individuality of the premises is played up with interesting contrasts. The warm color of the tree is perfect for a rug made of sheep's wool, coarse curtains near the windows, homespun cloth. The unique atmosphere of comfort and tranquility of the Alpine house allows you to truly relax.
Accessories
Furniture, chandeliers, a fireplace and stairs in an Alpine house are often decorated with wrought iron details. From furniture, classic simple models are chosen, sometimes a little rough. Upholstery is preferrednatural, undyed fabrics. The best option would be to make furniture to order. You can purchase leather or wicker furniture in natural tones.
The chalet does not imply refined and delicate accessories. They often use natural carpets, animal skins, massive forged candlesticks, and handmade items. On the walls and floor, stone trim is used. The most important goal of the style is to create an interior of calm and tranquility. It is important that the tone of the walls is not annoying, and the furniture is comfortable.
Lighting
For the chalet style use soft diffused light. Lovely romantic lampshades in restrained colors are quite appropriate for him. Rooms should have as much natural light as possible. It is better to direct the rays to the ceiling so that the light is quietly scattered there. The style of the fixtures is selected for a single ensemble in the overall concept. Chalet-style chandeliers usually have a wrought iron frame. The design may contain an imitation of candle holders. The central lighting is complemented by small nightlights, sconces on the walls, cozy floor lamps made of natural cozy linen.
Chalet style fireplace
A real fire center is placed in a guest room or bedroom. Perhaps the location of the fireplace in the kitchen and even in the bathroom. A design feature of the fireplace in the chalet is facing with stone or brickwork. A powerful wooden beam is placed on top of the hearth.
Currently, the option of a built-in fireplace or a purchased finished product is possible. The first model is most suitable for a chalet. An expensive imitation is sometimes used as a stone. It is important to create a realistic hearth, like the ancient shepherds. Stone is sometimes replaced with ceramic tiles of interesting texture. The color scheme of the fireplace should fit into a single concept. A special role is given to the decor of the mantelpiece. There you can place antique clocks, armor, weapons. Near the hearth, the skin of the beast on the floor looks appropriate.
Fireplaces look great if they are lined with natural marble or expensive granite. Near the front of the fireplace, a bunch of firewood is often placed for decoration. The ceiling near the hearth is decorated with massive wooden beams.
Chalet style options
Spacious country houses and cottages can easily be decorated in the style of an Alpine house. Many innkeepers and resorts also use this rustic design. The chalet is the perfect solution for a hunting lodge or restaurant. Some even manage to apply its elements in a small apartment. They are used for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or office. This style is loved by adherents of simplicity and comfort, naturalness.
Alpine Design Kitchen
Chalet elements will fill the kitchen with airiness and elegance. It is characterized by muted tones: beige, sandy, smoky. Even the finish should not be bright and saturated. The table, stools, cabinets are selected in brown, honey tones. Matte surfaces will give the kitchen an interesting look.
There is always a large number ofwooden shelves with ceramic and porcelain dishes. You can hang large hooks for pans and pots. In such a kitchen, a picture of a rustic tapestry or a warm blanket in a rocking chair is appropriate.
Bedroom decor
The bedroom of the chalet should be equipped with a spacious and massive bed, a spacious chest of drawers or wardrobe, compact bedside tables. They are diluted with original elements. A soft carpet is laid on the floor, which only partially covers the space, or an imitation of an animal skin. Instead of an armchair, you can put a fleecy ottoman.
Linen or cotton curtains in light colors are considered an obligatory component of the chalet bedroom. Brown or beige curtains are well combined with a fleecy bedspread, woolen pads. A calm and comfortable rustic style will be complemented by framed photos, candles, a decorative fireplace, bookshelves.
Extra things in the interior
Modern materials can break the concept of a chalet. In such a house there should be no furniture made of cheap wood or its substitute. Rustic charm will drown out any urban motifs. Do not clutter up the room with unnecessary items that serve as decoration.
It is better to exclude the use of artificial flowers from the design. Synthetics are also inappropriate here. Stucco on the ceiling, plasterboard partitions, arches do not fit the Alpine style. It is important to remember that the ceilings must be high. Modern equipment should be put away in cabinets so that it is not in plain sight. Preferably metal-plastic window framesorder from materials imitating wood.
