Main features of English design
The historical style has changed somewhat under the influence of time and the ethical culture of the British colonies. It combines features of Gothic and Baroque. The following two main directions are distinguished:
- Classic. It is characterized by canonical design, strict proportions, and symmetry.
- Country. A freer, more rustic option with unwavering respectability.
These areas have the following characteristic features:
- Natural palette of shades, close to natural.
- Mandatory division of the room into functional zones.
- Natural materials are used. These include wood, ceramics, and stone. No cheap imitation - only high-quality products.
- A complete lack of shockingness and catchiness. It is not allowed to attract attention with the help of bright accents.
- Lighting should be intense and rich.
- Preference is given to antique or artificially aged furniture, reminiscent of museum antiques.
- Expensive accessories (copper or bronze) are used to decorate the room.
- The presence of floral patterns in the decoration.
The English style can be described in a few words: expensive, high quality, durable and nothing superfluous.
It is necessary to consider each stage of interior design in more detail.
Choosing a color palette
The main rule that should be followed when choosing the color of the floor, walls, furniture or accessories is to exclude all too bright, flashy, neon or acidic tones that are never found in nature.
Pastel shades
White, beige, cream, sand, linen, light gray - these colors are considered basic in English interiors. It’s quite possible to get by with just them, but if you wish, you can always add a brighter accent.
Very bright solution
Green shades
Green is not the most popular color for furniture, but olive, mint, herbal, and young foliage colors are quite acceptable. It can be used in the design of walls, as well as dishes and textiles.
An atypical green option in a country style
Warm colors
This is the most current range, but minus the red and orange shades that are found mainly in textiles and accessories. All other colors are quite suitable, especially shades of natural wood.
Very typical decoration in warm colors
What colors are typical for an English-style kitchen?
The design provides a range of noble shades, mostly light. Pastel colors are especially popular. It is recommended to pay attention to the following colors:
- White and gold. Snow-white shades are used for furniture, amber for finishing parts. If necessary, complemented with a dark color. For example, to decorate the surface of a table.
- Grey. Used together with trim in amber tones.
- Red. Used for a headset, emphasizes the luxury of the room.
- Sand. The use of gilding enhances the range.
- Wood. When choosing such a rich tone, it is necessary to make all the interior decoration, including furniture, from wood. The exception is gender. For practicality purposes, the use of stone is allowed, but in brown shades.
Finishing of main surfaces
As already mentioned, the floor is most often made of stone. Modern interiors most often use artificial material, which is lighter in weight and more affordable than natural coverings. Ceramic tiles are also suitable for the floor - with a pattern or imitation of a stone surface.
The tabletop is made in a similar tone with the floor. The sink can also be made of artificial stone in the same color palette.
The apron is most often made of ceramic tiles. Usually one of these solutions is chosen:
- In brick form: white glossy tiles are popular.
The photo shows classic white brick-shaped tiles for a backsplash.
- Covering with a Moroccan pattern: the ornament can be placed on the entire surface of the apron or above the stove, making the rest of the wall plain or with a less colorful pattern.
- White and gold tiles with ornate designs.
The walls in such a kitchen are decorated with wallpaper or fabric. Plaster, paint and other solutions are not allowed here. An alternative would be to combine a paper covering with wood panels at the bottom. Then curtains to match the selected wood would be appropriate here.
Floor, walls, ceiling
The interior decoration of the kitchen resembles a room for receiving guests. The walls are painted with matte paint in light shades or covered with wallpaper imitating dense fabric. A cage, stripe or flowers, mainly roses, are allowed as an ornament. For wall coverings, it is recommended to use wood panels instead of wallpaper.
For the floor, you should decide between laminate, board or porcelain stoneware. The main thing is to diversify the coating using geometric patterns. For example, a combination of two colors of tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern looks harmonious. The center of the kitchen can be decorated with light tiles, and it is recommended to use darker shades as the edging. A good-quality rug will look appropriate when the color and pattern match the wall covering. If funds allow, then it is better to use stone to embody the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
When choosing a ceiling finishing option, you need to focus on the size of the room. For a small area, it is preferable to use plaster and whitewash. To save money, the ceiling can be coated with special paint. If the height allows, then wooden beams, stucco molding or multi-stage decoration are used as decoration. Regardless of the material, the surface should not be glossy.
Kitchen floor
Floors, as a rule, are made of wood (using parquet boards or other coverings that imitate wood).
A natural wood floor will highlight the overall structure of the interior and will be warm at any time of the year.
Speaking of practicality, you can choose stone-like or checkerboard ceramic tiles for the floor. Skirting boards are made high.
Ceramic tiles in light natural tones like stone, or a two- or even three-color coating would be appropriate.
Selection of furniture
To maintain an English-style kitchen, it is important to choose the right room furnishings. It is recommended to comply with the following requirements:
- The set is made of expensive types of wood: oak, walnut, pine. It is advisable to take a solid array.
- Furniture should retain its natural structure and be varnished or painted in a light color.
- It is important that the products have stained glass or glass inserts.
- Be sure to have an open shelf for a beautiful expensive service.
- Furniture handles are made of noble metal: copper or bronze. Gold plating is allowed. Such elements are periodically carefully polished.
- The presence of scuffs and cracks gives the set an antique look.
Furniture should look solid and expensive. The style involves simple forms and regular lines. If the family budget does not allow you to purchase a massive wooden set, you should opt for a high-quality imitation. However, it must be remembered that cheap substitutes do not match the interior and do not create the desired impression.
The classic buffet is most often used. The presence of a large number of drawers conveys the atmosphere of old England. The table and chairs must fit into the overall concept. Typically, such pieces of furniture are made of wood, decorated with forged elements and carvings. If the kitchen is small, then the ideal solution would be to use a transformable table and wicker chairs. However, in a large room it is preferable to place a massive tabletop.
Curtains and textiles for the kitchen
A kitchen in the old English style suggests that the window space will be decorated using a multi-layered ensemble of curtains. This could be tulle, which will give the space lightness and transparency. It will look beautiful combined with heavy curtains.
The classic option is curtains made of natural fabrics, decorated with a floral pattern.
Lambrequins, tiebacks, tassels and other details are often used as decoration.
Photo from source: mykaleidoscope.ru
If we talk about other types of textiles that would be appropriate in English cuisine, the interior will be perfectly decorated with traditional checkered tablecloths and lace napkins. Also, their pattern can be checkered, striped, or have heraldic and floral motifs, duplicated on the upholstery.
Photo from source: proraboff.rf
English style curtains
Heavy fabrics are used to decorate windows. Lambrequins are almost always present. The curtains are presented in two layers: transparent and thick textile. Tassels and fringes are used as decorations. The structure of matter must be rigid. Among the fabrics, pay attention to tapestries, velvet or jacquard. It is important that the color matches the overall tone of the room, since this style does not allow for contrast.
Such curtains do not allow sunlight to freely penetrate into the room. In a small kitchen, preference should be given to curtains.
Lighting organization
One or two chandeliers are hung in the dining area, depending on the size of the kitchen table. This environment does not allow glare, so they use chandeliers with lampshades that diffuse the light, making it softer. A voluminous chandelier decorated with pendants will suit a kitchen with high ceilings.
The light is only warm, close to natural. For this purpose, numerous sconces and floor lamps are used. Lamps can be in the form of lanterns and candelabra. Chandeliers with floral prints, complemented by details made of glass, wood, and metal are allowed.
English style tiles
Beautiful finishing material emphasizes the integrity of the interior. Tiles are mainly used in the work area, namely at the location of the hob and sink, as well as for floor decoration. The following ornament options are noted:
- fruits;
- floral patterns;
- vegetable.
A single-color material is used for the flooring. The tiles should be in harmony with the rest of the kitchen decoration. When choosing oriental motifs, it is necessary to complement the interior with appropriate accessories.
Technique
Particular attention must be paid to the stove or hob. The appliances must be of high quality and be in harmony with the overall appearance of the kitchen. Artificially aged handles and other elements will help maintain English traditions.
Don't forget about the sink. The best solution is a ceramic model, and the countertop can be chosen from natural stone.
If it is impossible to choose equipment that fits perfectly into the interior, you can hide it behind the facades. The most common problem is choosing a hood. Designers advise purchasing a model that imitates a fireplace portal.
Decor
English style involves using every centimeter of space. Stands with useful little things, pots with flowers and plants - this is not a complete list. The decor should reflect British cultural preferences, including tea, horses, dogs and a love of the garden. For example, the shelf should contain expensive cookery books, glass jars with spices, etc.
Stylized clocks, canvases depicting hunting scenes, and landscape paintings are placed on the walls. Gold frames are used for framing. Kitchen utensils made of brass or copper will also fit harmoniously into the interior. Oriental accessories add a special charm to the room. These include ceramic flower vases, figurines, and various figurines. Handicraft lovers can decorate tables with an embroidered tablecloth and napkins.
Details
Despite their conservatism, the British love a variety of jewelry. Lace napkins, indoor flowers, various figurines, antique-decorated lamps, porcelain service in massive buffets.
In a pretentious interior, the British will prefer sophistication. It is in this style that modernity is intertwined with antiquity.
The English kitchen has many modern items, but they are all hidden in Victorian-style wooden cabinets. It's like it's still the nineteenth century.
Kitchen-living room in English style
This layout option is not popular. A cooking room combined with a living room requires a careful approach to interior design. One of the main tasks is to create coziness while maintaining the pretentiousness of the style.
The kitchen area can be zoned using wall decoration. The following options are usually used:
- If the walls are decorated in the same color, then different prints are used.
- Wallpaper with ornaments is used in the living room, and plain wallpaper in the kitchen. It is preferable that textiles and tiles have a similar print.
The reception area must have a fireplace or its imitation. This attribute emphasizes the division of the room. The furniture is decorated in the same color scheme. The upholstery of the sofa should match the carpet in the food preparation area. Household appliances are hidden behind furniture facades. You can purchase retro-styled kitchen appliances. The hood and stove are designed like a home. It is recommended to choose a ceramic or stone sink instead of a metal one.
The choice of lighting plays an important role in the arrangement of the room. Only warm light, as close to natural as possible, is allowed. Most people prefer recessed lights, but wall sconces and fabric lampshades will look more impressive. Above the dining table you can hang a chandelier decorated with floral patterns with many light bulbs.
English style requires large investments and the involvement of specialists for proper interior design. The finishing must be of high quality. This is not the case when you can save on materials by replacing them with cheaper ones. The interior of a kitchen in the English style looks expensive and elegant, and this does not depend on fashion. For many years, the family will enjoy the nobility of the furnishings and cozy atmosphere, and the guests will be impressed by the luxury of the premises.
Style features
This style, despite its eclecticism, has certain features:
- The interior welcomes furniture items with clear outlines and simple shapes. Clumsy, catchy and defiant elements are inappropriate here.
- The traditional British style is characterized by the use of high-quality and natural materials.
- Wood is the main material. Wood is found in furniture, flooring, wall panels and more.
- The color palette of the English-style interior consists of restrained or pastel shades.
- For the design, it is appropriate to have prints in the form of cages, stripes or floral patterns.
- Textile decor is of the highest quality, has a luxurious texture and a characteristic pattern.
- This style is not suitable for creating budget interior projects.
Photos of English-style kitchens in the interior
Space layout
English kitchen interior is based on the distribution of the room into functional areas. Typically, a large dining table is installed in the center of the room. All other furniture is located along the walls. This distribution of space can be seen in the photo below.
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It’s easy to guess that a design with such an arrangement of the main components of the kitchen will require a lot of free space.
Little Old World: studio design
Small rooms use textured walls to enhance the room's aesthetics and distressed finishes that contrast with the polished and reflective surfaces often used in modern interior design.
Deep, rich and regal tones still dominate. If bright shades are used, they are always muted. Very bold or neon colors will never be part of this type of decor. Use burgundy, dark blue, green, ocher and cream.
Use muted tones
Large floral patterns or stripes are used, while small prints are often used in combination with heavy, complex textures. Accent elements and focal points in the interior come in the form of woven tapestries, forged railings and ceramic elements.
What makes British interior design special?
The highest quality interiors have a unique sense of character. They have a history and a rich personality. The sophistication of British design is rooted in a proud architectural history, from the grand neoclassical English country house and Georgian townhouse, to farmhouse and country cottage style. At the same time, British designers also looked to the future with great pleasure, drawing inspiration from travel.
VIDEO: Features of the English style
English style in the interior
Characteristics and materials
