The history of the colonial style dates back to the 16th century. It originated in the era of Europeans conquering new lands - America, Africa, Asia. This direction is based on the synthesis of cultures. It combines comfort and elegance with exotic traditions. This interior style is simply created for strong-minded people with high aesthetic demands.
Colonial Style: Conceptual Features
What features are inherent in this direction, allow it to differ from others? The conceptual features of the colonial style are listed below.
- The direction has absorbed the heritage of several cultures. The traditions of medieval England coexist in it with exotic decor.
- An abundance of wooden furniture and decorations is welcome. This direction cannot be confused with another due to massive doors and columns, lattice shutters.
- Natural finishing materials prevail over artificial ones. Stone, wood, clay, linen, cotton - all this helps to approach nature.
- A calm palette of colors dominates; cream tones are most preferred. This style does not accept riot of colors.
- Large windows - a characteristic feature of the house in the colonial style. They are necessary so that people are closer to nature. Traditionally, the windows overlook the garden, which must be maintained in perfect condition.
- Large areas are traditionally divided into functional zones. For these purposes, columns, decorative screens, curtains are used.
Decoration Materials
Colonial style welcomes natural finishes. The ceiling is often decorated with wooden beams that are painted or have a natural color. For the floor, you can choose ceramic tiles or wood. A spectacular addition will be a large handmade carpet. You can also lay homespun paths or wicker mats on the floor.
It is great if the window and doorways have an arched shape. It is better to abandon the interior doors that overload the space in favor of dense curtains. African blinds will help convey blinds made from natural fibers. The notes of the Moorish atmosphere bring wooden shutters to the interior.
What do colonial style walls look like? Most often they are plastered or painted. For the design of the walls, it is permissible to use any natural materials.
Furniture
What is colonial style furniture? Strength, practicality, compactness - its characteristic features. The greatest preference is given to wood products, it is wonderful if it is bamboo, mahogany and ebony. Of course, you can use less expensive breeds.
Lack of decor is not one of the requirements that style makes. To decorate furniture, ornaments and motifs of the geographical region can be used, which is taken as the basis for the design development. Wardrobes, chests of drawers, tables, sofas, chairs can be decorated with ethnic ornaments, images of animals and so on.
A characteristic feature of the colonial style is the abundance of wicker furniture. It should certainly be equipped with pillows, whose covers are made of natural fabrics. It is important that the furniture does not look monotonous. For example, a wicker table can be placed next to solid wooden chairs and a sofa.
About choosing a decor
What decorations are typical of the colonial style? First of all, these are ethnic accessories. You can decorate the interior with bronze figurines, shades of silk and linen, carved wooden panels, velvet pillows. Actively used "animal" motifs. For example, furniture legs may have the shape of a lion's paw.
We must not forget about living vegetation. The best choice will be exotic flowers growing in large floor vases.
Color spectrum
Colonial style in the interior makes certain demands on the colors. The most popular are two color concepts. The first implies the dominance of pastel shades, white. This solution is most often found in hot countries, since light colors allow you to psychologically refresh the room, get rid of the constant feeling of stuffiness.
The second concept involves the creation of an interior through rich, vibrant shades. The color can be dominated by mahogany, light yellow, light blue. Dynamism, energy are the characteristic features of this design. Such an interior is as close as possible to historical traditions.
English direction
There are several areas that deserve special attention. The most famous English colonial style. Such an interior is created through furniture and wood trim, with preference given to expensive exotic species. Stone, leather, fur - other materials that are actively used. Textiles featuring wild animal skins are welcome.
This direction is famous for its rich colors, an abundance of arched elements, the rejection of interior doors in favor of curtains. The decoration of fireplaces and mirrors is dominated by arched themes.
Other directions
The American colonial style is also noteworthy. The design of such a room contains features typical of country. Light shades prevail, juicy paints are used minimally. This direction does not object to the use of artificial materials, in the decoration of plasterboard designs, MDF boards, plastic. Pragmatism, practicality, functionality are typical features of the style. One cannot but note the love of textiles, which is found almost everywhere.
What is the Spanish colonial style? He is characterized by a love of Moorish traditions. The colors are dominated by blue, terracotta and white tones. Actively used ceramic tiles.
Living room
What does the main room in the house look like in a colonial style? The photos presented in the article will help to get an idea about this. The interior of the living room is created using natural materials, colors that are found in wildlife.
Furniture requires strict forms, strength and compactness. Wicker chairs and chairs that are traditionally decorated with pillows are welcome. The style is good because it does not impose strict restrictions and rules. This is not surprising, because the direction is based on a synthesis of cultures.
Bedroom
What does a bedroom decorated in this style look like? Mandatory attribute - a high bed made of wood. The bed can be decorated with a canopy or do without it. From furniture, it is worth giving preference to an old-fashioned dressing table, a three-wing cabinet. Bedside tables, armchairs with wooden armrests are welcome. Wicker or wooden chests where you can store things organically fit into the interior.
We must not forget about the highlight. The skin of an animal, spread on the floor, can take on this role.