German style in the interior: description and characteristics

At the mention of the German direction in design, the first thing that comes to mind is neat, like toy houses, the whitewashed facades of which are divided into separate sections by dark, narrow slats. Similar exterior design called fachwerk - one of the architectural branches of the above style. Among professional designers there is a perception that the classic German trend in the interior is nothing but one of the variations of the Empire style. For the most part this is true, but we will look at the chronology of events in the history of its appearance and development below. German, like any other ethnic style, has incorporated the features of the nation that created it. He is strict, restrained, laconic, and in some nuances even rude. At the same time, the situation is not without gloss and coldness. Let's talk about the characteristic features of the German style in the interior and with specific examples consider the options for the situation of each of the rooms.

History of style

The “great-grandfather” of the German style became Biedermeier, who has many other names: Neo-Renaissance, Old German, Altdoich. Eclectic in nature, it was created by German and Austrian designers as a replacement for the Empire style, which in those days (the middle of the XIX century) lived its last days. Since the luxury of the dying direction no longer fit into the small spaces that were actively replacing the mansions, I had to go for a number of tricks. Biedermeier retained some of the features of the Empire, but elements of the troubadour style and gothic details were added to them.

The interiors used massive furniture, an abundance of stucco and a large number of impractical decor. In cramped rooms, Biedermeier looked caricature, for which the people even gave him the offensive nickname "Klopovaya Renaissance." As they say, this could not continue for a long time, therefore, by the end of the 30s of the last century, a new German style appeared. He appeared not spontaneously, but systematically. The works of the architect Walter Gropius and the students of his Bauhaus school invented the concepts of a modern, concise and practical direction, which was alien to eclecticism and an abundance of meaningless jewelry. True, the German style is not deprived of its grace, since Gropius, above all, was an architect, and an architectural component was added to the interiors. The direction is the quintessence of modernity, minimalism and constructivism with a bit of national traits. The German style is characterized by large open spaces, a combination of dark floors with light-colored walls, rounded lines, podiums and functional furniture. Although the direction is widely used throughout Europe, in its pure form outside the country, it is rare. German style is considered to be an "amateur" option. Its modern variation most closely resembles the intermediate version between pure ethnicity and minimalism, into which it did not have time to transform completely.


    

Characteristics and features

The following features are characteristic of the German style:

  • The perfect, well-balanced balance between functionality and comfort, which has become a kind of business card directions.
  • Competent arrangement of furniture. All items are placed in such a way that it is convenient for a person to move between them. First of all, designers care about convenience and only then - about beauty.
  • Calm colors, which remotely resembles a palette of classic interiors, as based on white and shades of brown.
  • Moderate use of decorative elements.
  • The angularity of the furniture is combined with soft curves.
  • The presence of a podium and a ledge of similar design on the ceiling. The latter is used in the modern variation of the German style.
  • The characteristic texture of the upholstery of furniture and textiles using floral motifs and a contrast strip.

In modern German interiors, hanging furniture structures (beds, cabinets) are often used. Such a decision replaces the traditional podiums, in parallel giving the atmosphere "lightness".

    

Finishing materials used

For finishing the ceiling using a simple, not textured plaster. In modern versions, you can resort to a stretch canvas with a matte surface. In classic German interiors, complex designs with decorative wooden beams are used, which decorated the ceilings in Bavarian houses (as in a chalet or country house). Walls painted, covered with plaster or covered with wallpaper. The surface of the latter is chosen either in monochromatic muted shades, or with an inconspicuous floral pattern. In some cases, to trim the accent wall using a strip or cage. The floor is traditionally covered with wood. If earlier boards were used for these purposes, now they use modern laminate, parquet or tile (in the kitchen and bathroom).


    

Color spectrum

The basis of the color palette is made up of white and brown tones, which is not surprising, since a large number of wooden surfaces are used in the setting. The interior is made in gradations of dark chocolate, nut, terracotta, sepia, vanilla, bronze, coffee shades. Black and gray are also used. Yellow, blue, Prussian blue, royal purple, charoite and in rare cases red, cherry, and wine can act as accents.


    

Features in the choice of furniture

When choosing furniture, emphasis is placed on functionality. Aesthetics goes into the background. The interior is aged in classic proportions: comfortable armchairs and soft sofas, small dressers, bedside tables, shelves, beds and coffee tables with thin legs. Furniture facades usually have a smooth surface without unnecessary decorations with simple handles. As for the configuration, the overall angularity of large objects is smoothed by the softness of the lines of small elements. For example, the kitchen uses a rectangular mahogany table, which is complemented by chairs with semi-circular seats and carved backs.

Folding furniture can be used in small or cramped rooms, as comfort in German interiors is paramount.


    

Lighting and lighting

The main source of natural light - rectangular windows are closed only with curtains, not using tulle, that is, they are fully open during the daytime. The central lighting is represented by a very laconic ceiling chandelier. Additionally, around the perimeter are placed sources of "working" light: lamps and sconces that adorn simple ceiling lamps made of plain or frosted glass. If the room has a podium or hanging furniture, then it must be emphasized with a decorative light.

For German interiors, the use of a large number of small lighting fixtures is typical, each of which is decorated with a simple “frame”. However, they should be placed only in places where additional lighting is really necessary: ​​in the reading corner, near the table, next to the mirror.


    

Textiles, decor and accessories

The German-style décor is laconic and simple, as is the whole decor. It is recommended to use flowers and everything connected with them: vases, pots, sometimes even bottles. The bedroom has a bouquet of live roses or chrysanthemums on the dressing table. A pair of pots are hung in the living room, or elongated vases with dry sprigs are placed. Miniature pots with potted plants are placed in the kitchen. The German decor is characterized by the placement of groups of vases, which differ in shape, size and color of glass. The walls are decorated with a couple of paintings with neutral subjects, sconces and clocks. In textiles, natural fabrics prevail. Upholstery furniture is chosen from dense materials. As a luxury touch you can buy chairs with velvet or velor seats. The windows are covered with thick monochromatic curtains to the floor. On the sofa in the living room or on the bed in the bedroom you can place a picturesque composition of two-color pillows.


    

Interior examples

Modern German style is laconic and in many respects similar to minimalism. If it is difficult to sustain in it the interiors of all the rooms in an apartment or a country house, then the direction can be easily combined with modern, art deco, loft. In each room, the German style can be opened from the “new” side, choosing various color schemes and accent decor. Consider the examples of what can be the room, if the design embody this particular direction.

Kitchen

The German-style kitchen, as a rule, combines a cooking zone and a dining group. If the room is large enough, then the dining table is placed right next to the headset, so that if necessary it can be used as an additional work surface. Above the table top hang a design of light bulbs and hooks, which cling to small kitchen utensils. To add more storage space, choose a comfortable dining table-drawer with closed shelves. Slightly protruding edges of the tabletop will allow you to comfortably have dinner behind it, and the bottom drawers will not interfere with those sitting. Sets choose from a tree of light shades for small kitchens and dark chocolate - for big ones. The furniture set of white color in which a part of drawers is replaced with wicker baskets with neat handles will look beautiful. In such a container it will be convenient to store foods that do not need cold. The floor of the kitchen is covered with large ceramic tiles. Choose material of white color or with a surface, imitating marble, wood. The walls are covered with plain vinyl wallpaper or covered with moisture resistant plaster, which is designed specifically for "wet" rooms. Decorate the room with plates on stands, a composition of fruits in a glass bowl and a bouquet of fresh flowers in a vase.


    

Living room

German-style living room meets all the rules of minimalism. The sofa is chosen wide with soft upholstery of brown leather. Nearby have a coffee table, the tabletop which, if necessary, increases due to the folding "wings" on the sides. Under it, a carpet with a short pile of chocolate shade with rare white patches is laid on the floor. Near the wall opposite the sofa set a narrow hanging cabinet, which plays the role of a TV stand and storage space. So that this zone does not look "naked" next to it, they hang a pair of open wooden shelves where books are placed. Windows curtain two-color curtains. If the dimensions of the room allow, then one of the walls put a fireplace. Modern interiors allow the use of portable bio-models. If the fireplace is “full-fledged”, then it is decorated with artificial brick of light shades (from a gray-brown palette). From the decor in the room they use only a wall clock, one or two paintings, pots with potted plants and a round chandelier. Be sure to add to each zone a pair of lamps.


    

Bedroom

The ceiling in the bedroom is decorated with gray wooden beams, which are contrasted with white plaster. The bed is chosen either from wood or from metal with a rare forged decor. The top of the bed is covered with a checkered or striped bedspread. To the composition add a couple of pillows with an identical pattern, but in different colors. The windows are curtained with thick, heavy curtains of pastel shades. The walls are finished with plaster or pasted over with light wallpaper. The accent zone at the head of the bed is decorated with boards laid on the deck method. Additional decorations on this wall are not needed, its texture more than compensates for their lack. On both sides of the bed put ebony tables on high, thin legs. The surface of each is decorated with a lamp with a simple canopy made of fabric. Mirror, contrary to generally accepted standards, do not hang on the wall, but choose a mobile model on the "leg". The texture of the accent wall is emphasized by paired bras. The floor is covered with a soft shade of baked milk with a short nap. Complement the interior composition of a floor vase with dry sprigs or a large pot with a potted plant.


    

Hallway and corridor

For a German-style hallway, a furniture set is picked up, which includes a wardrobe, a hanger, and a bench for pereobuvaniya. From materials, preference is given to wood (light shades for cramped rooms). The floor is covered with a short nap mat, which is convenient to vacuum and periodically wash. One of the walls is decorated with a rectangular mirror in a simple wooden frame or without it at all, on the sides of which the wall lamps are hung. If the hallway is wide enough, then under it put a cabinet with drawers for storing small items. The facades of furniture are simple, smooth, without additional decoration. As a decoration, a group of vases of different sizes and shapes, cardboard boxes with hinged lids are used.


    

Bathroom and WC

For finishing the bathroom choose the traditional option - large ceramic tiles. However, instead of the usual pastel shades, you can purchase material, the surface of which imitates the texture of wood. She trim the floor, the bottom of the walls and the "box" under the bath. So that the surfaces do not merge, you can choose two shades with a small gradation within the same color. The upper part of the wall is trimmed with a simple, white tile. Furniture represented by a narrow cabinet and cupboard under the sink, picked up in white or gray. Such a design solution will visually expand the space. Over the sink they hang a square mirror without rim, which is decorated with wall lamps in glass shades. The meager decor of this room is represented only by an elongated vase with a composition of fresh flowers, which is placed on the cabinet. The floor is covered with a simple white or gray mat. By the way, toilet bowls in the combined bathrooms recommend to use suspended. From the rest of the room they are separated by a mobile partition of frosted glass without a pattern.


    

Conclusion

In the German style, ordinary people are attracted to naturalness and simplicity, which sometimes borders on primitiveness. Designers are happy to take on the design of such interiors, as they are versatile and easily adapt to both spacious rooms and close spaces. German style is not for everyone. If a person is accustomed to surround himself with many “necessary” (and not very) things, then this direction should be immediately rejected. Design in German style is quite expensive. Although the furniture is used at a minimum, emphasis will be placed on quality and natural materials. It is also worth considering that you will have to learn the basics of floristics and floriculture, since living plants are considered an important part of the interior of each room without exception.

Watch the video: Be Inspired by the Top 10 Best German Interior Designers and Architects (March 2024).

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