Features Empire in the interior( general)
Empire - it beats in the eyes of luxury and splendor. The style is distinguished by the following features:
- Costly materials and finishes. Being literally emperor( appeared during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte), this style does not accept cheapness. Everything is aimed at demonstrating one's wealth and greatness.
- Heavy-weight furniture in dark wood, the supporting elements of which were made in the form of griffins or lions' paws. It is characteristic decoration of the products by gilding, carving and reliefs.
- Rich( but not bright!) Colors.
- A large number of ancient Roman motifs and military symbols.
- The interior is characterized by strict symmetry and orderliness.
- The main decorative elements - mirrors, which are often located in the most unexpected places, and military service items.
This style perfectly suits people solid, provided and appreciates solidity in everything.
Characteristic colors for the ampira
Traditionally, preference is given to deep red, blue, luxurious gold and white. They are diluted with various shades of brown, which is due to the use of natural wood. There is also a black and rich emerald color.
Empire features a single color scheme, which gives the interior integrity and completeness. Sometimes in the design can be used and two contrasting colors, for example, gold and emerald.
Furniture in Empire style
Massive furniture made of natural wood( walnut, Karelian birch, mahogany) with upholstery is decorated with antique elements - columns, capitals, panels, cornices, etc. A large amount of military threads are also present.
A real work of art is the feet of furniture. Often they originate not traditionally from the seat, but from the armrests, and are performed in the form of a herm-pillar with four facets, crowned with a small sculpture. In Empire style these are figures of griffins, lions, swans. All patterns are strictly symmetrical!
Characteristic pieces of furniture:
- cabinets, chests of drawers, secretaries;
- armchairs of the ancient Roman pattern;
- small round tables;
- for the bedroom - placed on a pedestal huge bed with a canopy, on both sides of which were cut lions or sphinxes.
All products are carefully polished and varnished, so they have a well-defined luster.
Decor
Decor in the Empire style takes not so much quantity as quality and solidity. Firstly, these are mirrors that were exposed in heavy carved frames or, conversely, hid behind the draperies of fabrics. They had a place above the fireplace, on the doors, between the windows.
Secondly, the elements of military uniforms, weapons. Of course, we are not talking about modern variations. It should be shields, armor, swords.
Indispensable attribute - a picture of considerable size. Most often they depicted military scenes or hunting. Old engravings, crystal, porcelain dishes will also emphasize the style of decorating the room.
Features of Empire style when repairing an apartment
When thinking about decorating an interior in Empire style, soberly evaluate the front of the work. At a minimum, you will need a large area, well, if the ceilings will also differ in height. If for these moments there is a clear deficit, then limit yourself to only certain elements of the style. Finishing options:
- Walls. Once upon a time, silk fabrics were used for their decoration. It is expensive, beautiful, but it does not meet modern conditions of life. A more practical and affordable cost-effective alternative would be wallpaper that mimics silk.
- Gender. Art parquet in a special honor - complex drawings of dies of different shades will become a real decoration of the room. Mosaic marble with the image of ancient Roman motifs( more often - military) also fully meets the requirements of style. If this is too expensive, pay attention to the ceramic tiles with imitation of such a coating.
- Ceiling. Usually it is painted white and in a small amount is supplemented with stucco and gilding. Again, if the ceilings do not differ in height, leave them just plain white.
Lighting
Not too large rectangular windows are richly draped with fabric with fringe, brushes. Obviously, there is not enough natural light for the room, and they are supplemented by artificial light sources that amaze the imagination. The central place is given to a multi-level ceiling chandelier made of high-quality crystal. It should consist of a lot of plafonds and pendants, setting a triumphal-festive mood for the whole interior.
Local lighting is composed of wall-mounted multi-pedestal sconces, floor lamps with fabric lampshades and bronzed candlesticks. As a rule, their legs are a figurine.
Features of Empire style when building a house
Individual houses in the Empire style - a rarity. This is due to the nature of the style, which requires a large scale and large investments. If all the possibilities are available, then the external appearance of the structure should differ in the severity and clarity of the forms, symmetry. Two floors are a minimum. From the side of the facade, they are separated by belt ornaments on an even monochrome background. This contrast of relief and smoothness is one of the main architectural features of the Empire. The rest are:
- Rectangular, framed windows.
- The main staircase, which extends far beyond the perimeter of the house.
- The presence of massive balconies, cornices, columns and stucco.
- A combination of red-brown and white, gold and white in the facade solution.
Construction of country houses in Empire style can be simplified a little if you use modern technology and materials. This is a polyurethane stucco, which is easy and simple to install;facade panels, imitating brickwork, etc. All this brings you closer to one of the most beautiful styles of architecture.
