Colonial style in the interior

Colonial style belongs to the group of classical trends. It received its name in honor of the colonists, who, settling on foreign lands, not only brought with them native traditions in interior design, but also borrowed customs from local residents. In the direction a balance was found between refinement, luxury and conciseness, "indigenous simplicity." In fact, the colonial style in the interior is a combined eclectic potpourri consisting of several ethnic branches. Each of them is characterized by certain features, but there are general principles that unite these subgroups into one current. Let's talk in the article about how to create your own colonial interior in a city apartment or house.

The history of the birth of style

A number of countries that in the past centuries were located on the political “top of the world” could not boast of their own vast territories. Since their enrichment was largely due to the use of slave labor and fooling the "backward" native population, and not by skillful management, it was necessary to conquer all new territories. These countries primarily included Spain, Great Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire. After the discovery of “India” by Christopher Columbus, great prospects opened up for these states: as many as two continents with rich lands and a population that hung in gold but did not know its real value. South and North America "sawed" into three parts, which still speak the native language of the colonialists. The south went to Cortes and the bloody conquistadors, and the north was divided by the French and the British. Expansion and the policy of colonialism obliged the metropolis to send to its vassals the military and governors who controlled the territory. Since the terms of residence could be calculated for dozens of years, they moved with their families and settled thoroughly. Of course, the interiors of the colonists' houses were characterized by features typical of their homeland, but at the same time local culture and peculiarities leaked into them, which made it possible to adapt to the unusual climate. The list of subordinate countries was not limited to just mainland America. Great Britain at one time took under wing a part of Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Mauritius, Barbados and a dozen more states that at the moment have gained relative independence. France stretched its “tentacles” to Syria, Morocco, Algeria, Chad, and Spain seized Manila, the Philippines, Guinea, part of the island of Taiwan, and even the Sahara Desert. After the United States threw off the "yoke" of Mother Britain, the state followed in its footsteps and acquired Hawaii, the Philippines, Cuba, Samoa. A colossal mixing of cultures took place, which subsequently resulted not in a boorish potpourri with a multitude of ethnic elements, but in elegant, luxurious and distinctive interiors.


    

The main directions of style and their distinctive features

Colonial style is an expensive pleasure that only people with above-average incomes can afford. In the interiors are used only natural materials, which now cost very expensive. The general features of the direction include:

  • The abundance of exotic vegetation. Colonization usually took place in tropical countries, and this is due to the use of "local" vines, ferns, palm trees. The plants not only looked beautiful in the houses, but also allowed to cool the hot air slightly.
  • Wide floor windows more like doors. In colonial homes, the openings were purposefully enlarged. Mostly this was done so that a pleasant draft appeared in the house.
  • The use of natural wood and stone in the decoration of the exterior and interior.

Although there are many sub-styles in the colonial direction, nowadays only three of them have gained popularity:

  • French;
  • English;
  • American.

The latter deserves special attention, since it is considered a colonial "squared", because before becoming a metropolis, the country itself was for a long time under the yoke of Britain. The direction is based on a classic style that has expanded its boundaries. This was expressed in the spacious (2-3 floor floors), where guests were greeted by a huge hall with a staircase. The materials prevailed in solid wood, and the decor was made of wrought metal. The English version of the style is an architectural and interior potpourri of Great Britain and India, which has long been its colony. The severity, stiffness, aristocracy of the British faced the gentleness, openness and simplicity of the Indians. Classic interiors are complemented by “wild” trophies in the form of animal skins and heads on the walls, and Gothic features alternate with smooth, rounded lines and ornate patterns that used to adorn Hindu temples.

French colonial style gave us famous panoramic windows. In this direction the clearest trace was left by mixing with the cultures of Asia. The interiors use silk wallpaper with thematic drawings, expensive porcelain, metal decorative elements (jewelry boxes, vases).


    

Finishing and selection of finishing materials

Among the finishing materials choose wood, stone and a special clay brick. If the owners prefer imitation (albeit expensive), the interior will be a version of the colonial style adapted to modern realities. To create a classic interior in which the traditions of several nations have been assimilated, one cannot save money. The ceiling is plastered and decorated with wooden beams, the floor is sheathed with boards or trimmed with tiles, and the walls can be covered with expensive fabric wallpapers. A variant of refined silk will suit the French floor.


    

Furniture

The furniture uses contrasting in its characteristics materials: light woven parts and massive objects made of natural wood. In the first case, reed, bamboo, palm branches and rattan are used as the base. Wicker chairs, chairs and couches are closed with a pile of soft pillows. Such furniture is convenient because it can be easily transferred to the garden if necessary. “Static” objects (cabinets, beds, dressers) are manually made from solid wood. The facades are decorated with laconic carvings or braided inserts.

To get a sample of classic furniture, you will have to order its manufacture or go to expensive stores with original products. A way to save money will be a trip to the so-called “flea market”, where you can buy old items. However, their unsightly appearance will be appreciated by Provence only. Well-preserved specimens with no visible defects fit the colonial style.

    

Color spectrum

Classic colonial style does not tolerate any screaming, bright accents. Since most of the houses were located in the conditions of a mercilessly hot climate, the basis of the color palette is white (black attracts light and heats up faster). In the apartment options are allowed indulgence in the form of pastel colors. Accent surfaces are painted in natural tones: brown, beige, burgundy, red, mustard, olive and dark blue. It is not recommended to combine more than three shades in one interior. The concept of direction is such that the brightness of the composition will give the green spots of indoor plants.


    

Lighting

Traditional lighting is complemented by devices with ethnic flavor. To the classic chandelier fit the original sconces and floor, table lamps. They are made of metal (bronze, iron, brass, copper), glass, leather and special rice paper. In this way, it will be possible to organically combine European traditions with the elements of the “natives” culture and provide the premises with the necessary amount of light.


    

Accessories and decor

In the decoration there are accessories from the animal world, as it occupied a special place in the cultures of the Aztecs, Indians, African tribes and islanders. Although paganism is considered to be a primitive religion, instead of a hierarchical pantheon of classical deities, it had its own laconic, natural “board of honor”, ​​which was worshiped. If we are talking about elements from Africa, then suitable clay pots and plates, masks, statues, textiles with an ethnic pattern, paintings with a "sandy" landscape of the vast desert. To create an "American" color, they use dream catchers, roach, themed photos on the walls. In the upholstery can be used roughly processed skins, wicker chests, suitcases, baskets. To convey a special interior mood, you can put a bundle of firewood near the fireplace, which was previously kept warm in cold nights, and you can hang an old world map on the wall.

Do not forget about indoor plants. Ordinary dracaena, Horvais, rapis or ferns davaliya, pteris emphasize the originality of the situation and become an element that smoothes the contrast between the two cultures.

    

Bedroom interior

The colonial-style bedroom has one characteristic feature - a canopy above the bed. In tropical countries, it is set not at all for beauty, but for the sake of protection from annoying insects. The bed itself is chosen either from solid wood with carved legs and "columns" under a canopy, or with elegant, wrought-iron elements. The walls are painted in a neutral shade of brown or in the tone of pastel colors. The floor is covered with boards, and the top is covered with a carpet. The ceiling is simply plastered. On both sides of the double bed symmetrically set tables. Their surface is decorated with identical lamps. "Boudoir" zone is replaced by a light table and wicker chair. A drawer, suitcase or closed basket will be a colorful place to store things.

By the way, the textiles used for the canopy should overlap with the fabric for curtains. You can even sew both of these elements from the same material.

    

Living room interior

The central decoration of the colonial living room will be a classic fireplace. It is made of dark stone, which favorably emphasizes the light-walnut finish of the walls. By the way, this surface is simply plastered or painted, as accessories and textiles will become accents in the interior composition. On the walls hang classic paintings in frames of baguette and luxurious mirrors. The junction between them and the ceiling is decorated with a neat fillet with elements of stucco. In the kit to the central chandelier made of crystal along the perimeter of the room, candlesticks are installed on the mantelpiece and table tops. If the dimensions of the room allow, then it has two zones for relaxation. The first is a composition of a massive sofa and a pair of armchairs around a coffee table. The best intellectual activity on this platform will be the game of chess. The second furniture group consists of a pair of wicker chairs or chairs. They are placed around the second coffee table by the window. The place is ideal for reading or drinking tea for a measured conversation. The windows are curtained with thick curtains with an ethnic pattern. The floors are covered with short nap carpets. We should not forget about indoor plants, with which the pots are evenly distributed throughout the room.


    

Kitchen interier

For the design of the kitchen using a classic massive set of brown or unusual olive color. Its facades are decorated with metal handles. The ceiling is plastered and decorated along the joints with stucco walls. In rare cases, the surface is sheathed with a board and decorated with roughly treated beams. The original element of the decor will be a chandelier, which is equipped with special hooks along the radius of the entire ceiling. Buckets and pans are subsequently suspended on them. Ethnic flavor in the kitchen is manifested in the details. The apron is decorated with stone. Clay pots, jugs, vases, plates and other “native” utensils are hidden on the open shelves and behind the glass doors of the classic headset. Also, the interior is complemented by wicker baskets, which generally can create a single storage system, where traditional drawers are replaced with a “lightweight” version of reed or rattan. An island element with the placement of a table for cooking and a quick meal in the middle of the room is considered an essential element even in the smallest kitchens. Of course, the colonial houses had spacious canteens, but the servants usually ate separately from the owners. It can be decorated with wrought iron elements, covered with a tablecloth and decorated with a bowl of fruit.


    

Bathroom

The colonial-style bathroom is decorated with tiled floors. If we are talking about the English direction, then the “chessboard” of terracotta-colored tiles and the shade of wet asphalt on the walls will look organic. The floor is trimmed with a light ceramic tile laid with a Christmas tree and an attachment. Furniture for the bathroom is chosen from wood (specially processed) light brown shades. The wall above the sink is decorated with a rectangular mirror in a simple frame. On both sides of it are placed simple lamps. The traditional bath is decorated with brass and stands on graceful legs, as in all classical interiors. On the countertop near the sink put clay vessels, dishes, miniature elephants, inlaid with stones.


    

Interior of a studio apartment

For the decoration of the studio colonial style fits perfectly. If you use the French direction, then you can zone a large room with a classic interior using mobile screens typical of Asian interiors. The accent wall is covered with fabric wallpaper, and the rest of the surface is plastered. By the way, it is better to keep textiles away from the "kitchen" zone. The bedroom can be closed with curtains and add to the zoning a couple of pots with plants that are symmetrically placed on the floor. Alternatively, one wall can be decorated with a series of paintings by naturalists or Indian paintings, African ritual elements.


    

Conclusion

Colonial style - stands alone among many classic styles. Over the centuries, it has not lost its relevance. The conditions for the emergence of style were so peculiar that it is strikingly different from other areas, becoming a reflection of the bloody era of conquests and the great time of geographical discoveries. Any traveler or sailor was eager to take with him a piece of his homeland, which was most clearly manifested in the interiors of dwellings, but it was impossible to avoid a clash of his own culture with an unknown local, and he didn’t want to. Inquiring minds, which curiosity pushed literally thousands of miles from home, absorbed new information with greed. The combination of national motives of developed metropolises and developing colonies resulted in a unique style, the beauty of which strikes minds to this day.

Watch the video: Colonial Style Interior Decorating (March 2024).

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