The interiors of chalet-style houses are characterized by charming simplicity, a cozy atmosphere and original color, which won the hearts of many people.
History reference
The historical origin of the style, which absorbed the rich history of the Alpine mountains and the uniqueness of local customs, occurred in southeastern France (near the border with Switzerland) and literally means "shepherd’s house located near the mountains." In the 19-20th century, such small houses - the likeness of summer cottages familiar to everyone, were located on the banks of rivers and lakes and in bad weather served as the most suitable refuge for shepherds.
Requiring strength and durability in a harsh mountain climate, they were built according to a certain scheme: the foundation with the first floor is made of stone, the attic is made of wooden logs. Subsequently, such designs fully paid off: the stone base reliably protected from gusty winds, heavy rains and snowfalls.
How did the chalet style begin?
Gradually, the design of these dwellings from natural raw materials grew into a separate style, easily recognizable by the gable canopy of tiled roofs and wide cornices, perpendicular to the front of the house. Thanks to the snow accumulating during the winter period, sloping roofs provide additional thermal insulation, and visors protruding at least 40-50 centimeters protect the walls of the house and its foundation from precipitation. This property is very important for the Alps with their heavy snowfalls: such roofs protecting the building’s facade from negative weather phenomena are simply necessary there.
Only naturalness and proximity to nature
When looking at the chalet houses, a small alpine village and a real “lively” atmosphere come to mind, approaching the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding nature. You should be aware that the construction of chalet houses is made in a certain perspective. So, the main facade is always turned east; living quarters are designed in such a way that throughout the day they are all evenly lit by sunlight.
The interiors of houses in the chalet style represent the kingdom of wood - natural, environmentally friendly and in demand at all times material. These are huge beams, walls made of timber, heavy doors that literally blow old times. The floors are made of massive boards: unpainted and varnished (or stain). The walls are plastered or covered with wood. In the modern interpretation, the ledges and corners of houses are faced with stone (natural or artificial), brick, decorative plaster.
The chalet-style interiors are always equipped with a roomy balcony, a spacious veranda and large panoramic windows. Today's households use a huge number of glass surfaces to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscapes. In addition, modern double-glazed windows are made of resistant materials and can easily withstand any inclement weather.
Landscaping Chalet
A large number of houses designed in Alpine style, built in a wooded area. Therefore, when planning a landscape, an important point is minimal interference with natural landscapes. Changes in the natural environment can only be felt in close proximity to the home.
Actively equipping unglazed verandas, open balconies, awnings, homeowners are simultaneously trying to organize an outdoor recreation area, which they equip nearby houses. The design project of the interior of the chalet suggests placing compositions of furniture (wicker or wooden) on platforms paved with stone or wooden flooring. There are also open fires, fireplaces, stoves, which are not only devices for preparing delicious dishes, but also original decor items that stylishly decorate the overall picture.
Chalet style home interior inside
The photo brightly and colorfully conveys rural simplicity, warmth and a cozy atmosphere of the home, behind which lies a beautifully planned and organized interior space.
Its hallmark is protruding ceiling beams, and an integral element is a large fireplace with original decor.
Modern living rooms use the fireplace space as a TV zone, placing a television above or near the hearth. Such a design idea not only saves space, but also represents a single focal point. A common element of the chalet style is stuffed 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 hides instead of carpets look quite appropriate on its floors.
Furniture in the interior of the living room
The interior design of the country house in the chalet style of furniture prefers massive leather sofas and armchairs. Although there are no restrictions on the choice of upholstery material: it can be velor, linen, wool, but not synthetics. In a modern chalet living room, preference may be given to frameless furnishings that optimally harmonize with the warm atmosphere of the living room.
Original in the alpine interior, characterized by a natural beige-brown gamut, looks bright furniture, introducing a colorful mood and a kind of adventurous spirit. The interior design project in the chalet style suggests using such an emphasis in a metered way so as not to spoil the harmony of the rural decoration.
A 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 that are located near the entrance, around the perimeter of the room, between the windows.
In general, the living room-chalet is a spacious room with wooden floors, huge numerous windows, high ceilings, as well as a large number of beams, columns and ceiling systems. Good furniture, beautiful chandeliers, warm carpets and skins of wild animals on the floor - the most optimal interior of the house in the style of a chalet inside.
Bedroom Tips
The sleeping space in alpine style can also be equipped with a fireplace - an important element of the chalet. For romantics who appreciate the warmth of natural material, the kind of playing flame, the crackling of burning logs, complementing the charm of rural decoration, creates a feeling of some 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 you design this room, special attention is recommended to pay textiles. Curtains are most often made of natural fabrics (preferably linen or cotton of 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 sitting area: for example, a couple of armchairs and a coffee table opposite a panoramic window, which will allow you to enjoy beautiful natural views.
Chalet style kitchen
The heart of any home ownership, including suburban, is the kitchen - the interior space on which the life of any family is focused. 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 the house in the style of a chalet, the design projects of which have a large number of options, suggests using artificially aged furniture as a colorful decoration of the kitchen . Its wood finish is optimally complemented by household appliances with stainless steel elements.
Such a contrast of the textured warmth of wood and steel luster create a unique visual effect that emphasizes the modernity of a colorful rural interior.
Alternatively, household appliances can be skillfully masked behind the unpainted wooden doors of kitchen cabinets, 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 urban apartment space, a prerequisite for which is a sufficient footage and high ceilings necessary for the installation of decorative ceiling beams. The rest of the nuances of the design are similar to a rural chalet-style home ownership.
Chalet houses are optimally suited for those who appreciate functionality, convenience, good quality and, for the most part, are built for the peace of mind of the city. The chalet won the hearts of many not only with its captivating simplicity, but also with its unique cozy atmosphere and unique color.