Colonial style in the interior.

Colonial (from the Latin word "colonus") - colon, the so-called ancient Roman settlers, land tenants, usually on the outskirts of the empire, in the province. A style born at the junction of two worlds - East and West.


This trend originated in medieval England. Known for its powerful navy, Great Britain was the biggest conqueror.


By the end of the 19th century Its colonies were on all continents. Other European countries did not lag behind the British. Europe rules the whole world. Spanish, English and French ships set off in search of new territories and sources of resources. Very often the conquerors settled in the colonies with their families. This is how the colonial style appeared, which is based on the synthesis of cultures - the colonialists brought with them the comfort and elegance of Europe, and borrowed exotic traditions and original motifs from the locals.


Depending on the nationality of the colonists and the location of the colonies, the colonial style in architecture and design had several types: laconic and elegant English, luxurious French, cozy Spanish, slightly rough Dutch, and restrained American colonial style. As well as a style based on the fundamental difference between Asian, South American and African cultures.


Colonial style is a concept so broad that it is difficult to fit it into one definition. The main directions of the colonial style have developed over the centuries, as a result of which various eras and cultures peacefully coexist in it, which makes it especially eclectic. Archaic forms and ethnic motifs are considered the main feature of the colonial style.


The Europeans brought the “native” culture, borrowed from the local population some features of their way of life, the arrangement of dwellings and their interior decoration, divided into zones conditionally: with the help of different levels or ceilings, wicker screens, sliding partitions, fabric screens or columns. Colonial design offers numerous possibilities for combining objects and furnishing details. Colonial-style houses have always used batten to protect the walls from being damaged by chair backs. Floral ornament prevails.

The style was based on massive carved mahogany and teak furniture combined with rattan (wicker furniture) and leather. Massive weapons cabinets and sideboards, suitcase tables, tables with fanciful bends of legs, a low chair with a reclined back and curled armrests, chests with gilding and ivory inlay. Animal skins, Indian wild silks, colorful cushions, Turkish and Persian rugs, runners and curtains, canopies, folding shutters and wicker fans; glazed herbarium, telescope, geographical maps; tropical plants (palm trees, ferns, orchids), a bunch of brushwood, picturesque stones, bamboo blinds, a mat, floor vases, baskets, fruit and vegetable trays; African ritual masks, Buddha statues, colorful candles, etc.


When creating colonial interiors, natural materials should be used - wood, clay, bronze, leather, ceramics. The color scheme should also correspond to natural shades: gold, terracotta, aged wood, olive, yellow ocher, greenish yellow, pinkish red, grayish green shades, brown, beige, straw colors.


An important place in interior design is occupied by accessories, they give the interior individuality. Even banal door handles can be a highlight. Candles of various colors and sizes will create a pleasant atmosphere. Floor vases, baskets and trays can be great places to store small items. Picturesque stones, fresh fruits and vegetables will add a piece of nature to the interior. Bamboo blinds, wicker screen. Embroidered carpets, mats or a huge carpet with floral or geometric patterns will look extremely natural on the floor - this is also a colonial style.


The colonial style gives an unusual role to various accessories - it is thanks to them, sometimes insignificant gizmos, that the interior is filled with meaning. Various figurines and candlesticks, wooden chests and wicker suitcases, a bundle of brushwood and carved plates - they subtly emphasize the colonial style.


The colonial style will emphasize the various attributes of a successful hunt for a wild animal. Animal horns, stuffed birds, and wooden-framed photos hung on the walls will more accurately convey the colonial style.


Another fundamental addition to the colonial style is the presence of living vegetation in the interior. Palm trees, ferns, bamboo trunks and exotic flowers in huge clay pots will create a real colonial style and an indescribable feeling of freshness and warmth of tropical thickets.


For passionate travelers and those who like to bring countless souvenirs from overseas trips, the colonial style of the interior is the most suitable. Inhaling the indescribable smell of natural wood furniture, and admiring the colorful fan on the wall of your living room, you will again and again remember those happy moments that you spent in mysterious India or exotic Vietnam.


Today, the colonial style in the interior is chosen by strong-willed people with high aesthetic demands.


Continuation of the review of interior styles follows ...