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Colonial Tale

Magazine "Repair. Interior. Design", № 8, December 2008.

Have the financial ability to change the interior does not guarantee one hundred percent customer embodiment of his fantasies into reality. After all, private space of our house - its a delicate area that should have the functionality, comfort, creating the mood and please the eye.

To tie into a single concept and the need for imagination, as well as the basic elements of interior design and unusual inclusions - a task that requires experience of the architect, the artists talent and deep understanding of the possibilities of the material at the level of master craftsmen. This combination of features in a single person under the force of each. As it turned out, Yaroslavl designer Olga Kuznetsova can solve various interior charades, creating a truly "symphony" and imaginary combinations required in the interior. In addition, she knows a lot about the different styles and modern materials and working seriously in this area is constantly being improved. Today, her story of a colonial-style.

- At home we relax and be comfortable with the environment, even in the details. But this "fortress" of each may be different twist. See and build a single concept all the nuances of this rebirth afford a professional who not only will put idea into a reality, but also gives her stylishness.

The uniqueness of the room can be expressed in the presence of certain elements of culture, ethnicity, or historical era, for example, the style of the 20s or 60s of the last century.

Here, incidentally, is a wonderful combination of Eastern European comfort with tranquility - this is a colonial style.

What is this such a delectable magic that occurs at the confluence of the elements of the imagination with the natural beauty in the unity of the interior? The action is somewhat similar to the legendary James Bond cocktail - when put together, but not mixed vodka and spice tarragon. Maybe this is the harmony of contrast and excites the imagination of the effect of the colonial style?

Intrigue at the destination - on the one hand seem all the possibilities of modern technology, a kind of cold calculation and grace counted lines - Olga Kuznetsova. - On the other - this is complemented by oriental feel, exudes a kind of bliss in which any of us quickly restores power, feels the protection of their "rear areas" from the outside world, a liberating feeling.

For the person who wants to synthesize a personal interior several times and cultures, particularly the western and eastern, genuine interest may be the colonial style. If you adhere to the terms and conditions of subtleties, you can have a truly harmonious, clean and unique space.

What is a colonial style

Colonial style originated in the era of conquest by European powers. Britain, France, Holland, Spain sought to expand their own ownership by conquering other nations and the addition of new territories. The most popular style used during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). During this time he began to develop in the eastern and Asian countries: India, Burma, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and others.

British Colonies brought huge profits, and the service in the new realm became more prestigious occupation and profitable business for young Englishmen. The Europeans brought to the East and in the Asia part of their culture. And if they liked something in the local color, they shamelessly borrowed some particular way of life and the device housing. So the house of Europeans conquered without a shot being fired, and they take up residence in a spicy oriental atmosphere of tranquility.

What is characteristic of the interior? Typically, this is the use of environmentally friendly materials - wood, clay, bronze, leather, ceramics, brass. For the color of furniture is preferred neutral closely the nature of colors - brown, beige and straw color. Ethnic sounds made by the colonial style furnishings made of bamboo. In an effort to maximize the naturalness of all the pieces of furniture made by hand, in order to set off the texture of their originality, there was, like, the emission of "warmth of human hands."

The highlight - a "bestial" subjects, ie interior, follow the contours of the animals. This decorating techniques creates an exotic touch, allows us to give a measured some interior tumult of Eastern culture and pass in a certain perspective, the characteristic tradition.

Colonial style "likes" a spacious layout, where each piece of furniture stands out personal space.

Thus, we consider the main components of the house in colonial style.

The main terms of style

With calm color of the walls (white or cream), furniture colonial style is characterized by dark, contrasting colors - "bog oak" or "wenge". All of the furnishings are mainly made of handcrafted wood, blackened and cracked by time or woven rattan, bamboo or cane. But, as a tribute to the European desire for comfort, wicker furniture has cushions with removable covers. Their tight fabric, usually the color of natural ecru or covered with a large floral pattern.

The floors are usually covered with ceramic tile or natural stone, or covered with white-washed, as if under the sun, with boards. In the partitions, screens there are elements of rattan. To create an atmosphere of freshness and warmth of the rainforest Asian countries, we should not forget another important part of the colonial interior - tropical plants in large pots, such as exotic flowers, palms, bananas, bamboo stalks.

Elements of Style

Low dark wood beds with very high carved back, canopy with drapes, wall sconces - wall, carved dark wood tables, pillows and towels from the Thai velvet, soft silk carpets on the floor, folding screens made of carved veneer. Also, perhaps, the most stylish accessories in a similar interior - trunks, leather and woven bags, baskets, though embody the nomadic life of their old masters - the first European settlers. They give the room originality and individuality and are the necessary attributes bedroom Colonial.

Colonial style - one of the most noble styles. His accessories are how to complicate the interior (the use of bronze chandeliers, candlesticks, stands for flowers, leather poufs, carved frames for mirrors and paintings) and simplify it by making it easier for woven bamboo items, candle holders of colored glass, inlaid glass pots of palm trees . Bright little things to help make a movement of energies in a fairly quiet in the color for the interior, highlighting its comfort, eco-friendliness and convenience to life.

With this style create a unique atmosphere: even in cloudy weather, it seems that the house looked a ray of sunshine and light your own exotic corner in the gray urban jungle.

Features of the colonial-style fit perfectly into the standards of a city apartment. I want to tell you about the interior, which, I think, can be a trend in 2009, continued Olga Kuznetsova - For example, a project carried out in the usual "kopeck piece" is not the greatest footage.

Living room

Looks great living room ceiling white with a typical European decor moldings around the perimeter wall and the pin is in the center of the ceiling, chandelier crowns the strict classical form of brass - continues Olga Kuznetsova. - The walls are painted in white paint. Acrylic paint - utilitarian, walls - can be washed. Thanks to its snow-white ceiling and walls, as if pushing the space, creating a kind of base for the riot is east. It creates the impression of pure "canvas" on which the skillful artists brush strokes designer does - decor items.

In the decoration of a room can be present horizontal floor brown shelf - no frills, but quite roomy. It creates another "vector" front room of visual perception of motion and parallel to the sofa is a clamshell. It mixed the high cost of leather armrests and sufficient ease of pillows, tapestry which is styled a pattern of the carpet. Before sofa ideally suited to the track for the rest of the palm leaf cushions in beige tones. At arm of the couch and next to the floor in a wicker shelf basket - almost sister "Claus;" plants. Focus on green - green supplement needed as early in the life-affirming prevailing range of the spectrum.

In the capacity of creativity I would rather schedule - adds Olga - I have an architectural education. When I saw how amazingly clear, "arguing" with the horizontal surface of the vertical elements, it felt that, literally, there was a kind of miracle-room, as if moved to a different era. And the border of the "jump" is based on the color and the lines prevailing in the interior. But the details needed for accents that enhance the effect of "moving" in time. This is - a bamboo bookcase, which lurks, like a miniature floor lamp, table lamp with a bright red shade, like the lamp of Aladdin, a wish-fulfilling its owner. Around in artistic disorder, located a few threads of beads made of these minerals and candles, as if waiting for their turn to be inflamed by sleight of hand.

Above a shelf - a picture. Its pretty bright canvas, literally, flowing fluids self-sufficiency. Moreover, this place could be any other picture that reflects the inner state of the person looking at which he can relax and dream. The decor of the present bright Indian crafts. The lack of stiffness in the European space room calming effect, because it is a "fortress" of man and here you can be yourself and gratefully accept the exotic luxury of positive emotions. Especially valuable is the feeling when the front door of his little colony - a real urban "tidal wave" of machines, equipment, etc., and more immediate life problems. Colonial style - in this case, as a sanctuary where you can escape from it all layers of the modern world.

Next to a shelf, virtually opposite the windows - "vertical" high-to-ceiling mirror, balancing this kind of horizontal and stable "paradise." Mirror frame - brown, with no frills. In this case they are not needed. The fact that the reflecting surface itself is decoration.

Perfectly fit in like a graceful interior "Viennese" chairs, covered with black lacquer. Bend the legs of the chairs, as if to curtsy gallant Renaissance. But the black color of the coating - it is the East, India and China soon, where the reflecting surface of black lacquer attached special importance.

Thus, the color plane and the elements can be achieved zoning areas. No need to overload the space with unnecessary items. In this case, clearly seen sitting area - sofa and floor shelf on which the TV or stereo system. Then, the zone goes into dining sector.

The dining room and kitchen

The window is a table that slides apart when needed. Color - Wenge and instead of chairs - comfortable rattan armchairs, also painted in brown color. Currently rattan - available material, and is on sale in many stores. Color vines from which the woven chair does not really matter, since this material is lovely and in a natural way and fits perfectly into the interior.

Horizontal blinds, gently reminding interconnected spicy cinnamon sticks on white background windows balance the ceiling and serve as "a bridge" to go to the dining room area, which seamlessly blends with the kitchen.

Kitchen set the standard size coffee color "mocha". On the walls - fine ceramic tile-like "chocolate", such as cabinets with horizontal slats. Kitchen space is separated from the dining area by a curtain of vertical, and brown in color and made of natural material. No nickel-plated hardware. Its sharpness and contrast does not fit into a steady flow of energy space.

Their bright, almost white, laminate flooring is ideal for color and style whole perception. In addition, he is surprisingly perfect harmony with the interior doors, the surface of which is covered with white paint and clear coat over it, as if through a veil, peeps shyly natural wood surface.

Bedroom

The Door "closes" the territory of the living room and takes you to the bedroom, where there is a growing influence on the interior of the East. Queen bed in a brown tone with a one-way back takes almost all the space. Curtain separating the bedroom from the dressing room is a lace with ornaments, like the one that slowly created the medieval masters of French Provence.

On the windows on the string (and in this simplicity its chic) ??- a coffee-colored curtains. Bedroom - a sacred place, and everything is subject to taste master. Lighting - no frills, it is simple and functional European. Balancing on the technological capabilities of European and Oriental glamor Seraglio, as if descended from the pages of fairy tales "Thousand and One Nights", the bedroom set shade.

Many are afraid to break the stereotype - "How can this be: white walls, white floors, its almost a hospital setting". But this statement is false and is only the result of imagination, which proved to be a prisoner of "soviet" stereotype. Down with the template, and your life can be transformed!

By the way, colonial style fits perfectly in the space of a country cottage home. In this case, there is an additional opportunity to connect with the unique nature of the interior. Imagine - one wall of the house, almost all of the glass. In the interior of the flows of natural freshness screen where the picture is constantly changing according to the time of day, season, and even the weather. What could be better than living in the comfort of European achievements and with a sense of feeling in the bucolic charm of the womb of nature? But why dream about it - it is necessary to live in the interior, creating personal area around favored, because all around us, and even little things decor affect our mood, and hence health. Colonial style, just what is best suited to us, the inhabitants of the middle band, because even though we consider Europe geographically, but there are many mentalitele east.

This style is currently the leader in consumer preferences from Central Europe, encourages producers to manufacture household items and decor in this style leads to follow this trend of decorators and designers, contributes to the emergence of new clean and functional materials and finishes.

Magazine "Repair. Interior. Design", № 8, December 2008