The interior design in the English style - the basics and rules of design

The restrained, respectable English style in the interior is not a historical style, enclosed in a certain time frame. This is an ethnic style that characterizes the life and habits of aristocratic England. It is characterized by restraint, practicality, oriental flavor of the English colonies, classical symmetry and color harmony.

Appearance story

English interiors are decorated in the style of Baroque, Gothic, classic and realism. However, all of them share common features that characterize the way of life of the English aristocracy. The most characteristic for England are the interiors of the reign of Queen Victoria (Victorian style) and King George (Georgian style). They took shape in the era of prosperity and development of the country - at the end of the XVII - beginning of the XVIII century. As a rule, they are distinguished by their inclination toward expensive respectable furniture and room decoration, and the presence in the interior of overseas decorative objects made of precious and rare materials (ivory, mahogany).

A remarkable feature that distinguishes the English design of that period is the colonial gloss. That is, in the interiors there were often decorative and household items brought from India, Africa, America or Australia. They fit into the setting. According to custom, such items were cherished and passed from generation to generation in excellent condition. The main feature that characterizes the interior design in the English style is the abundance of antique furniture, decor, dishes in an authentic setting.

Tip. Creating the English style in the interior of a modern apartment, you need to choose finishing materials, furniture, textiles and lighting in the spirit of old England, not even allowing a hint of modernity, speed of life, functionality of household appliances. The interior should give the impression of exquisite solidity, dimensionality and quality.

Who will suit the English style

The English style in the interior will surely appeal to such categories of citizens:

#1. To collectors, as the atmosphere of English rooms is full of collections of beautiful dolls, exquisite dishes, antique furniture, decorative elephants, rhinos and other items. A variety of collections are located on the mantelpiece, in the cabinet display.

#2. Those who like to read natural paper books in a comfortable armchair in front of the fireplace, because the English house must have a home library. And regardless of its size, quantity and content of books, it is a resting place and a study at the same time. Books are placed in large wooden cabinets equipped with a ladder (in order to easily get any book). In addition, the libraries are equipped with a massive desk and a comfortable armchair with a standing floor lamp.

#3. Lovers of beautiful, comfortable and expensive furniture made of solid wood and fabric upholstery. In English interiors, furniture sets play a leading role. Furniture is carefully selected, combining various objects among themselves. It is bought not for one season, but for centuries.

#4. For owners of small apartments, interior design in the English style will be very welcome. Since the rooms in the houses of the English are small and even cramped. This is due to climatic features. A small room can be better heated in wet and windy weather. In this regard, the British can safely borrow the principles of decoration, the use of colors and ways of arranging furniture.

#5. Adherents of the classics will like the interiors with symmetry, harmony and accuracy of proportions. There is nothing superfluous in design, everything is in its place.

Basic English style basics

When designing an interior design in the English style, modern designers rely on such principles:

• living space should be clearly zoned;
• windows and other glass inserts are made out of small parts - stained glass;
• for surface finishing use natural wood (most often oak), stone or their modern analogues;
• the living room, library or bedroom is equipped with a modern fireplace with a decorative shelf;
• lighting is selected muffled and varied (sconces, floor lamps, lamps);
• When planning the decor of the rooms, they carefully consider the arrangement of cabinets, armchairs, sofas and other furniture;
• for textile design choose natural striped fabrics, plaid, plain fabrics or small floral patterns are also suitable;
• the decor is decorated with decor - photographs in frames, statuettes, mirrors, paintings and portraits, vases.

Features of the layout in the English style

The main principle to which all interior decoration and arrangement of rooms obey is symmetry. Doors in the corridors, windows, rooms - everything is located symmetrically. As mentioned above, often English houses are distinguished by the presence of small rooms. But at the same time, they can have two floors. A beautiful staircase in the living room leading to the second floor is not only a characteristic sign of style, but also an important element in the division of space.

The color scheme of the interior in the English style

As a rule, the English design is based on combinations of such colors:

#1. brown, terracotta and dark green with golden splashes of ocher;

#2. dark brown, sand, chocolate and beige.

On a note. The use of dark, muted colors to decorate rooms is a typical feature. At the same time, this rule works: rooms facing the south side are decorated in cool green, blue, gray tones, and those that face the north side are visually warmer and more comfortable with the help of warm colors - chocolate, ocher, crimson, sand.

Light interiors are less common, but are also allowed in style. Usually for surfaces choose white, beige, light gray. At the same time, they try to combine furniture upholstery with decoration and patterns on the walls, and the wooden parts can be either light or dark wood.

Wall decoration

For finishing flat surfaces, it is customary to use natural natural materials: wood panels, paper wallpapers, plaster or water-based paint. To design a modern room in the English manner, use several tricks:

#1. The plane of the wall is divided horizontally, while the lower part is sewn up with oak or walnut panels, and the upper part is painted with matte light paint.

#2. The wall is visually separated using patch moldings, after they are painted with the same color together with the surface.

#3. To visually raise low ceilings, use striped wallpaper; in rooms with high ceilings, patterned wallpaper with monograms or floral ornaments is glued.

Ceiling decoration

Most often, the ceiling is simply whitewashed or painted with light paint. To give it a finished look, it is decorated with stucco moldings (an echo of classics and baroque) around the perimeter. Cornices are painted to match the walls or ceiling, sometimes made gilded.

If the room is decorated in the style of a country country, then the ceiling is decorated with wooden boards or beams.

Floor finish

In the historical interiors used art flooring, polished boards, stone tiles. Today it is permissible to use modern materials that mimic the natural texture. For example, to decorate the living room, you can choose a laminate or parquet board. Ceramic tiles are laid on the floor in the bathroom and kitchen. It can be laid out patterned, play with the size, color and texture of the details. The floor in the living room and bedroom is covered with a beautiful warm carpet with oriental ornaments.

Lighting organization

To properly organize lighting in the spirit of colonial England, you should choose several options for soft diffused lighting for each zone. This technique is especially relevant for the living room. It separately illuminates the reading area, evening tea party and board games. Several floor lamps are installed next to the sofa and armchairs; a sconce is suspended above them. In the living room it is also customary to hang a large chandelier with glass pendants. However, this technique can only be used with high ceilings.

To illuminate the bedroom, lamps are installed on the bedside tables, a sconce is hung near the dressing table, and the ceiling is equipped with a small chandelier for 1-3 horns.

The large dining room is lit with several chandeliers and lamps. For a small kitchen, one lighting fixture is sufficient.

The right selection of furniture

The interior design in the English style is, first of all, high-quality expensive furniture. The British buy furniture for themselves and future generations. Tables, cabinets, chests of drawers, bedside tables, shelves are made of oak, mahogany or cheaper walnut. Upholstered furniture is characterized by comfort, respectable appearance and beautiful fabric upholstery. It can be striped, plaid or with a floral pattern.

Typical of everyday life are soft armchairs with "ears", cabinets with small devil-glassing (stained-glass windows), sofas with round armrests and an abundance of pillows.

Examples of furniture in the English style:

Textile

An aristocratic commitment to an abundance of beautiful textiles embodies the English style in the interior. When decorating rooms, velvet heavy fabrics, damask, tapestry, checkered or striped chintz are selected. The pattern on the fabric and furniture upholstery is selected very carefully, it should be harmoniously combined.

Most textiles are used for bedroom decor:

• windows are curtained with heavy curtains of direct cut;
• the bed is covered with a quilted bedspread and decorated with decorative pillows;
• near the window there is a cozy armchair or sofa with pillows and an ottoman;
• The dressing table is covered with an embroidered or lace tablecloth.

Accessories and decor

For room decor, you can use the following items:

• mirrors in a beautiful surround frame;
• framed family portraits or photographs;
• a collection of dolls in beautiful Victorian outfits;
• porcelain dishes in cabinets;
• candlesticks and vases.

An integral decorative element of the English decor is the fireplace. If earlier it had a practical load - it heated the room - now it performs a decorative function. It creates a unique feeling of peace and comfort in the room. Today, to equip the fireplace area, you do not need to make a chimney. Indeed, modern systems work environmentally and safely.

Decor items for the interior in the English style:

Photo of interior design in the English style