Features of classicism in the interior

Classicism - the direction in architecture and design, the birth of which dates from the beginning of the XVII century. The style remained relevant in Europe for almost two centuries. Gradually, the main ideas of classicism spread beyond the Old World to the New, where the colonialists mixed them with local ethnic motifs, turning them into a colonial direction. The style refers to the elite, its most accurate definitions are the epithets "royal", "palace". Classicism is difficult to translate into a modern interior that is laconic and rational. Luxury, sophistication, wealth - the main features of the direction, which in the age of technical progress may seem hopelessly outdated. Let us consider in more detail how to properly use classicism in the decoration of the room so that the design, having references to the past, is relevant to our days.

History of style

Many people are confused in terms of “classicism” and “classical style”. In the minds of modern people, they have long been two derivatives, which merged into one. No, these are different designations that have differences. Classic - the standard, something belonging to the highest category. Under it mean items in art, design, architecture, which have already received the highest score, were evaluated. Now they are considered the very bar on which the rest should be equal. Classics really come from the past, but it completely broke off the connection with time, occupied a golden niche over fashion. Classicism is considered a narrower concept. This direction, which is characterized by logic and strict order. Some specimens of classicism may refer to the classics. The founders of the style drew inspiration from ancient architecture, as they considered it exemplary. In those days, the Baroque experienced a period of decline, and it was replaced by another, a young direction - the Rococo, because of which the classicist alternative appeared. Like many styles, classicism originated in the architecture of temple complexes. Two great architects of those times: Palladio and Scamozzi formulated a coherent system of principles of direction. Over time, the style has changed, thanks to the research of architects who were inspired by ancient culture. But he managed to maintain his grace, which was opposed to excessive cloying of Baroque and Rococo. In the 18th century, Robert Adam became a prominent figure in European design. Scotsman traveled to Italy and watched the archaeological excavations, which exposed the new remnants of the great ancient culture. An architect by vocation, Adam drew new ideas from ancient architecture and brought a great contribution to the development of classicism.

The most popular direction received in Germany (Berlin, Munich), Russia (St. Petersburg), Poland (Warsaw), Scotland (Edinburgh) and France. The latter skillfully combined the "rococo sweetness" with the logic of classicism. Most of the examples of style in architecture became the standards, that is, classical monuments: the Triumphal Arch (Carrusel), the less well-known eponymous building in Rome (Septimia Severa Admiralty (St. Petersburg).

Empire style - the imperial style, the brainchild of high classicism, whose history made another turn during the reign of Napoleon. In the interiors, the direction showed itself rather weakly, but it was reflected in the sculptural ensembles (especially in the monuments of military prowess).

   

Main characteristics

Classicism has a number of interior features that allow at a glance to find out if the design belongs to a particular stylistic group. These include:

  • Draperies made from natural, luxurious fabrics (mostly silk). Usually they are decorated with a low-key, discreet, but therefore no less rich pattern.
  • Exquisite stucco, painted on the walls, tapestries, instead of paintings.
  • Long, narrow windows. In modern interiors use panoramic models that allow you to leave the house on the terrace or from the apartment on the glassed-in balcony. Shutter their heavy drapes in the pickup. Dense fabric is best combined with high ceilings, so classicism is ideal for spacious "palace" rooms.
  • Antique columns with capitals, friezes, festoons, sockets, meanders, mirrors, many-tier chandeliers made of expensive crystal as the main decoration of the room.
  • Furniture from expensive solid wood of valuable breeds.

Classicism is characterized by an abundance of luxurious, rich details, but they are devoid of a touch of pretentiousness, do not look too bright and bright. Perhaps the reason for this was the principle of symmetry, which is used in all interiors and makes luxury balanced.

Columns in classicism have lost their actual function and become only a decor. They do not belong to the bearing structures, as in the antique style, and therefore are performed mainly from light materials.

    

The color scheme used in the style

The interiors must use white or one of its tint options. Its dosage depends on the function and size of the room. In more rooms you can use dark cinnamon tones: rich walnut, mahogany, rich chocolate, soft sandy color. In small rooms, you should focus on beige, cream or coffee with milk, which has long been a classic. Also used soft shades of pink, green, blue, yellow and less often - lilac. As a rule, three colors are combined: a light background (white, milky, pearl, ivory), a pastel base of modulations of close shades (usually brown) and a relatively bright accent.

Do not recommend screaming accent colors. The brightness in the understanding of man of the classicism era is very different from the juicy, neon hues that our contemporaries are used to.

    

Textiles and decor

The decor and furnishings are made of natural materials. If you need an exact imitation of the interior of the era of classicism, then purchase handmade items. Curved, complex lines, characteristic of Baroque and Rococo, are replaced by a simple "directness" and smoothness. Particular attention is paid to mirrors and reflective surfaces. The “brilliance” of a multitude of light bulbs in massive chandeliers underlines the respectability of the apartments. Wooden surfaces are partially decorated with carvings, solely for the sake of adding grace to the decor. On the walls hang tapestries (carpets with woven patterns), pictures in massive gilded frames. An essential element in the living room and bedroom is the fireplace. On the shelves put vases, porcelain and small sculpture. Furniture and decor are decorated with inserts of rare wood, gilding, silver, brass, silk, velvet deep shades, inlay. Textiles use only natural. The lightest, most luxurious and classic material is silk. Pearlescent modulations of its surface will make the atmosphere restrained, but incredibly elegant. Silk is followed by velvet, satin, muslin and batiste.

Wall carpet or miniature picture can be made by yourself, if you are fond of embroidery. To do this, you need to take a hoop, a needle with a wide eyelet, a regular canvas and a floss thread, folded several times. A picture is embroidered with a tapestry stitch, which is a diagonal “half” of a classic cross.

    

Lighting

The emphasis in the interior is on the central lighting, represented by a grand ceiling chandelier. It usually has such impressive dimensions and is made so elegantly that it becomes one of the main decorative elements in the room. In addition, local table lamps and sconces are used. They are decorated with, as a rule, crystal, glass or transparent stone (in luxurious versions). Also allowed the use of fabric ceiling. In neoclassicism, you can use a white spotlight LED in order to emphasize the winning details of the situation.


    

Materials and methods of finishing

The walls are painted, followed by painting or wallpapering. In this case, it is better to choose the fabric that will most closely match the era. Of the shades, preference is given to light colors, and the ornament should not be too florid. Alternatively, the walls can be draped with silk or upholstered with wooden panels. Additionally, the surface is decorated with columns or “trompe l'oeil” - pilasters. The original solution will be a painting in the style of grisaille, which is performed with paints of different tones within the same color (usually gray). In this technique, decorate not only the walls, but also the ceiling. For flooring choose parquet. If the budget allows, you can purchase a luxurious version with a unique pattern with composing modules made of natural wood. In the kitchen, in the dining area, the bathroom floor can be covered with ceramic tiles, expanded clay or mosaic. The ceiling is chosen matte stretch or finish with plaster. Alternatively, you can use a satin or silk fabric for draping. In the decoration of the floor is sometimes used marble of light shades with a discreet pattern. High walls can not be fully decorated with natural stone because of its weight.

In neo-classicism ("modernized" style), the use of laminate is permissible, since such interiors do not pretend to authenticity.

    

Classicism in the interior

Classicism can be implemented in every room at home or combined with other areas that are close in spirit. These include the Rococo, Baroque, Empire, classical (in a broad sense), colonial style. The first two options will be contrasted with the restraint of the main direction, and the rest will fit on the principle of analogy. Neoclassicism is well combined with another modernized style - neoclassical.


    

Hallway and corridor

In the design of the hallway, as a rule, they use light shades (milky, white, cream, beige). Since the corridor usually has an elongated shape, it can be visually expanded using a combination of one-colored trim at the bottom and fabric wallpaper at the top of the walls. The border of the two textures deliberately emphasize. A modern wardrobe will organically blend into the interior if its facades are decorated with stucco or carving. Mirror surfaces of doors will add room space. To make the light room play in the bright light, pair sconces symmetrically located on opposite walls are used.

Living room

The walls of the living room are decorated with wallpaper with floral ornaments. Although the combination of textures of materials is not typical for “historical” classicism, in the modern version it is possible to combine drapery with plaster, painted fragments or wooden inserts. The original solution will be the alternation of paintings from the wall around the perimeter of the room. The main composition is represented by a sofa, a couple of chairs, an ottoman or couch and a coffee table made of wood. The color of the surfaces of the latter is chosen a couple of tones lighter or darker than the upholstery of the furniture. The room should have a fireplace with a mirror above the shelf. If it is not possible to establish a genuine one, then “flat” bio-and electrical analogues are used.


    

Kitchens

To decorate the floor of the kitchen in the style of classicism, they use large tiles that imitate wooden parquet. The hue is selected from the natural rich brown range. A kitchen suite also complies with the principles of symmetry and should have identical storage systems on either side of the "center" (usually plates). The facades of furniture are decorated with stucco, decorative moldings, borders and cornices, "pilasters" with gold. In the kitchen, it is not recommended to use fabric wallpaper, so it is better to paint or glue the walls with a vinyl version that mimics textile pattern (with “fibers”). The dining area is decorated with a light white table and the same "air" chairs with mother-of-pearl silk upholstery.


    

Bedrooms

The center of the bedroom is a bed, in classicism it was deprived of a canopy, which used to cover sleeping people from the outside world. But on the luxurious upholstery, decorative pillows and a bedspread with a rich pattern can not save. If the dimensions of the bedroom allow, then the "female" half equip boudoir. In private houses under it can be identified a small adjacent room. On both sides of the luxurious bed put two bedside tables, observing the rule of symmetry. At the foot you can install canapés or a bench upholstered in expensive silk. Tall, narrow windows drape with heavy curtains of light shades. It is better to paint the walls, and to place an accent painting or tapestry at the head of the headboard.

In neoclassicism, you can use furniture upholstered in natural leather instead of fabric.

    

Bathroom

In the bathroom, walls and floors are tiled with ceramic tiles. In the experimental variants, the green color and its gradations take the basis of the color palette. The walls and floor give a soft olive color. The shell is placed in a pistachio pedestal, decorated with silver or gold-plated moldings. On the wall hang an oval mirror in a simple frame. On either side of it, four double wall lamps with two light bulbs are installed. A decorative addition will be the painting: a floral ornament made of white and green hues, which “arch” hangs over the mirror and ends at the level of sconce. Bath choose a classic shape on curved legs. Cover it with pistachio-colored curtains with an unobtrusive ornament. So that the interior does not look too "green" it is complemented by furniture made in combinations of dark brown and milky colors.


    

Study

Antique furniture organically infused into the interior of the office. An old, heavy desk, bureau, desk or secretary will provide comfort, convenience and beauty. Carry out such furniture from the massif of a tree of dark tones. To make the situation not look too gloomy, fabrics of light shades with a neutral pattern are used for draping walls. A bulky table will fit a luxurious armchair with leather upholstery. Required attribute of the office - the library. If the size of the room allows, for it allocate a separate "corner" with an ottoman and a table. Since the ceilings in the "palace" rooms are high, you can use large wardrobes with a mobile ladder, which you climb up to get to the highest shelves. The original addition will be the sconces on the mirror substrate, similar in shape to the candlesticks.


    

Conclusion

In the description of classicism there are references to painting, poetry, prose, music and sculpture. The direction at one time fully embraced the broad concept of "art" and left a mark in almost every niche of it. Most of the “remnants” of the style have been preserved in excellent condition and have reached our days. To experience the “taste” of the direction, to see the atmosphere of the interiors, to appreciate its charm and impressiveness, you can visit the Russian North Palmyra, where most of the specimens of Russian classicism are located - a separate branch of style.

Watch the video: Neoclassical Architecture (March 2024).

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