Colonial Style In The Interior

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Back in the Renaissance, Europeans-travelers began to discover unprecedented lands and exotic countries. Everything there was new and unusual for them. Every corner of the globe was distinguished by its way of life, way of life and worldview, and any traveler wanted to bring a piece of the unknown and exotic into his usual daily life. Conquering new countries and creating colonies, the Europeans settled their lives in new places, added a particle of local traditions, complementing the interior with exotic, unusual objects for them. So, from such acquisitions, finds and new traditions, a certain style began to take shape, in which Eastern and European cultures are mixed. Thus, the colonial style began to form, which is very popular in our time

Many of us, traveling to exotic countries of the world, acquire a variety of souvenirs and rarities. And, of course, bringing them home, the question often arises: how and where to put, put or hang up the next acquisition. Colonial-style interior decoration is the ability to harmoniously combine the incongruous. The old days and philosophy of Eastern and exotic countries easily get along with the practical comfort of European interiors. The colonial style requires a lot of light, space and air, so it is very difficult to implement it with all laconicism in small-sized city apartments, and sometimes it is not justified. A country house or summer cottage is best suited for the embodiment of the colonial-style interior.

Space zoning

The colonial style is characterized by spaciousness and the presence of air in the room, so the space is divided into zones not by blank concrete walls, but by light decorative objects. Various decorative screens, partitions, columns can become such objects. You can also divide the space using a multi-level floor or ceiling, leaving the area of the room unified. Fabrics, skins and bright curtains brought from distant wanderings will also be good helpers in zoning space.

Colors and textures

Colonial style implies everything refined and natural, therefore, bright, provocative colors should not be present in the interior. Natural noble colors are suitable for interior decoration: beige, sand, olive, terracotta, the color of aged wood, gold, ocher. For walls, textures that imitate natural, natural ones are suitable. It can be decorative plaster, linen wallpaper, "liquid wallpaper", masonry, imitation leather, animal prints, etc. The floor covering can also repeat natural motives: aged wood, mosaic, pebbles, woven carpets, mats, artificial or natural animal skins …

Furniture

For a colonial style, light furniture made from natural materials is suitable. These can be rattan wicker chairs covered with cushions of various materials. Carved wardrobes with gilded fittings and various decorative inserts. Rollaway beds that you can take with you on a hike or trip. Decorative suitcases made of various materials will be a great alternative to bedside tables and cabinets. There may also be wicker trunks, baskets, which can also serve as storage space or additional seating. Also, an important element in the interior will be large windows through which the rooms are filled with sunlight. Windows are decorated with shutters (imitation), blinds made of natural materials, various curtains made in the color of a particular country, for example, with an ornament of Turkish cucumbers, can also be used.

Decorative elements

Of course, it is not always advisable to completely decorate a colonial-style dwelling. In any of the rooms, you can equip a small corner that will remind you of distant wanderings. Sometimes, even in the most democratic apartment there is a little space that will delight the eye and fill with travel memories. A painting in the traditional color of any country, curtains or panels embroidered with an intricate pattern, a table lamp or a floor lamp with a silk, linen or leather lampshade, gilded, bronze, wooden figurines, dishes, household items will complement and decorate any room. The animal theme is the basis of the colonial style, it can be traced both in figurines, animal figurines, and in wallpaper, curtains and furniture upholstery. And it should be remembered that the most interesting is yet to come and it is not worth filling the space by 100%, in every corner there may be an understatement and a place for new trophies and finds.