Quite often, people who are not sophisticated in the interior, confuse the styles of "country" and "English".But this is not the same thing. The first can be called "rural", "rural", which is characterized by a craving for finishing with natural materials and the presence of a few rough elements of furniture and dishes - wooden tables, stools, clay cups and so on.
The English style is characterized as "aristocratic".And in fact, it is a harmonious and successful blending of the other two - Victorian and Georgian. To understand the features of exactly what is called English, it is necessary to understand what the "original" styles differ, each of which corresponds to a certain epoch.
Victorian - craving for luxury and brightness of colors( shades).
Georgian - restraint in color, strict symmetry in everything.
How to combine such partially incompatible interior options in one room? The main features of the English style are:
- exquisite taste, but moderation in everything, bordering on severity;
- luxury, but restrained, without "shouting";
- elegance and refinement;
- the general design of all rooms is made so that as a result the uniform harmonious composition has turned out;
- availability of free space( this is one of the reasons why it is unlikely to realize all the plans of a designer for the design of a small-sized dwelling in the English style);
- some conservatism in decoration and furnishing, testifying to the continuity of generations.
Therefore, all examples and advice can be purely recommendatory. To make a general idea of the English style in an individual apartment, consider some of the most common options for its design.
Materials and decor elements
Preference is given to wood, but only valuable species( a tribute to Victorianism).For example, walnut, oak stained, beech, ash, yew. Doors, cornices, furniture, wall panels - all this from natural material, no imitation.
- Fabric - only expensive, mostly "heavy"( for example, drape).
- You must have at least a small fireplace.
- Plaids, cushions( the last should be several).
- Pictures, portraits( frames of regular shape - mostly oval or square).
Antiques - watches, various figurines and so on. Although you can use something completely exotic. If you recall history, in the past England had a lot of colonies. It was from there that the most unusual things got to the houses of the British. Therefore, this style is quite possible experimenting with the design of the apartment.
Another small touch - some "shabby", giving the finish and things a touch of antiquity. This gives the impression that in this dwelling everything passed as an inheritance from generation to generation for many years( a tribute to traditions as an element of conservatism).
Interior of separate rooms
Kitchen
One of the most problematic premises in terms of decoration. Firstly, , to place in the kitchen of standard dimensions, massive furniture made of wood is very difficult, given the rather modest dimensions of this room. So, we'll have to order a set according to individual parameters, and not be content with those ready-made "sets" that are exhibited in furniture stores.
Secondly, the , it has quite a lot of household appliances, and the designer's task is to "hide" them as much as possible within various sections and lockers. Perhaps, something will have to be abandoned if you want to fully withstand the English style. Or experimenting, pre-designing the optimal headset design.
Given such a component of the English style, as grace, for washing, probably the only option is a ceramic product. And if its imitation, then only a very high-quality, therefore, expensive. Another touch to the design of the kitchen in the English style - porcelain dishes and silverware.
Living room
The main "element" of the interior of this room is a fireplace. Naturally, in a city apartment you can put just an electric appliance that simulates a natural hearth. But its surface finish should correspond to the general style - imitation of wood( dark) or stone( preferably carved).
Requires special approach and organization of lighting. If the wall fixtures( sconces) are small in size. It is desirable to place either a floor fixture( floor lamp) or a massive table lamp. Crystal massive chandelier - as another main element of the overall decor.
Furnishing items must have carved or curved parts( for example, legs), high backs( chairs, armchairs), and upholstery - from fabrics of monochrome, but bright shades.
Required attributes of the living room interior are a spacious bookcase and a coffee table( imitation of the home library).Heavy curtains, preferably with lambrequins, will only complement the overall picture.
Bedroom
The bed is necessarily wooden, dark in color. All that is on it - pillowcases on pillows, a blanket - only monophonic, without "flowers" and such similar ornaments( an element of restraint).All materials, unlike the bed itself, only light colors.
One more detail - a wardrobe, but without legs. Next to the bed is a coffee table with a table lamp. As an option - sconces at the head of the bed.
Practical advice
Anyone, even a beginner, the psychologist will say that the design of the home must correspond to the inner world of the owners. Therefore, not every style is suitable "for all".This fully applies to English. If you are committed to keeping traditions, have taste and know what a sense of proportion is, it is for you. If not, it is better to pay attention to something else. For example, art deco, high-tech or otherwise. The choice is always there. A blind pursuit of fashion is unlikely to cause a feeling of complete satisfaction.
