Colonial style (+40 photos) - everything you need to know about it!

This method of interior design was created through the meeting of two cultures and the combination of elements that would seem to not fit together. We will tell you how to bring colonial style to your home and apartment. Find out what colors, furniture and accessories to choose to enjoy a design that successfully combines classics with the East.

What will you read about in the article?

• Colonial style - what is its history?
• Colonial style - learn about its most important features
• Colonial style furniture - what to choose?
• Colonial style - what accessories will highlight it?
• How to decorate a living room in a colonial style?
• Colonial bedroom - how to arrange it?

Story

The appearance of the colonial style is directly related to the era of great geographical discoveries. At this time, the world was ruled by powerful maritime powers: England, Spain and Portugal. In an effort to expand their possessions, they founded colonies in Africa, Australia, Asia, and India. In general, wherever their powerful hand reached.

Naturally, the new settlers needed somewhere to live, and they built simple, practical houses according to European traditions. However, the unusually hot climate and natural human curiosity did their job - oriental flavor gradually began to penetrate into the strict classical interiors. This is how the bright and amazing colonial style was born, which remains in demand even after several centuries.

Color spectrum

The shade palette is divided into two main options. The first is the use of white in combination with light shades. This approach is due to the climate of hot countries, where light colors of decoration make it easier to emotionally endure stuffiness.

The second option, on the contrary, suggests mixing bright colors filling the interior with dynamism and life. Azure and cinnabar, yellow and blue will add liveliness to the room.

It is interesting that at the very beginning of the development of the colonial style, such “flashy” exoticism seemed too pretentious and the colors quickly faded to match European views. But today, courage and versatility of choice are once again returning the style to its former brightness, bringing it closer to the traditions of the continents.

Features of the colonial style

Considering the scale of development and settlement of new territories of that time, it is not surprising that the colonial interior style has several directions. These include English, American, French, Spanish, African and Indian versions. Today we will look only at general signs.

Main features of the colonial style:

• a harmonious combination of European classics and oriental flavor
• use of natural materials
• natural colors + bright accents
• exotic decor items

Characteristic signs

Colonial style is a mixture of ethnic details in one interior. Colonizers decorated their homes in conquered territories using European elements. On the contrary, they brought oriental notes to their homeland. At the same time, the subspecies have their own characteristics depending on the country:

• The English colonial style is distinguished by the presence of a fireplace, arched windows and doors, and upholstered furniture in the Indian style.
• In the American colonial style, mansard roofs, plaster decoration, and a minimum of relief decorations are often found.
• The Spanish colonial style is distinguished by the active use of oriental, especially Moorish, motifs.

The distinctive colonial interior is also distinguished by common features:

• Large windows and glass doors. The latter, preferably, should go out into a beautiful garden.
• Wooden elements. This applies to massive furniture, shutters, and doors.
• Screens and curtains. They are used to zone space.
• Natural materials. Wood, stone, copper, clay, cotton - all this is present in the colonial style.
• Calm shades. They form the basis, but can be diluted with bright accents. Patterns. Unusual prints are everywhere - on the floor, walls, furniture, accessories.

Materials

When decorating an interior in a colonial style, special attention is paid to materials - they must be natural. Stone and wood come first. They are confidently followed by copper, bronze, brick and clay. Expensive wood species, such as wenge or meranti, speak for themselves. However, less expensive options are also suitable. Products made from bamboo, rattan and rubber will help create an atmosphere of light exoticism and closeness to wild nature.

Furniture

The theme of natural materials flows from the decoration to the furniture. The most popular options are wood, rattan or bamboo. At the same time, choose strong, massive models instead of fragile and sophisticated ones.

A wicker sofa or classic rattan chairs are suitable for upholstered furniture. Place plenty of pillows on top to highlight the oriental side of the style.

In furniture design, you should not give up decorations: carved elements, ethnic patterns, flat or three-dimensional silhouettes are inherent in the colonial style in the interior. Animal themes are often used. It is found both in whole objects (a table in the shape of an elephant) and in individual elements - paws instead of legs, heads as door handles, figurines for decorating facades.

To make the finished interior look stylish, ditch the furniture and mix it up! It is the mixing of various pieces of furniture and decor that creates a unique picture and adds zest.

The photo shows a bright shelving unit with lighting

Finishing floors, walls and ceilings

The walls and ceiling are most often decorated in light neutral colors: sand, cream, milky - or left white. Wallpaper with patterns with animal and plant motifs looks good.

A ceiling with wooden beams looks impressive, but this option is only appropriate in country houses and apartments with ceilings higher than three meters. If you want something unusual, it is decorated with interior fabrics, canvas or leather. Since the main floor covering is parquet, you can add a bit of variety with the help of bright multi-colored carpets or textured mats. Other materials are rarely used in floor finishing.

Features and Distinctive Features

This design is considered the most original and in some ways even unique. Firstly, it is one of the most “long-lived”, because its history begins in the 15th century. Secondly, it reflected many eras, cultures and traditions. But still, it has several common distinctive features.

The colonial direction harmoniously combines European classics with oriental flavor

Lots of light and space

The owners of the cottages sought to create all the conditions to fully enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature of exotic countries. Therefore, in a colonial interior, the windows are always large, like French ones - they reach the floor and overlook green terraces or the garden. Another characteristic feature is the absence of any partitions, zoning, or blind doors. The rooms smoothly flow into one another, the clear boundaries of space are blurred. Therefore, colonial style houses are always spacious, filled with light, life and natural energy.

The French colonial style gave us the famous panoramic windows

Materials borrowed from nature itself

Only natural materials are suitable for finishing. Wood and stone are usually used for interior and exterior decoration. Moreover, along with the usual varieties of wood, there are also exotic varieties: bamboo, rattan, rubber, red and tulip wood. Linen, wool, cotton, and silk are selected as textiles. The furniture is made of rattan, natural wood.

Wood paneling in a colonial living room

Color spectrum

In most cases, the walls and ceiling are painted in calm and light colors of a pastel palette. Other soft shades that are as close to natural as possible are also perfect for the general background: olive, terracotta, sand, ocher or red clay. This does not mean at all that the presence of bright colors is impossible. They are quite acceptable, but you just need to use them sparingly, skillfully combining them with the rest of the color scheme of the room.

The walls and ceiling usually act as a general light background, and for contrast, expressive dark-colored furniture is selected

Exotic decor

Of course, such a design would not have been possible without the influence of the East. Ethnic motifs are welcome here - shaman masks, figurines, colorful African carpets or expensive handmade Indian carpets.

The interior welcomes accessories from the animal world

See alsoAfrican style in the interior

Decor

We left the decor for dessert, because it is what makes the atmosphere in the house unique. Wicker baskets, colorful carpets, African masks, figurines of animals and people, globes, maps, books - now you know exactly what souvenirs to bring from your vacation. A good idea is to place in the apartment of the indigenous people of warm countries: a miniature palm tree in a tub, a spreading fern or a whimsical tropical flower. They will not only remind you of the approaching spring, but will also clear the air of carbon dioxide.

Colonial interior style is European comfort and oriental flavor in one bottle. It is suitable not only for avid travelers, but also for people who are still dreaming of adventure. Feel the hot air of the savannah and the freshness of the waterfall without leaving your home. Everything is in your hands - go for it!

Lighting

One of the recognizable lighting elements of the colonial style is a round chandelier with candle bulbs. They are hung in any room, from the living room to the kitchen. It is not necessary to repeat the lamp exactly, but it is better that it is metal, forged and emits a warm light.

Lampshades for floor and table lamps are made of silk or linen, using both plain and exotic fabrics.

In the photo there is a room with a fireplace and bright accents

Principles of room design

A must-have element in the bedroom is a majestic canopy bed made of tulle or organza. Beautiful and meaningful: in summer this is a good protection against insects. On the sides of the bed there are a pair of symmetrical bedside tables with openwork lamps. Heavy chests, light wicker storage boxes, a dull mat or a light low-pile carpet on carefully fitted floorboards, an elegant dressing table - that’s all the decoration. Nothing should disturb the peace.

The center of the living room is a massive dark brick fireplace. Paintings, engravings, a collection of figurines on high-quality furniture, a sofa and a rocking chair emphasize the thoroughness of the intentions of the owner of the estate. However, if there is enough space, a second seating area will come in handy - a coffee table and wicker chairs by the panoramic window for tea drinking and friendly conversations. An indispensable accessory is a large palm tree or other tropical plant.

The kitchen, which has the obligatory island layout, is dominated by carved dark cabinetry with metal fittings. It looks good against the cream plaster walls and light terracotta floor tiles and splashback. The furnishings are complemented by wicker storage baskets, clay, copper or brass dishes, vintage cutlery, and fine china. But the dining area should be simple and unpretentious, so as not to overload the interior: a rectangular table, wooden chairs with soft seats - even luxury should be in moderation.

Summary: creating an atmosphere of colonial luxury will require you not only to spend a lot of money, but also to have a subtle sense of style. But as a reward, you will receive an original, unique and cozy interior, which will become more and more refined over the years. After all, a home is a place for lasting treasures.

Bedroom design

— Was there any redevelopment in the bedroom?
— The huge closet appeared here thanks to the fact that we moved the doorway to the balcony. Previously, the entrance was near the living room, and we wanted to make the room more square and cozy - which is exactly what happened in the end. We also added a loggia and made a small work area on it. A thick blackout curtain is good in itself, but in this case it also serves as a screen: you can go out onto the balcony to read or work while one of the spouses is sleeping.

Selection on the topic: Bedroom in beige tones (37 photos)

Studio apartment interior

Colonial style is ideal for decorating a studio. If you use the French direction, you can zone a large room with a classic interior using mobile screens typical of Asian interiors. The accent wall is covered with fabric wallpaper, and the rest of the surface is plastered. By the way, it is better to keep textiles away from the “kitchen” area.

You can close the bedroom with curtains and add a couple of pots with plants to the zoning, which are symmetrically placed on the floor. Alternatively, one wall can be decorated with a series of naturalist paintings or Indian paintings or African ritual elements.

Finishing

You need to forget about synthetic materials - choose only natural ones.

Materials of natural origin are not cheap, so you can use their imitation, because not everyone can afford furniture made of elite wood with leather upholstery.

But if you decide to use imitation, do not forget that it must be of very high quality.

Walls

To decorate the walls, you can use full-height wood panels. The second option is to trim only the lower surface of the wall with panels. This finish is reminiscent of the English style.

Bamboo or paper wallpapers are also suitable for decorating wall surfaces.

But the easiest way is to decorate the walls with decorative plaster. This coating looks the most impressive. You just need to make a rough coating with the effect of unevenness.

Ceiling

A ceiling in light colors visually expands the boundaries of the walls, making the room seem more spacious.

But another option is also possible - the ceiling is decorated with wood panels that match the color of the walls.

They are not fixed over the entire area; a smaller part of the surface remains free. This creates contrast.

Floor

As for the floor, the flooring in most cases is made rough. Most often you can find boards of a rich chocolate color, but bleached oak also looks good. Such coverings could be found in the homes of ranchers.

You can lay ceramic tiles that imitate natural stone. According to tradition, the floors should have carpets or other coverings. A carpet, animal skin or bamboo mat would be appropriate.

We place accents and choose decor

An excellent solution for interior decoration is a lot of figurines of different sizes, all sorts of interesting things brought from travels.

African masks, mirrors in intricately carved frames, animal figurines - the list goes on. Such elements are a distinctive feature of this style direction and reflect the originality of American, Spanish, French and many other cultures and their traditions.

The beauty of the colonial style is emphasized by living plants placed in the rooms.