The history of the colonial style dates back to the 16th century. It originated in the era of the conquest of new lands by Europeans - America, Africa, Asia. This direction is based on the synthesis of cultures. Comfort and elegance are combined in it with exotic traditions. This interior style is simply created for strong-willed people with high aesthetic demands.
Colonial style: conceptual features
What features are characteristic of this direction that allow it to differ from others? The conceptual features of the colonial style are listed below.
- The direction has absorbed the heritage of several cultures. Traditions of medieval England coexist in it with exotic decor.
- The abundance of wooden furniture and decorations is welcome. This direction cannot be confused with another thanks to massive doors and columns, lattice shutters.
- Natural finishing materials prevail over artificial ones. Stone, wood, clay, linen, cotton - all this helps to get closerto nature.
- A calm palette of colors dominates, cream tones are the most preferred. This style does not accept a riot of colors.
- Large windows are a characteristic feature of a colonial-style home. They are necessary for people to be closer to nature. Traditionally, the windows overlook the garden, which needs to be maintained in perfect condition.
- Large areas are traditionally divided into functional zones. For these purposes, columns, decorative screens, curtains are used.
Finishing materials
Colonial style welcomes natural finishing materials. The ceiling is often framed with wooden beams that are painted or natural in color. For the floor, you can choose ceramic tiles or wood. A large handmade carpet will be a spectacular addition. You can also lay homespun rugs or wicker mats on the floor.
It's great if window and door openings are arched. From interior doors that overload the space, it is better to refuse in favor of blackout curtains. Blinds made from natural fibers will help convey African flavor. Wooden shutters will bring a touch of Moorish atmosphere to the interior.
What do colonial-style walls look like? Most often they are plastered or painted. It is permissible to use any natural materials to decorate the walls.
Furniture
What is colonial style furniture? Durability, practicality, compactness are its characteristic features. Greatest Preferencegiven to wood products, great if it is bamboo, mahogany and ebony. Of course, less expensive breeds can also be used.
The absence of decor is not among the requirements that style makes. To decorate furniture, ornaments and motifs of the geographical region can be used, which is taken as the basis for design development. Cabinets, chests of drawers, tables, sofas, armchairs can be decorated with ethnic ornaments, images of animals, and so on.
A characteristic feature of the colonial style is the abundance of wicker furniture. It should certainly be provided with pillows, the covers of which are made of natural fabrics. It is important that the furniture does not look monotonous. For example, a wicker table can be placed next to solid wooden chairs and a sofa.
About choosing decor
What decorations are typical for the colonial style? First of all, these are ethnic accessories. You can decorate the interior with bronze figurines, silk and linen lampshades, carved wooden panels, velvet pillows. "Animal" motifs are actively used. For example, furniture legs can be shaped like a lion's paw.
We must not forget about living vegetation. The best choice would be exotic flowers growing in large floor vases.
Colours
Colonial style in the interior imposes certain requirements on colors. The most popular are two color concepts. The first implies the dominance of pastel shades, white. Suchthe solution is most often found in hot countries, since light colors allow you to psychologically refresh the room, get rid of the constant feeling of stuffiness.
The second concept involves creating an interior through rich, vibrant colors. The color of mahogany, light yellow, azure can dominate. Dynamism, energy are the characteristic features of such a design. Such an interior is as close as possible to historical traditions.
English direction
There are several areas that deserve special attention. The most famous was the English colonial style. Such an interior is created through furniture and wood trim, with preference given to expensive exotic species. Stone, leather, fur are other materials that are actively used. Textiles with designs of wild animal skins are welcome.
This direction is famous for richness of colors, an abundance of arched elements, the rejection of interior doors in favor of curtains. The design of fireplaces and mirrors is dominated by an arched theme.
Other destinations
Noteworthy is the American colonial style. The design of such a room contains features characteristic of the country. Light shades predominate, rich colors are used minimally. This direction does not object to the use of artificial materials; plasterboard constructions, MDF boards, and plastic are actively used in the decoration. Pragmatism, practicality, functionality are typical features of the style. It is impossible not to mention the love for textiles, which is found almost everywhere.
What is the Spanish colonial style? It is characterized by love for Moorish traditions. The color scheme is dominated by blue, terracotta and white tones. Ceramic tiles are actively used.
Living room
What does the main room in the house look like, decorated in colonial style? The photos presented in the article will help to get an idea of \u200b\u200bthis. The interior of the living room is created using natural materials, colors that are found in nature.
Furniture requires strict forms, strength and compactness. Wicker chairs and chairs are welcome, which are traditionally decorated with pillows. Style is good because it does not put forward strict restrictions and rules. This is not surprising, because the direction is based on the synthesis of cultures.
Bedroom
What does a bedroom decorated in this style look like? A mandatory attribute is a high bed made of wood. The bed can be decorated with a canopy or do without it. Of the furniture, it is worth giving preference to an old-fashioned dressing table, a three-leaf wardrobe. Bedside tables, armchairs with wooden armrests are welcome. Wicker or wooden chests in which you can store things will organically fit into the interior.
Don't forget the zest. This role can be taken by the skin of an animal spread on the floor.
