Constructivism refers to a group of avant-garde styles. At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, new trends began to emerge in the visual arts, which completely rejected traditions. They clearly traced the persistent attempts to find a new, previously unused. Avant-garde originates in Europe, where its main inspirers worked, and the USSR is considered the birthplace of constructivism. In the early stages of the development of Soviet power, an “international” style began to be developed, which reflected the main aspects of collectivization: simplicity of forms, brevity in decor, strict geometric figures. In part, constructivism resembled a potpourri of abstractionism and minimalism. Initially, the direction "leaked" into the architecture. In those days, urban planning accelerated the pace, as the new government sought to create its own rational world on the ruins of the former. Then the style moved to landscape design, interior design and captured the cultural side of the life of a Soviet person: literature, music and photography.
However, as is known, the direction cannot live “fully” within the framework of one country, and the ideas of Russian architects began to be adopted by their foreign colleagues. So constructivism crossed the "closed" borders of the USSR and gave rise to new style branches, which went their own ways of development. Before the beginning of World War II, a sharp decline in direction was artificially provoked. Forcibly began to change to more pompous and luxurious options. The change in the country's leadership began to popularize completely different ideas, rejecting the old ones. Constructivism in the interior will still be used, but there will be a degradation of direction. Many architects and designers, being desperate supporters of this style, could not adapt to the "new rules" and chose to emigrate from the country. However, the history of this trend has not ended, constructivist ideas continue to live to this day. Rationalism, which style strictly obeys, after the next cyclical “turn” of fashion, became popular again. Naturally constructivists find original interior solutions corresponding to the new time and the needs of modern man.
General style characteristics
A brief description of constructivism can be summarized in two words "rationalism and practicality." Style, like other areas, has a number of features that are characteristic only for him. These include:
- Systematization Absolutely throughout the interior should be traced a clear order, which will not allow guests to “get lost” in the room, and the owners on their own shelves in the closet. If you belong to the supporters of "creative disorder" in the apartment and in your head, then this style is not for you.
- Strict colors. This feature is characteristic of most modern styles. In constructivism they use gray, black, brown, but also admit the presence of bright accents.
- The simplicity of the lines, "easy" geometry. There should be no smooth bends, rounded shapes in the furniture and features of the decoration.
- "Greetings" from the Soviet era. Their presence in the premises is not at all necessary, but to create an extraordinary setting, such a stylistic move will be most welcome. Images in constructivism under the taboo, therefore, to revitalize the atmosphere, they use graphic posters or posters that depict representatives of the working class with slogans and appeals from the past century.
- Minimalist. The interiors use only the minimum necessary for living furniture. It will be practical, and sometimes multi-functional. The latest nuance traced modern fashion trends.
Constructivism belongs to simple styles, which, however, do not suit everyone. To the interior will have to either get used to, or reject immediately. The latter concerns young natures who love “live” premises. The direction is more suitable for strict, serious people aged.
Constructivism does not like division into rooms; in this, he outpaced fashionable interior trends and “predicted” the popularization of studio apartments.
Decoration Materials
On finishing materials for constructivism, as they say, you will not go bankrupt. The direction prefers "budget" options: glass, metal, plastic. The imitation of expensive materials is rarely used, since conceit and attempts to reach the status of "luxury" is not about this practical style. Constructivism does not need someone to prove something, because it is self-sufficient. However, the direction is not without a unique touch of elegance. It is embodied in chrome-plated and glass surfaces that stand out favorably on the background of plastic. The walls are plastered with simple wallpaper, the ceiling is plastered and painted or whitened, and the floor is covered with laminate or parquet board, devoid of the traditional wood pattern. In more modern options use a bulk floor and stretch ceilings (monophonic and without patterns). In textiles, preference is given to simple naturalness: cotton, linen, "burlap". Coarse textures with visible stitches of fibers are welcome.
It is important to know. Designers recommend abandoning the popular brick and stone wood. These materials in the style of the room will look alien because they violate its basic principle: minimalism in decoration and decoration.
Furniture
Furnishing is chosen according to the principle: the simpler the better. Each room has a sufficiently functional minimum, which will be used for its intended purpose, and not stand "for beauty." The concept of the latter constructivism also has its own. It is expressed in rationality, rigor and style restraint. This kind of “adult” idea of the beautiful, contrasting with the “youthful” beauty of romanticism or the bright charm of Provence. In the furnishing, as in the decoration, plastic prevails, which is shaded by metal, glass and mirrors. The surfaces are smooth, without embossed texture. Upholstery of sofas and armchairs with a rough texture from natural materials or their combination with synthetics.
The need for simple furniture, which in those days was massively produced, arose on the basis of the post-war shortage. So that typical products were made quickly and cost a penny, we had to abandon all the frills. For this reason, the furniture performed only basic functions: it was cooked, ate, slept, sat, worked and rested. All other "delights" were the lot of the bourgeois stratum, which was despised.
Color solutions
At the heart of the style is always the color "trio". If you apply more shades, the conciseness and harmony of the interior picture can be broken. Two colors, as a rule, have a neutral character: white, gray, black, brown, and the third is chosen according to the principle of contrast. The last tone plays in the details of furnishing and decor. Especially popular are:
- Red;
- Blue;
- Green;
- Yellow.
Do not recommend the use of drawings, ornaments and patterns.
Lighting
At a special position in constructivism natural light. It should be as much as possible so that the room literally bathed in it. In private homes for these purposes install panoramic windows in the floor. This nuance is taken into account at the design stage. In apartments, where changing the order of things is no longer possible, the windows are framed with plain curtains and airy tulle, which looks more like a light web. Such a conditional "obstacle" will not prevent the sun's rays from playing on metal and glass surfaces in the interior. Artificial lighting is being worked out on three main levels. The general is usually decorated using a ceiling chandelier, which is located strictly above the center of the room. Additional lighting is provided by floor lamps and wall sconces, the ceiling lamps of which have the simplest forms. Local devices are installed in places for reading or work. Usually table lamps serve as light sources.
In especially small rooms it is better to refuse curtains at all. They are replaced by practical blinds, so as not to bring with them a touch of "office" furnishings, choose non-standard panel colors: deep blue, grass green, sunny yellow.
Living room
The drawing room is used for collective rest and reception of "visitors". In this room set wardrobe, sofa, a couple of chairs and a coffee table. The white floor is covered with a square beige rug, which conventionally denotes the center of the room. From this point, and repelled when creating interior composition. Around the carpet equip recreation area: one corner sofa or two symmetrical opposite each other. Between them there is a coffee table, and a number of additional chairs, in case of a large number of guests. The wall with the window is left open without furniture so that nothing prevents the light from entering the room. Opposite the recreation area, they hang a flat-panel TV, which no longer needs coasters. A cabinet with closed shelves is installed against the opposite wall.
Bedroom
The functional "set" for the bedroom includes a bed, bedside tables, a chest of drawers, a couple of chairs or poufs, and perhaps a wardrobe. The bed is chosen with a metal frame in black or white. It is covered with a light bedspread: only two or three monochromatic pillows are allowed from the decor. On the sides of the bed symmetrically placed two bedside tables. Each set on the lamp with a simple, white canopy. The floor in front of the bed is covered with a small square carpet or two small ones on either side of the bed. The cabinet can be replaced with a combined-type construction with open and closed shelves. This exceptional step is only allowed to dilute the atmosphere of the rest room. Books or poor souvenirs made in the best traditions of minimalism are placed in the open shelves.
Original in the interior look hinged structures (tables, beds), which embody practicality in its highest form.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, prefer a headset, rather than separately purchased items. Its surface can be both matte and glossy, and it is here that the “right” to the accent color is used. The set can be red, blue, yellow. The more active the shade, the less it is used additionally in decorative items. The kitchen apron is decorated with ceramic tiles without pictures in strict colors. It is possible to create a "chess" composition. The floor is also tiled to match the apron, but larger in size. The square table is not decorated with a tablecloth, and the chairs are chosen with hard seats without upholstery. Windows are traditionally only slightly curtain.
Children's
Constructivism is rarely used to decorate a child's room. Such a room may seem unnecessarily boring to a child, but there are also some advantages in the style. Taking into account children's needs, growing every year, the nature of the crumbs in practical conditions can be formed on a completely different pattern. Naturally, there will be more bright accents in the room than in other rooms. As an exception, the following pattern is allowed: geometric shapes and their combinations. The whole furniture minimum fits in one corner: a loft bed with storage area and work space.
Bathroom
The bathroom is actively used mounted toilet bowls and overhead sinks. The abundance of mirrors, glass and metal will become a stylish addition to the decor. Bath is better to replace the practical shower. The corner where it will be located can be trimmed with ceramic tiles of a different color from the rest of the walls, but within the framework of the selected tonal composition. Storage areas in small rooms are not recommended. There are a number of non-standard options (narrow racks, shelves under the ceiling), which constructivism simply will not accept. The lack of natural lighting will have to fill up by increasing the number of sources of artificial light.
Entrance hall
In the hallway set the closet for storage of clothes and shoes. Open shelves in it are excluded, since this will not comply with the rule of "systematization" during storage. Walls paste over with wall-paper: light in the big halls and dark in the small. It is recommended to refuse a dresser as if from an excess interior object. Instead, set a high mirror to the floor with a simple frame (perhaps a bright color, like an accent). If the dresser is still present, then choose a hinged model that will add original notes to the interior. A bench or two low stools for pereobuvaniya choose contrasting shades.
Conclusion
Nowadays, trendy high-tech is considered to be the “grandson” of Soviet constructivism. Ideas of styles overlap, and sometimes create original combinations. In fact, high-tech is a more modern "variant" of constructivism, which has learned and accepted the achievements of a century of technical progress. Given the increasing popularity of practicality and simplicity, the style promises a strong position in the future.
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