Colonial interior style is a magnificent result of the synthesis of Eastern and European cultures, the result of colonization. Exotic aroma and philosophical symbols of distant countries are combined in it with European luxury and comfort. Ultimately, any innovation sooner or later is a classic, and the classics, as you know, never go out of fashion.
India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and other eastern countries, once conquered by European colonialists, have retained their national traditions, although they have been influenced by Western civilization. Exquisite items of oriental interior for several centuries were imported by the colonialists to England, France, Spain, Portugal. Having adapted to new conditions, they have firmly entered European culture and have become an integral part of European design.
In an interior of a "Colonial" house, it is as if you are touching eternity. Tables covered with crocodile skin, bronze candlesticks, marble figurines, chests of drawers and chests made of expensive woods - all these rich room decor attributes do not look at all different from those that were created a century or two ago. Many of them are deliberately stylized as antiques. Anything, be it a miniature leather stool or a solid desk with many drawers, is hand-made and tells us about its special value.
Tastefully selected colonial furniture is able to warm up and “humanize” any interior. So, a miniature carved table will create an original composition in a duet with a simple metal vase, and a Malaysian walnut table set will decorate a spacious living room decorated in pastel colors.
Perhaps the highlight of Colonial style is the “animal” theme, when a table, a chest of drawers, a chest and a floor lamp repeat the outlines of animals, imitating their plasticity and habits. Elephants, buffaloes, monkeys and turtles - this is not the whole list of inhabitants of a Colonial interior. Legs of sofas, armchairs, tables often imitate lion paws, and backs, armrests and other details are decorated with figures of elephants and mountain sheep. Animals seem to play with furnishings.
Colonial style is difficult to fit into a strict framework, and depending on a geographical location and occupation of the colonists, it developed its own varieties. Thus, the villas of owners of rubber and sugar plantations had their own style. The famous low chair with a reclined back and curled arms has become a symbol of the West Indian colonies. The main elements of this interior were folding shutters and wicker fans that saved people from the midday sun, as well as massive weapon cabinets and cupboards.
A completely different atmosphere reigned in colonial houses of India. Their distinctive details are Asian elements and luxury. Mirror frames, tables and chests were decorated with gilding and ivory inlay. Hindu architecture was reflected in especially ornate curves of the table legs; bright patterns of pillows, paths and curtains set off the dark wood of furniture. Cold stone floor was covered with Turkish and Persian rugs acquired on travel.
The need to be mobile, while remaining elegant, led to the formation of a unique style of furniture - "safari". Everyday items were transported during the safari from one camp to another on the shoulders of porters. In such conditions, it is difficult to imagine moving a heavy Victorian closet from one tent to another, so the furniture was mostly collapsible, folding or with removable parts, often with hidden drawers.
A Colonial design of an apartment combines practicality and exoticism. Furniture is dominated by neutral, close to nature, colors: brown, beige, straw colors. Textiles and accessories reflected the riot and vibrant colors of the rainforest. Animal skins, Indian wild silk and realistic floral ornaments brought the colonists closer to the local culture and traditions. Heavy wooden candlesticks and suitcase tables were not only practical, but also had their own special charm.
Animal skins were used more as warm rugs than hunting trophies. The 19th century colonists' obsession with science was also reflected in an interior: a glazed herbarium, telescopes and geographical maps adorned many of the houses. Tropical plants such as palm trees, ferns and orchids have also found their way into interior design.
There is another kind of colonial style. Many travelers preferred their homeland to the colonies and, returning from distant countries, brought souvenirs with them. Often, an African ritual mask and a Buddha statue coexisted in the same room. The colonial setting was sometimes romantic, sometimes absurd, but the main advantage was that the exotic elements made it possible to travel around the world without leaving the door of your home.
Colonial style in America developed in a completely different direction. The settlers tried to recreate the atmosphere of their homeland in their homes. The result is a simplified version of European interiors. Furniture roughly made by local craftsmen has become typical, devoid of sophisticated details. Cheap types of wood were used (pine, linden), the surface was often left untreated or simply painted in a light color.
Dishes placed on shelves served as decoration. The color scheme was limited to pastel colors, which made the room lighter and more spacious. Check was a favorite textile pattern. In the 20th century, an American colonial interior is experiencing a rebirth, but more for patriotic reasons: to live the way our ancestors, the fathers of democracy, lived.
Colonial style is no longer associated with the conquests of the past, but brings an exotic touch to the house. For some, it can be a reminder of past trips or a foretaste of upcoming trips. Colonial design offers numerous possibilities for combining objects and furnishing details.
If you decide to equip your apartment in Colonial style, then, first of all, it is important to decide on the dominant color.
• Muted red and yellow tones will give coziness and warmth to a room
• For a chic option, use white and beige furniture shades
• Bright warm colors will add light to a room
• Cold light shades make a room visually larger
• Dark, rich wall color accentuates furniture and accessories
If you chose a bright color for walls, then furniture should be neutral shades and vice versa. Traditionally, Colonial style uses dark wooden furniture that is easily combined with all sorts of colors, textures and ornaments. Pillows, curtains, canopies are easily replaced and give room for imagination.
Here are some tips for successful choice of textiles for your interior design:
• Small, soft patterns are the best for small rooms,
• Large ornaments in rich colors look better in large rooms,
• It is better not to use more than one large painting in a room decor
• The contrast between small and large patterns on a fabric looks interesting
• Neutral colors look more interesting in voluminous texture (coarse knit blanket, coarse pile rug)
An important place in interior design is given to accessories, they bring individuality into a room. 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. A bundle of brushwood, picturesque stones, fresh fruits and vegetables will add a piece of nature to your interior. In general, natural materials dominate in Colonial style. Bamboo blinds, wicker screen or mat will brighten up any room.
Warm colors and natural colonial-style materials create a cozy atmosphere in a room. Even when it’s cloudy, it seems that a ray of sunshine has entered your house. Create your own exotic corner in gray urban jungle.
