Projects of single-storey houses in the chalet style in recent years have caused great interest in Russia. They are unusual, original options for suburban construction. Cottages made in this style look great not only against the backdrop of a mountain landscape, but also among the plain landscapes.
From the history of style
The chalet style was formed in ancient times in a small village, which is located in the south-east of France among the picturesque alpine mountains. In the original, it was a reliable shepherd’s hut made of massive timber. Natural stone was also used in its construction. It was intended to protect people and livestock from the weather. Over time, one-story chalet-style houses have lost their primary function. They began to less and less resemble the first poor buildings, gaining functionality and a more well-groomed appearance. The alpine style honed for many centuries has come down to our time and today has become very popular.
Style features
One-storey log houses in the chalet style cannot be confused with other buildings. They have their own characteristics:
- A gently sloping two-level roof with a visor that protrudes a considerable distance from the perimeter of the house.
- The upper floor of the building is made of plaster and whitewashed timber, decorated with pilasters, beams and other elements made of natural wood. Sometimes some surfaces are painted.
- One-story chalet-style houses have a high basement made of stone (or brick).
- Outside the limits of the structure of the building stands a veranda, which is often installed on columns.
Single-storey chalet-style houses with an attic most often have typical planning: the entrance hall, kitchen, living room and utility rooms are located in the basement of the building, and the attic usually equips a guest room or office. In real Alpine houses, the windows were shuttered, which protected from snow, rain and wind. Today they are used as a decorative element.
In the homeland of style, in France, a one-story chalet house was always built taking into account the cardinal points. Its most beautiful part is the facade. He was always directed east. The main requirement of this style is the use of only natural materials. Ceiling and floor coverings are made of wood, wall surfaces are plastered and bleached. Use of decorative wooden elements is allowed.
Color spectrum
When decorating the walls , textured plaster of yellow, cream, beige, light orange tones is often used. Upholstery and textiles should be close to the shades of stone and wood. Gray stone goes well with fabrics similar in tone to a bleached tree. Colorful and colorful rugs and pillows in red, blue or green colors will revive the interior.
Basement house
For the basement, brick or blocks are used. Often they are made of porous ceramic, aerated concrete. Brick base needs additional insulation from the outside. It is performed by the method of a ventilated facade. For decorative processing, besides natural stone, brick is suitable. It is laid half in thickness, and sometimes even in a quarter.
Interior
One-storey house in the style of a chalet made of timber should resemble a hut lost in the mountains. Artificial aged materials are usually used for the floor, which look both stylish and natural. The board is applied unpainted. It is coated with platinum oil or varnish. The ceiling must be placed beams painted in dark color. The walls are most often faced with bricks, which are then plastered (a rough surface is allowed).
Fireplace
This is an integral element of the interior of the chalet. It is not only a source of heat, but also creates an atmosphere of coziness and comfort in the living room. The fireplace was always decorated using natural wood, but in different regions it had some differences. Often they were built very impressive sizes (3x6 m). Modern one-story chalet-style houses can have fireplaces of different styles and types. But wood is still very popular in decoration. In the fireplace part, you can create an original panel of stones, which will support the general atmosphere of a certain hunting lodge.
Furniture
One-story chalet-style houses should be furnished with simple but at the same time very comfortable furniture. As a rule, it combines elements of baroque and country. Cozy large sofas with fabric or leather upholstery look organically in such a room, which, at first glance, may look a little rude. Armchairs with high comfortable backs and coffee tables from deliberately roughly processed wood will fit well into the interior of the chair. Wicker furniture and accessories are appropriate.
In the kitchen along the walls are usually installed numerous nightstands, cabinets, hanging open shelves. Furniture with rough finishes and artificial scuffs harmoniously complement the interior. It is advisable to make a countertop and a work surface of stone. Household appliances, without which a modern person can not do, it is better to clean in closed cabinets. Dining table should be solid, made of natural wood, preferably oak.
Bedroom decoration
Many owners of chalet-style houses have difficulty decorating this particular room. We will try to help you. In a chalet-style bedroom , only warm pastel colors should be used, which complement the atmosphere of coziness and perfectly combine with wooden elements of decor.
The furniture in this room should be comfortable, but at the same time quite strict, without any frills. Be sure to have a spacious bed with a wooden headboard, covered with a blanket made of natural fabric. In addition, a wardrobe is required . On its surface there should not be mirrors and any decorative ornaments. On the walls, photos in simple frames will be appropriate. The floor can be covered with a rug or a hide.
Style Benefits
Chalet houses are attractive not only for their architectural features. They have undeniable advantages from a technical point of view. First of all, this is the application in the construction of high-quality building materials that have proven themselves well - natural stone and wooden beams. Wooden structures always create the perfect microclimate, not to mention the environmental friendliness of the material.
Chalet-style houses are a great option for people who want to at least periodically relax from the city with its noise and bustle. Most of us are so used to living in apartments that we don’t even know what horizons a country house in the chalet style opens up. The interiors of buildings from profiled or glued beams can be as diverse as human imagination is rich.