Who is the colonial style for interior design suitable for?

Colonial style in the interior - beautiful and majestic design. It has remained practically unchanged to this day, since its inception in the 17th-18th centuries. The trend is a bizarre combination of the traditions of the architecture of the metropolitan countries (England, Holland, France, Spain) and the local motives of their former colonies. Today the style has not gone out of fashion and is still popular. Why - let's figure it out in the article.

Colonial style - origins

I'll try to explain it using the example of Great Britain. In the Middle Ages, England was a great and strong power. Not to say that now they are nothing, but there was a time when the sun never set over the British Empire in the literal sense.

The British, expanding their borders, conquered entire continents: India, Africa, Asia, America... Settlements (so-called colonies) were built on the enslaved territories. The interior decoration of housing in the colonies was carried out in accordance with European traditions. The settlements were intended both for the residence of the local people (as servants) and for the British. The locals, having lived for some time in stiffness, quickly got bored. They were tired of the strict English environment, and they rushed to add a bright oriental flavor to the design of the premises. This is how a unique image was born, combining a mixture of East and West - the colonial style.

Colonial furniture

The design will appeal to people who love the English environment, but find it insipid and boring in everyday life. Vivid drawings, ornaments, exotic materials will make your home vibrant and vibrant! It has its own characteristics. When decorating the premises, elements are used that are symbols of this image. These include:

1. Wooden furniture. Oriental craftsmen are known for their skills in making wood furniture with their own hands. Asians made their own furniture for their homes. And they did it well. And England has always been famous for its wooden interior items. Both wicker (vine, rattan) and solid wood products are suitable. Ornaments, wood carvings, images of vegetation and animals are all quite appropriate.
2. Plants. A lot of space in the apartment should be allocated for plants: palm trees, bamboo trunks, flowers, exotic plants will fill the house with oxygen and will be a symbol of the image.
3. Luxury. Do not forget about the combination of whimsical oriental motives with English severity and luxury. Therefore, heirlooms, carved mirrors, figurines, branded watches will perfectly complement the decor. You can add a little oriental flavor - a Buddha figurine or an elephant will also fit perfectly.

Colonial style in the interior of the apartment

By decorating a room using a colonial design, we will transform the room. Let's add a special sophistication, mixing from different cultures. The house will become like a place to stay. In such an environment, you can feel like traveling through an exotic country. What specific steps are needed for this?

Color spectrum

The premises are dominated by:

• gold;
• olive;
• sand;
• cream;
• peach;
• various beige tones.

Bright, juicy accents of dark cherry, burgundy, light walnut shades are allowed. Standard colors - black and white - are used in decorative items. All shades of natural green and yellow will be the perfect solution for interior decoration.

Wall, floor and ceiling decoration

Wallpaper samples with images of exotic flowers, birds or animals are a great option for home. Such wallpapers will become a bright accent and emphasize oriental motives of the interior.

Ceilings are painted white or trimmed with wooden beams. In real colonies, the premises were decorated exclusively in light shades. We painted walls and ceilings in neutral tones, because these colors absorb less sunlight. In hot and humid tropical climates, this helped to keep the rooms cooler without turning them into an oven.

The floors are made of smooth wooden planks covered with clear varnish. Expensive parquet floors are covered with luxurious carpets.

Bedroom

The bedroom is decorated with a large four-poster bed and upright carved wood supports. A wicker chest can be placed at the bottom. This is one of the most striking and catchy interior attributes. A beautiful mirror in a gilded frame is hung on the wall in the bedroom. They put a chest of drawers made of wood. The floors are covered carpets with drawings of wildlife or imitating the skins of animals: leopard, tiger, zebra.

Kitchen

Only dark shades were used for furniture. This is due to the fact that in the local jungle, mostly various mahogany, bamboo, rattan. It was problematic to get an oak or ash tree. Light walls and deep shades of dark furniture make the interior quite sophisticated. In the kitchen, they make a practical floor of stone or linoleum with a picture of wood. A tile that matches the entourage is also suitable.

The so-called "Kitchen island"where a work surface or sink is located. The dining area is distinguished by light and airy bamboo furniture. The cladding is made monochromatic. An interesting option, if the area of ​​the room allows, is to equip a large-sized stone oven, you can do with its imitation. This touch will add coziness to the entire home.

Colonial style in the interior of the living room

In the living room, according to many designers and craftsmen, the colonial image looks natural and organic. The calm atmosphere is conducive to pleasant communication and shows the guests the tastes of the hosts.

In order to emphasize the exotic atmosphere in the living room, they hang on the walls unusual things and objectsbrought from hot countries. For example: masks, figurines of animals (monkeys, elephants, tigers), pillows, vases, lamps, wicker baskets. They pick up bright curtains for the windows, spread colorful carpets. Look luxurious walls decorated with silk or velvet. Flowers, trees and other green vegetation will serve as decoration in the living room.

Fireplace will complete the interior of the living room and perfectly complement the furnishings, bringing warmth and comfort to the room. It doesn't have to be a worker - imitation will work too.

In an amicable way, the colonial style cannot be described in a nutshell. The fact is that initially the French, Dutch, British and Spaniards had completely different ideas about comfortable housing. And after mixing with local colors adopted from the conquered peoples, a huge number of new architectural delights appeared. It's time to release a whole book on this topic. But I think, in general terms, you have grasped what the colonial style is and how to design your home. It is best to look at the photo on the Internet by writing an appropriate request - this will make it clearer.