The interiors of chalet-style houses are characterized by charming simplicity, cozy atmosphere and original color, which won the hearts of many people.
Historical background
The historical origin of the style, which absorbed the rich history of the Alpine mountains and the uniqueness of local customs, took place in the south-east of France (near the border with Switzerland) and literally means "the shepherd's house located near the mountains." In the 19th-20th century, such small houses, similar to the usual dachas, were located on the banks of rivers and lakes and served as the most suitable shelter for shepherds in bad weather.
Demanding strength and durability in a harsh mountain climate, they were built according to a certain scheme: the foundation with the first floor was made of stone, the attic was made of wooden logs. Subsequently, such structures fully justified themselves: the stone base reliably protected from gusty winds, heavy rainsand snowfalls.
How the chalet style was born
Slowly, the decoration of these dwellings from natural raw materials developed into a separate style, easily recognizable by the gable sloping tiled roofs and wide cornices set perpendicular to the front of the house. Due to snow accumulating in winter, sloping roofs provide additional thermal insulation, and peaks protruding at least 40-50 centimeters protect the walls of the house and its foundation from precipitation. This property is very relevant for the Alps with their heavy snowfalls: there, such roofs that protect the facade of the building from negative weather phenomena are simply necessary.
Only naturalness and proximity to nature
When looking at the chalet houses, a small alpine village and a real "living" atmosphere come to mind, approaching the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding nature. You should know that the construction of chalet houses is carried out from a certain angle. So, the main facade is always turned to the east; living quarters are designed in such a way that during the day they are all evenly illuminated by the sun's rays.
The interiors of chalet-style houses represent the realm of wood - a natural, environmentally friendly and in demand material at all times. These are huge beams, walls made of timber, heavy doors, from which it literally smells of antiquity. The floors are made of massive boards: unpainted and varnished (or stained). The walls are plastered or covered with wood. In a modern interpretationledges and corners of houses are lined with stone (natural or artificial), brick, decorative plaster.
The interiors of chalet-style houses are always equipped with a spacious balcony, a spacious veranda and large panoramic windows. Today's households use a huge amount of glass surfaces, allowing you to admire the beautiful surrounding landscapes. In addition, modern double-glazed windows are made from sustainable materials and can easily endure any bad weather.
Landscape design of the chalet
A large number of Alpine-style houses are built in wooded areas. Therefore, when planning a landscape, an important point is the minimum interference with natural landscapes. Changes in the natural environment can only be felt in close proximity to the dwelling.
Actively equipping unglazed verandas, open balconies, awnings, homeowners along the way are trying to organize an outdoor recreation area, which is being built near the house. The interior design project of the chalet suggests placing furniture compositions (wicker or wood) on stone paved areas or wooden decks. There are hearths with open fires, fireplaces, stoves, which are not only devices for preparing delicious dishes, but also original decor items that stylishly decorate the overall picture.
Interior of a chalet-style house inside
The photo brightly and colorfully conveys the rural simplicity, warmth and cozy atmosphere of the home, behind whichhides a beautifully planned and organized interior space.
Protruding ceiling beams are its calling card, and an integral element is a large fireplace with original decor.
Modern living rooms use the fireplace space as a TV area, placing a TV above or near the hearth. Such a design idea not only saves space, but also represents a single focal point. A common element of chalet style is stuffed wild animals, which can also be placed above the fireplace. For the most part, the living room of an alpine house is characterized by its inherent hunting style. Therefore, fur skins instead of carpets look quite appropriate on its floors.
Furniture in the interior of the living room
The interior design of a country house in the style of a chalet from furniture favors massive leather sofas and armchairs. Although there are no restrictions in the choice of upholstery material: it can be velor, linen, wool, but not synthetics. In the modern chalet living room option, frameless furnishings can be preferred to harmonize optimally with the warm living room environment.
In an original alpine interior, characterized by natural beige and brown tones, bright furniture looks, bringing a colorful mood and a certain adventurous spirit. The interior design project in the style of a chalet suggests using such an accent in a dosed way so as not to spoil the harmony of rural decoration.
The key element in the design of the living room is the lighting system, in which, along with the central chandelier and pendant lamps, floor lamps or wall lamps are used, located near the entrance, along the perimeter of the room, between the windows.
In general, the chalet living room is a spacious room with wooden floors, huge windows, high ceilings, as well as a large number of beams, columns and ceiling systems. Well-furnished, beautiful chandeliers, warm carpets and wild animal skins on the floor - the most optimal interior of a chalet-style home inside.
Bedroom Tips
Alpine-style sleeping space can also be equipped with a fireplace - an important element of the chalet. For romantics who appreciate the warmth of natural material, the sight of a playful flame, the crackling of burning logs, complementing the charm of rural decoration, creates a feeling of some kind of magic.
The bed in the bedroom is massive, made of wood and can be decorated with carvings and other original elements. It is the decorativeness of the bed, which is the central subject of this room, in combination with the roughness of the fireplace space that creates a warm, harmonious atmosphere.
When decorating this room, it is recommended to pay special attention to textiles. Curtains are most often made from natural fabrics (preferably linen or cotton in natural colors). For bedspreads on the bed, wool or fur material is used.
In addition to a wardrobe and a spacious bed, spacious bedrooms can accommodate a seating area: for example, a couple of armchairs and a coffee table in front of a panoramic window, which will allow you to enjoy beautiful natural views.
Chalet style kitchen
The heart of any homeownership, including the suburban one, is the kitchen - the inner space on which the life of any family is concentrated. The chalet style for this room, with its warmth of a burning hearth, the aroma of homemade dishes and the sincerity of joint gatherings, is harmoniously complemented by the environmental friendliness of natural materials.
The interior of a chalet-style house, whose design projects have a large number of options, suggests using artificially aged furniture as a colorful decoration for the kitchen. Its wood finish is ideally complemented by household appliances with stainless steel elements.
This contrast between the textured warmth of wood and the sheen of steel creates a unique visual effect that emphasizes the modernity of a colorful rural interior.
Alternatively, household appliances can be skillfully disguised behind unpainted wooden kitchen cabinet doors, which will only enhance the style of the chalet.
Chalet style in urban apartments
The interiors of chalet-style houses, originally formed for suburban households, are also applicable to urbanapartment space, a prerequisite for which is sufficient footage and high ceilings, necessary for the installation of decorative ceiling beams. The rest of the design nuances are similar to a country house in the style of a chalet.
Chalet houses are optimally suited for connoisseurs of functionality, convenience, good quality, and for the most part are built for spiritual relaxation of the city bustle. The chalet won the hearts of many not only with its captivating simplicity, but also with its unique cozy atmosphere and unique color.