Chalet ... So called small alpine rural houses. Their distinguishing feature is the characteristic architecture. The word chalet translates as "shepherd's hut." Chalet architecture originated in the southeastern regions of France, near Switzerland. The French call these buildings Swiss houses. Today in the Alps there are a lot of such buildings. We invite you to get acquainted with the chalet style in modern architecture. You will learn about the features of the layout of alpine houses, interior ideas.
Key Features of the Chalet Style
The cozy building is associated with an alpine village. Anyone will fall in love with this exquisite structure. It resembles a country house familiar to us. A typical chalet house is made of wood, stone and other natural materials. Glass, plastic, chrome elements are missing here. Also inside the house in a chalet style there are only natural tones.
Another difference of the Alpine style is the presence of a kind of roof with a cornice projecting 40-50 cm on all sides. Alps residents really need such roofs, they protect the house from snow, because there can be a lot of it. Sometimes on a winter morning, even a door cannot be opened. Alpine houses are built of wood, but corners and ledges are faced with stone. When arranging the facade of the house in the style of a modern chalet, brick lining and the use of decorative plaster are allowed.
Modern houses chalet
Modern chalets are quite common. Despite some conservatism in the choice of material, alpine houses can be quite luxurious. This is a reliable and comfortable housing. It is not necessary to build a miniature house; a chic wooden mansion is possible.
The house-chalet evokes a romantic mood. It is associated with a cozy place on a picturesque hillside. The chalet style has become popular due to the increased interest in skiing holidays. Many resorts in the mountains are equipped with such houses. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy spending time there.
Modern chalets can consist of several floors. The basement and foundation are made of stone. The upper floors and the attic are built of wood. The color of the houses is given by the moment that over time the tree can darken and crack.
Features of the interior design of the house in the chalet style
In its pure form, it is not used by designers, only its elements are used. The decoration of the chalet-style house resembles an old dwelling, inhabited by many generations of a large family. Many build such dwellings as a summer residence or a country house. The whole family is resting there. This personal house is a small island of comfort, warmth. After all, it must have wooden furniture and a fireplace.
Modern chalet provides an opportunity to relax from the daily bustle. A large role in the alpine house plays a spacious terrace. The architecture of such housing includes the presence of many windows.
Materials and shades of decoration alpine houses
For the interior decoration of cottages, only environmentally friendly natural materials are used. This is the most important thing in the construction and arrangement of a modern chalet. For floors and ceilings use wood. It is not painted, but only coated with varnish or special oils. The main attribute in the design of the ceiling are ceiling beams.
Today, many designers offer to make a simple, ordinary room comfortable, stylish, original home. In the Alpine style you can decorate any room: bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, hallway. There are many comfortable solutions that owners can enjoy every day.
For walls, rough stucco is usually used. Sometimes they are faced with brick. Former shepherd huts made of rough wood look a little like modern chalets. Nevertheless, the originality and originality of the current buildings is largely preserved.
The facades of such houses are divided into two floors. The first is built of natural stone, which is a lot in the mountains. The stone strengthens, insulates the house, makes it safe. The second floor is finished with wood. Cold stone and a cozy tree give housing a special charm.
The chalet is modernly decorated with bricks. Massive wooden frames and glass windows are replaced by innovative double-glazed windows. Many choose the profile of windows to match the color of natural wood.
A chalet-style house inside should match a specific color scheme. This stylistic trend is characterized by natural pastel colors. Wealthy shepherds used wood, stones, skins, rough gray cloth obtained by processing sheep’s wool to decorate their dwellings. Alpine residents did not use bright, eye-cutting paint. Preferred neutral shades:
- gray;
- brown;
- beige;
- milk;
- terracotta;
- black;
- graphite.
Nowadays, the chalet style is just as restrained and strict. Only natural color combinations are used. The individuality of the premises is played out with interesting contrasts. A warm rug made of sheep wool, rude curtains near the windows, homespun cloth are perfect for the warm color of the tree. The unique atmosphere of comfort and tranquility of the alpine house allows you to truly relax.
Accessories
Furniture, chandeliers, a fireplace and stairs in an alpine house are often decorated with wrought iron details. From furniture choose classic simple models, sometimes a little rude. Upholstery is preferred from natural, unpainted fabrics. The best option would be custom-made furniture. You can buy leather or wicker furniture in natural colors.
Exquisite and delicate accessories of the chalet does not imply. Often use natural carpets, animal skins, massive wrought iron candlesticks, and handmade objects. Stone walls are used on the walls and floor. The main goal of the style is to create an interior of tranquility and tranquility. It is important that the tone of the walls is not annoying, and the furniture is comfortable.
Lighting
For the chalet style, soft diffused light is used. Lovely romantic lampshades in restrained tones are quite appropriate for him. The rooms should have the maximum amount of natural light. It is better to direct the rays to the ceiling so that the light there is quietly scattered. The style of the fixtures is selected for a single ensemble in the general concept. Chalet-style chandeliers have forged frames. An imitation of candle holders may be on the structure. Central lighting is supplemented by small nightlights, sconces on the walls, cozy floor lamps from a natural cozy canvas.
Chalet-style fireplace
A real fire hearth is placed in the guest room or bedroom. Perhaps the location of the fireplace in the kitchen and even in the bathroom. A design feature of the fireplace in the chalet is facing with stone or brickwork. A powerful wooden beam is placed on top of the hearth.
Currently, an option for a built-in fireplace or an acquired finished product is possible. The first model is most suitable for the chalet. An expensive imitation is sometimes used as a stone. It is important to create a realistic hearth, like the ancient shepherds. The stone is sometimes replaced with ceramic tiles of interesting texture. The color scheme of the fireplace should fit into a single concept. A special role is given to the decor of the mantelpiece. There you can place an antique clock, armor, weapons. Near the hearth, the skin of the beast on the floor looks appropriate.
Fireplaces look gorgeous if they are faced with natural marble or expensive granite. Near the front of the fireplace often have a bunch of firewood for decoration. The ceiling near the hearth is decorated with massive wooden beams.
Chalet style options
Spacious country houses and cottages can easily be decorated in the style of an alpine house. Many owners of hotels and resorts also use this rustic design. The chalet is the perfect solution for a hunting lodge or restaurant. Some even manage to apply its elements in a small apartment. They are used for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or study. Adherents of simplicity and comfort, naturalness love this style.
Alpine-style kitchen
Chalet elements fill the kitchen with airiness and elegance. It is characterized by muted tones: beige, sandy, smoky. Even the finish should not be bright and saturated. The table, stools, cabinets are selected in brown, honey tones. An interesting look will give the kitchen a dull surface.
In the studio, there are always a large number of wooden shelves with ceramic and porcelain dishes. You can hang large hooks for pans and pots. In such a kitchen, a rustic tapestry painting or a warm blanket in a rocking chair is appropriate.
Bedroom furnishings
The bedroom of the chalet should be equipped with a spacious and massive bed, a spacious chest of drawers or a wardrobe, and compact bedside tables. They are diluted with original elements. A soft carpet is laid on the floor, which only partially covers the space, or imitation of animal skin. Instead of a chair, you can put a fleecy ottoman.
Linen or cotton curtains of light colors are considered to be an obligatory component of the bedroom of the chalet. Brown or beige curtains are well combined with a fleecy blanket, woolen pillows. A calm and comfortable rustic style will be complemented by framed photos, candles, a decorative fireplace, bookshelves.
Extra things in the interior
Modern materials can violate the concept of chalets. In such a house there should be no furniture made of cheap wood or its substitute. Rustic charm will drown out any urban motifs. Do not clutter up the room with unnecessary items that serve as decoration.
It is better to exclude the use of artificial colors from the design. Synthetics are also inappropriate here. The stucco molding on the ceiling, plasterboard partitions, arches do not resemble the Alpine style. It is important to remember that ceilings should be high. Modern equipment needs to be cleaned in cabinets so that it is not visible. It is advisable to order metal-plastic window frames from materials imitating wood.