High-tech as a direction in interior design appeared in Europe about 50 years ago, but in our country it began to develop only from the 90'syears of the last century. The appearance of hi-tech is due to a sharp jump in technological progress, under the sign of which the 20th century passed. Flying into space, the development of information technology - all this inspired representatives of creative professions to create works that are addressed to the future. In literature and cinema, this was reflected in the growing interest in the genre of fiction, and in architecture - in the creation of futuristic designs, which then seemed a real challenge to classical art.
Today high-tech is perceived as a sign of prestige, because not everyone can afford to build a building or interior decoration in this style. High-tech involves the use of modern high-tech materials and structures, which, of course, affects the cost of work. We suggest that you begin to get acquainted with the hi-tech style from the creation of a futuristic bathroom.
Nuances of style
The style of high-tech is very recognizable, it's really difficult to confuse it with some other direction.
For high-tech interior are typical:
- simple forms, smooth lines, right angles;
- monochrome color scale;
- neglect of natural materials;
- use of glass, plastic and chrome-plated metal;
- minimum of decoration;
- use of spot lighting, good room illumination;
- maximum functional use of the area;
- references to the works of modern artists;
- built-in furniture and sanitary equipment;
- suspended plumbing;
- illusion of lightness, airiness, which is created due to the large amount of glass and light;
- walls without finishing - "bare" brick, concrete or plaster;
- metal pipes( structural elements become design elements).
Color solutions
If you decide to decorate a bathroom in high-tech style, then you have a fairly scarce color palette. This style is characterized by the use of only three primary colors: white, black and all shades of gray. Allowed the inclusion of red, blue, green, purple flowers, but you need to choose bright, neon shades.
Despite the monochrome color scheme, the interior does not look dull at all, due to its metallic and glass shine, and also due to good lighting, which is given special importance in hi-tech style.
Patterns, ornaments and other drawings in high-tech interior practically do not occur. Both decoration and furniture are usually monophonic, with minimal decor - nothing should distract attention from form and material.
Finishing
For the bathroom, regardless of the style of decoration, the best option for finishing the walls is ceramic tiles. If we are talking about a high-tech bathroom, then it should be a large square or rectangular tile. The walls in this room are predominantly monophonic, but it is possible to combine two similar colors or use ceramic mosaic - also in tone and, preferably, with metallic luster.
High-tech does not seek the use of original finishing materials, so ceramic flooring will also suit the floor. It is possible to imitate marble or other natural stone, but in a monochrome version. Another good option - it's self-leveling floors, allowing to create a perfectly flat glossy or matte finish.
Now let's talk about the finishing of ceilings. As the high-tech style "loves" smooth, smooth surfaces, it is better to think of a variant than a stretch ceiling. Today, you can choose for a stretch ceiling absolutely any color, including, such a high-tech popular, glossy black.
Plumbing
The choice of sanitary engineering for a bathroom in the style of hi-tech must be taken very responsibly. Forget about traditional bathtubs and toilets - take a look at the novelties in the market of sanitary equipment - to hanging and built-in models, to mortise mixers of strict, geometric shapes.
Bath in a high-tech interior, in principle, can be any. Of course, rectangular models are preferred, without rounded corners, but they are quite expensive. Asymmetric baths of irregular shape will also look organic. The only thing to be avoided is traditional fonts on the legs - after all, they belong to the classical style, to which the hi-tech clearly contradicts.
A perfect alternative to a bath is a modern shower cubicle. The construction of glass and metal as nothing else contributes to maintaining a given style. If possible, choose large, square or rectangular models.
The sink can be ordinary, sanitary, or from non-standard material, for example, glass or metal. The main thing is that it has an unusual shape reminding us that we live in an era of high technology.
Furniture
When setting the bathroom in a hi-tech style, you must adhere to the main line - the desire to go as far as possible from the classical interior. So you need to forget about the wooden furniture. What we need is high-tech products made of glass, plastic metal. Furniture in the first place should be functional, so hi-tech shelves and lockers are quite roomy, but thanks to a large number of transparent and sparkling elements, they do not look massive at all.
High-tech furniture is distinguished by scanty decor or its complete absence. Only metal edging or glass inserts is allowed. Like plumbing equipment, furniture in a high-tech bathroom should have a simple design, that is, consist of a minimum of details. Shelves, lockers and chests in high-tech style are distinguished by symmetrical shapes and strict, clear lines.
Lighting
Lighting in a high-tech bathroom plays a very important role, as this style is characterized by good lighting, as well as the play of light and shadow. There are two ways to organize lighting in high-tech interior. The first of these is the use of spotlights. They practically do not take up space( which is of great importance for this style), create uniform lighting, plus allow selective highlighting of certain functional areas.
The second way is to use the main ceiling light. Here, preference is given to the fantastic designs of chrome-plated metal tubes - with minimalistic glass shades or without them at all. Look closely at the spots - ceiling models with swivel lights. They represent a kind of alternative to point lights, because they allow you to direct the rays of light in different directions.
Efficient lighting will make your room even more modern and unusual.
Accessories
In any interior, even such a ascetic as high-tech, you can not do without accessories - trifles that not only "enliven" the room and give it an individuality, but also bring practical benefits.
The main requirement, which is presented to the accessories for the bathroom, decorated in the style of high-tech - this is a strict correspondence to the chosen style. That is, there are no porcelain figurines, mirrors in wooden frames and curtains with a floral pattern. Soap dishes, rugs, holders for hygienic supplies must be made of the same materials and have the same coloring that dominate the bathroom environment. If possible, try to replace the classic accessories with more modern ones. For example, instead of the usual curtain for a bath, get a sliding plastic construction.
Interior Features
The high-tech style is ideal for small bathrooms, because it assumes the use of a minimal amount of interior items. It is rational to use a small area of the premises, you can, abandoning excesses and leaving only the most necessary. Even a small bathroom, decorated in the style of high technology, will be convenient and functional, because functionality is the main requirement of this style.
Install a compact shower instead of a bulky bathtub, and instead of hanging plastic cupboards - glass shelves - and the room will immediately become more spacious. And if you organize the lighting correctly and use glossy and transparent surfaces, the effect will be even stronger.
Tips
- Hi-tech style is good in that there is no need to hide all communications, and this greatly facilitates the work. Water pipes and sewer pipes( especially if they have a chrome coating), not only do not violate, but, on the contrary, emphasize the style of the interior.
- In hi-tech interior, order is very important, so try not to leave cosmetics, towels and other accessories on your mind. All this is better to store in lockers and get only when necessary.
- Learn to profitably use mirrored surfaces, because they, like nothing else, allow you to visually increase the space. It can be not only a mirror above the washbasin, but also mirror inserts on furniture and other elements of the interior.