American style in the interior: features, variations, decoration and decor (60 photos)

The flexibility and democracy of the American style makes it relevant for a wide variety of segments of the population. Thanks to this, he can exist with equal success both in the richest mansions and in the city apartments of ordinary employees. The direction traces a synthesis of various styles - art deco, country, classics. To properly organize space in accordance with the principles of American style, a spacious room is needed. Such conditions allow you to fill your home with an air of freedom and emancipation - the main component of this trend.

About style: history and features of different years

The emergence of the American style occurred in the first half of the 17th century. It was at this time that the first settlers from Europe began to explore the unknown, but so attractive and alluring overseas continent. Immigrants who became rich sought to equip their homes in the spirit of their native culture. It was not so easy to recreate the situation on the spot. The shortage of suitable fabrics and finishing materials did not allow us to thoroughly convey the features of a particular interior style. Therefore, when decorating houses, elements of various foreign trends were used - literally, what was available. This was the reason for the departure from the stiffness inherent in the interiors of the “Old World”. The style gradually became more and more original.

Initially, even expensive furniture was simple and functional - in accordance with fashionable English trends. By 1780, the former simplicity had given way to respectable carvings and curved cornices. At the same time, the first examples of truly American furniture appeared - cabinets in the form of chests of drawers, stacked one on top of the other, or secretaries with wavy outlines.

By the beginning of the 19th century, the formation of the American style was almost complete. Its main distinguishing features were restraint, laconic decor, intense natural coloring and clear geometric shapes.

After the World Exhibition of Industrial Achievements was held in Paris at the beginning of the twentieth century, the whole world, including America, became fascinated by the ideas of Art Deco. This is confirmed by the luxurious, extravagant interiors in which famous Hollywood films of that time were filmed.

For about half a century, the demand for products in the Art Deco style did not decrease. When passions did subside, manufacturers tried to cause a new stir by popularizing rural themes. But not everyone was impressed by calls to live in harmony with nature, so the country style advertised at that time did not find sufficient support, although some rollback towards this direction was still visible.

The American interior of today strives for sophisticated minimalism and careful selection of every detail. Modern furniture manufacturers in the United States focus on comfort, functionality and beauty, rather than kitschy luxury.

Varieties of style

The formation of the American style was influenced by different parts of the world. The United States has always been attractive to foreign citizens. They migrated en masse from other continents in pursuit of the American dream, and at the same time brought with them pieces of their culture. People from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America contributed to the development of this trend. It combines features of many cultures, which is reflected in the interiors. American style can be divided into various categories depending on the stylistic features characteristic of a particular area. There are classic, modern, neoclassical, country.

American neoclassical

The main feature of such interiors is exquisite simplicity and elegance, and a certain flexibility. Here, modern technology and innovative building materials coexist perfectly with the classical principles of space formation. The presence of plastic trim, textiles made from mixed materials, and an imitation fireplace is quite acceptable in the design.

Modern American

A characteristic feature of the modern trend is a combination of functionality and comfort. Comfortable furniture with contemporary shapes is arranged in accordance with classical principles. Despite the predominance of modern furniture, the interior may contain elements of classics and art deco. The inclusion of classic details along with high-tech elements is very often used when creating modern American interiors. In the decoration, a classic fireplace can coexist with an ultra-modern TV, futuristic lamps with exotic vases and figurines, mirror mosaics with a carriage screed.

American country style

The trend originated in rich country houses, and not at all in the outback, as many believe. Cheapness and asceticism are not the defining features of this style. Wooden decoration of walls, floors, open beams on the ceiling, rough furniture made of untreated wood are characteristic features of country music. An integral attribute of the living room is a fireplace in front of a seating area with comfortable upholstered furniture, upholstered in leather or rough fabrics with a natural composition. The style is extremely close to nature, as it is based on the use of environmentally friendly materials and natural colors.

As you can see, American interiors have fundamental differences and can be presented both in a classic, presentable form, and in a modern functional or rustic one.

Ceiling covering

In the modern direction of the American style, ceilings are plastered, painted or whitewashed. If the design is dedicated to American classics, then the apartment is equipped with glossy stretch ceilings or geometric plaster stucco molding is used. In a rustic style, decorative ceiling beams (wood or its imitation) are appropriate.

Characteristic features of the style

The multinationality of the United States has determined the complex collective nature of the American style. It is a typical combination of European, African and Oriental approaches to the selection of accessories and building an interior ensemble, and combines traditional and trendy trends. Premises decorated in this style, on the one hand, are neat and presentable, on the other hand, they are simple, functional and gravitate towards nature.

The American design direction is characterized by:

• imitation of luxury, replacement of natural materials with plastic and MDF finishing;
• the predominance of the most economical localized lighting - the presence of sconces, floor lamps, table lamps. Central light is used in living rooms;
• dividing space into zones using mobile partitions and open shelving;
• combining rooms with different functions - the kitchen can be located in the same room as the dining room, a sleeping area or hallway is often combined with the living room;
• arranging furniture in the center of the room, and not along the walls.

Floor decoration

American style flooring can be covered with:

• laminate is the cheapest option;
• parquet - rarely used because it is expensive and requires careful maintenance;
• tiles - most often placed in the kitchen, since they are easiest to clean.

The floor can be covered with parquet, laminate or tiles

Each material has its own characteristics.

Laminate

Laminate is a base made of chipboard, several layers of paper and a protective laminating coating. Placed on the floor, it looks very much like real wood. It has advantages:

• Price . Laminate is several times cheaper than parquet.
• Variety . With its help you can imitate any tree.
• Endurance . A good laminate (class 31, for example) will last in a residential area for up to fifteen years.
• Easy to install . Each laminate plate has a tenon on one side and a groove on the other, with which it can be fastened to others. As a result, it is no more difficult than folding a construction set.
• Easy to clean . Laminate is not afraid of aggressive chemicals and water.
• Reliability . Laminate does not fade in the sun, does not suffer from mechanical damage, and is resistant to moisture, fire, and biological irritants.

Laminate is much cheaper than parquet

But there are also disadvantages:

• Lack of specific resistance to moisture. If water gets on the board, no problem. But if it gets under the board, the entire coating will swell.
• The need for pre-treatment. The floor must be perfectly smooth.

Laminate flooring is easy to install, easy to replace - fortunately, it is inexpensive . Parquet, of course, is more beautiful, but laminate is easier to care for. It also looks good in both the living room and the kitchen. In addition, it is suitable for installing heated floors.

This coating looks good in any room

Advice For an American interior, you should choose a laminate that imitates light wood.

Parquet

Parquet for an American interior is more of a luxury than a classic solution. Still, in this style, functionality is most valued, and parquet is difficult to maintain and is not very resistant to some irritants.

But it has advantages:

• Reliability. Hardwood floors can last twenty-five years—or even longer—if they are well cared for.
• High sound insulation and thermal insulation. Important in apartment buildings.
• Does not cause allergies, does not attract dust. Well suited for homes with allergies.
• Aesthetics. Parquet is exceptionally beautiful - natural wood gives a special shine to even the simplest geometric patterns, but parquet can also have a complex structure, and even laid out in the form of a mosaic.

The disadvantages are the following:

• Difficult to install. To lay parquet, you need a perfectly smooth floor, as well as the skill of specialists. You can't do it on your own.
• Lack of resistance to mechanical damage. It can be scratched, it can crack from an impact, or there may be a trace left by something hot.
• Lack of resistance to temperature changes and moisture. Parquet can crack in too dry, hot air, or it can swell in too humid air.
• Need for careful care. Simply washing a parquet floor with a damp cloth will not work. You need to wash it with special compounds and then rub it with wax so that it retains its shine and remains at least somewhat stable.

Every little thing matters here

Parquet is expensive, if one die cracks, it will be difficult to replace it. But it has no competitors in terms of beauty among floor coverings.

Tip If you want to install parquet in your home, install it in the living room. In the kitchen it will become unusable too quickly.

Tile

Do not put tiles in the living room - they will look alien.

Tiles are durable and moisture resistant

But in an American-style kitchen it looks organic and has several advantages:

• Durability . Tiles take longer to wear out than laminate.
• Moisture resistance . Even if moisture gets into the seams, it will not have any effect.
• Resistance to mechanical damage and fire . The tile wears out slowly and does not burn at all in a fire.
• Easy to care for . Not afraid of even the most aggressive chemicals.
• Beauty . There are a wide variety of patterns.

Tiles look best in the kitchen

But there are also disadvantages:

• Cold . The tile does not retain heat and almost always remains cold to the touch - unless it has been in the sun for several hours.
• Fragility . If the tile is not prone to small cracks and abrasion, then you should not drop objects on it - it will crack completely.

Tiles are difficult to lay; the floor must be perfectly level. But it is easy to replace.

Advice: Choose plain tiles for your interior. If you want it with a pattern, then let it be in primary colors - for example, chocolate on white or beige.

This floor can become the central figure in the room

Traditional color scheme of style

The dominant colors in American interiors are:

• white - can serve as a basis or highlight certain elements in the interior. Warm, eye-pleasing shades of white – milky, cream – are often used. They look incredibly colorful in combination with the colors of natural materials, highlighting and complementing them;
• beige - popular in alliances with white, or as the main color. Fewer brands compared to the previous shade and does not require titanic efforts to maintain a decent appearance of the room;
• sand is a dim yellow shade that often acts as expressive accents. A wall fragment, carpet, upholstered furniture can be painted in this color;
• chocolate is an additional shade that allows you to highlight individual interior details and give the decoration depth and relief. This color can be used to paint curtains, a rug, a chair, a rug or ceiling beams.

The bedroom may contain blue and crimson shades. The decor in the color of gilding or metal is perfect. These colors go perfectly with the basic style palette. Contrasting combinations are also welcome in the interior:

• white with red and dark brown;
• white with blue and sand;
• white with blue and red;

American interiors should not be oversaturated with bright colors. The decoration of the floor, walls, ceiling, and the colors of large furniture should be restrained and monochromatic. Bright colors are used as accents.

Color palette

When decorating a home interior, the eclecticism and loyalty of this style should be taken into account.

In the USA, traditionally, when decorating such premises, one turns to classic shades:

• coffee;
• brown;
• the color of wet sand;
• beige;
• white;
• cream;
• dairy;
• ocher.

In addition to a calm palette, a contrasting combination of colors is possible:

• red + rich brown + white;
• blue + light ocher + white;
• blue + red + white.

To successfully organize the interior, decorators advise using not very saturated colors; the presence of convex textures and ornaments with clear geometry of shapes is also acceptable.

Selection of finishing materials

One of the signs of American interior design is its apparent high cost. Here, imitations of natural materials are more often installed than real stone, solid wood, and ceramics. Popular finishing elements are a variety of baguettes, moldings and cornices. They can be any color and should appear quite massive. They cover the places of any joints, transitions from one material to another, and decorate the portals of doorways.

Walls

Quite simple materials are used for wall decoration. The surfaces are either painted one color using paint, or covered with plain wallpaper. Materials with patterns serve to highlight an accent wall or section of it. This combination of canvases allows you to make the interior more expressive and highlight its strengths. In America, wall compositions made from false panels are popular. As a rule, they are glued along the entire perimeter of the room, starting from the floor and ending at a height of 1.5 m. Another design method is to paste one of the entire walls.

Floor

For flooring equipment, light laminate is most often chosen. In rare cases, preference is given to parquet boards. Porcelain tiles and tiles are rarely used. These materials are occasionally used to cover the floor in the kitchen or bathroom. Carpets are not very popular in American interiors. But to create coziness and comfort, a small fleecy product is traditionally placed in the master and guest bedrooms. More often, preference is given to a single-color carpet; sometimes the soft area in the living room is decorated with a rug with geometric or floral patterns, or a long-pile carpet.

Ceiling

The ceiling is most often unpretentious, painted white. In other cases, a coffered structure is made from carved wood, MDF, plastic or plasterboard, giving the room a luxurious appearance. When creating a country-style interior, the ceiling is decorated with massive beams made of natural wood or their imitation. Sometimes the ceiling surface or its fragments are covered with wallpaper.

Lighting

Spacious rooms require careful consideration of lighting scenarios for each zone.

The American direction is characterized by the use of:

• spotlights along the perimeter of a room or a dedicated living area in a large room with different functionality;
• a solid chandelier with many arms and pendants in the central part of the living, dining or sleeping area;
• adding local lighting devices - all kinds of table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, lamps.

Lighting in American interiors is preferably natural, diffused and soft.

Furniture: selection and arrangement

Characteristic features of the selection and arrangement of furniture

1. Interior items are located in the central part of the room or a dedicated area with a specific functionality. It is not installed along the walls. Spacious rooms are conducive to organizing comfortable compositions, grouping them in the middle. For example, a sofa and armchairs are placed around a coffee table, a dining table is placed in such a way that there is a free passage to it from either side, and chairs surround it. In the bedroom, the central area is occupied by the bed, and in the kitchen, an “island” is often located in the center.
2. Most often, massive, large-sized comfortable furniture is selected, and for the kitchen it is also functional.
3. Even for a room divided into zones, furniture elements are selected from the same set. They must be combined with each other in terms of material, design, design, color and texture.

The most stylish life hacks that are easy to implement in our environment

An original alternative to a TV is a projector. In this American interior, instead of a TV, a mobile projector hung above the fireplace. The decorator's subtle humor hovers in the space and lifts the mood of those around him.

A mixture of technology and nature. On the one hand, the technological effectiveness of interiors never ceases to amaze, on the other hand, eco-design does not lose its position on the list of trends. But it is not at all necessary that they argue with each other: for zoning purposes, polymer partitions interspersed with real branches were installed in this American house, making technology a friend of nature.

Individual sinks. In American design, not only aesthetic but also practical individuality is at the forefront. A striking example of this is the installation of two washbasins in the bathroom, equipped with hanging mirrors. This way, two people can rearrange themselves at the same time without any problem.

Transformable furniture in traditional interiors. Today it is unlikely that you will surprise anyone with a movable wall or a folding bed in a modern interior, but this technology can fit well into the historical design concept.

In this compact studio with a rich past, the furniture has been partially restored and the folding bed has been harmoniously integrated into the single space of the bedroom and living room, hidden behind a noble wooden facade.

Original color solutions. Diluting a neutral setting with color contrasts is a fairly popular technique, but bright accents can be found in the most unpredictable places. So, inside this bedroom, the bed drawers are painted in different contrasting colors.

Storage systems near the radiator. The heating system under the window sill can not only be perfectly hidden, but also built into it. The owners used the shelves on either side of the camouflage apron as bookshelves and for storing decorative items.

Shower with folding bench. From a practical standpoint today, many condominiums install walk-in showers instead of bathtubs. For added comfort, this bathroom features a fold-out bench that will fit even the smallest shower stall.

The versatility of the American style lies not only in the features of the layout, decoration and choice of furniture, but also in the fact that it is quite popular in many countries.

Indeed, the direction of American design is a certain way of life: practical, stable, respectable.

Textile

The classic American style is characterized by the use of high-quality textiles, decorated in a stylish, uncomplicated composition. Curtains are most often made from natural or mixed single-color fabric. Sometimes there may be small geometric patterns on it. Grandiose and lush flounces, ruffles and lambrequins are inappropriate in this style. Instead of ordinary curtains, it is allowed to use Japanese panels, Roman curtains or blinds.

Layout

In any of the subtypes of the American style, an open apartment layout is assumed - this design direction is ideal for studios. Owners of standard apartments with traditional partitions between rooms expand the space by connecting the living room with the kitchen or removing the walls that border the hall. The delimitation of zones is achieved through different floor levels, lighting nuances, and the use of different textured materials.

Accessories and decor

Designers do not recommend overloading the interior with massive decorative elements. Comfort and coziness are valued here, so indoor plants, flower arrangements, paintings, panels and photographs in beautiful frames, decorative pillows to match the curtains and soft blankets are much more suitable. An overhead decorative fireplace will help create a cozy atmosphere.

Examples and tips for decorating different rooms in an apartment

When choosing an American style for decorating an apartment, you need to understand the following - it is incredibly difficult to achieve compliance with the qualities inherent in this direction in conditions of limited space. But following certain recommendations for the selection of materials and arrangement of furniture will help achieve this goal even in a one-room apartment or studio. American-style interior options are shown in the photo.

Hallway/corridor

A large free space, a light palette, and almost complete absence of decor are an excellent solution for a hallway. The features of the American style allow you to get a spacious, uncluttered and darkened room that will lift the mood of residents every time they return home.

For decoration, it is advisable to choose plain wallpaper or with a small pattern. They look great in combination with light wood or MDF panels. You can also choose coatings of bright colors. The main thing is that they are in harmony with each other and the overall design of the apartment.

It is advisable to use natural wooden furniture. In a small space, it is worth abandoning unnecessary furniture. In a spacious room, on the contrary, you should not deprive yourself of comfort and, in addition to a wardrobe, you should place a chest of drawers, a small sofa, wicker chairs and a table here.

Living room

It is necessary to arrange the living room so that it remains comfortable, bright and spacious. The main role is given to massive upholstered furniture, which is best placed in the central part of the room near the fireplace or large television panel. Armchairs and a sofa are concentrated around a miniature coffee table. A fairly serious distance is maintained between objects. Instead of soft chairs, wicker analogues can be used from the set. Technical devices, a library, and decorative elements are placed in specially equipped niches. Horizontal surfaces are usually free from decor and gadgets. The use of large cabinets or shelving is prohibited in the interior.

Kitchen

American style is an excellent choice for a spacious kitchen. In two-room apartments, the catering unit should be combined with the living room. The zoning technique allows you to visually separate the cooking space from the dining area. You can use light, low partitions, racks with through shelves, and sliding panels. If you wish, you can simply turn the sofa with its back towards the kitchen area. Another option is to fence it off with a chest of drawers on which indoor plants will be placed.

Each zone must have its own local lighting. A large chandelier can be placed above the dining table.

It is better to choose a furniture set from solid wood or with a coating that imitates natural wood. Matte surfaces of facades should not have much decoration. In the American kitchen, a very popular element is an island unit with a built-in hob, sink or additional work space. Bar counters are also welcome. They can separate the kitchen from the living room. Most often, Americans choose the U-shaped headset model. Built-in technology is preferable. Another mandatory element is a massive dome hood.

Bedroom

The bedrooms can combine classic and country. There is impressive oversized furniture, light pastel colors and cozy textiles. The sleeping place is characterized by the presence of a high headboard and a banquette on the foot side. On both sides of the headboard there are two bedside tables, equipped with drawers and lamps - table or sconce. To place bed linen and clothes, it is worth providing a chest of drawers, and if space allows, a spacious wardrobe or dressing room. Wicker chairs and metal beds fit seamlessly into modern interiors.

Bathroom

A bathroom in an American home is usually equipped with a window that lets in a sufficient amount of light. Most often, the house is equipped with several toilets - the master's - right behind the bedroom and the guest's - at the entrance. The third is placed next to the children's room. The bathroom is usually combined with a toilet and contains a minimum of furniture. As a rule, they are limited to a cabinet under the sink and a hanging cabinet with a mirror in the door. There is always a bath in the bathroom. If there is free space, an additional shower can be installed, but a bath is always a priority. It is often placed under a window or in the center of the room. The area with the toilet is usually separated by a partition. Moisture-resistant laminate or tiles are used as floor finishing. For walls, choose painting and paneling. The window is decorated with a light curtain.

Home interior

In a country house, an American-style kitchen is most often combined with a dining room or living room, so it is important to equip it with high-quality ventilation and exhaust hood. The set is matte with a wooden texture in light shades.

An island set is chosen according to its shape, where a dishwasher and washing machine are built into the central table.

The photo shows an island kitchen in the interior of the house, which is distinguished by the restraint of colors and shapes of the furniture.

For a living room in an American-style home, a fireplace is suitable, which will remind you of family tradition and a hearth of comfort. In a spacious room you can install a pair of wicker chairs, a bookcase and shelving.

The American-style bathroom in the house surprises with a large area where the bathtub is installed on a podium, or in the middle of the room, and a full-size window with blinds.

Features of American-style home design

In an American home, the living room is intended for entertaining guests. It is not customary to take off shoes here, so the most practical and wear-resistant materials are chosen. Often, for exclusively family time, another cozy living room is located in the attic. Another option is to equip a room here for a teenager, equipping it with a modern audio system and other technical devices - here loud music will not bother anyone.

The favorite place where the whole family gathers is the dining room. Over meals, important family issues are discussed and significant decisions are made. The furnishings should create a cozy homely atmosphere.

Eco-friendliness is valued in kitchen design. It matters much more than appearance. Most often, sets and dining groups in such interiors are made of natural wood.

American homes usually have multiple sleeping areas. The heads of the family live in the most spacious one, the rest go to the children. If the layout allows, a room will certainly be allocated for a guest room. There is no overabundance of furniture and decor in the bedrooms. The design uses light, fresh shades.

There are often several bathrooms. Ideally, it should be separate for each bedroom. There are no appliances in the bathroom - boilers, washing machines and dryers. There is a separate room for them in the house or they are placed in the basement.