In the spirit of the Old World: we decorate the interior in the English style (50+ photo ideas)
Old England is associated with conservatism and restraint. However, English-style interiors are often found in modern homes. Whether this style is really so stiff and strict, we will understand in this review. Photos of interiors in the English style will show that conservatism is actually respectability, austerity is elegance, and restraint is a sign of good taste.
The content of the article
- 1 Features of the interior in the English style with a photo
- 2 Where to start renovating an English-style room? Wall, floor and ceiling decoration
- 3 Elegant and comfortable: the secrets of coziness in the spirit of old England
- 4 Features of the design of rooms of different sizes
- 5 Photos of completed projects of rooms for different purposes
- 6 Video: English style interior
Features of the interior in the English style with a photo
The English style is an ethnic trend, designed in the spirit of realism, classicism, gothic. It is often called the Victorian style, since the main features characteristic of the houses of the noble English were laid down during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Character traits
In a classic style, the English interior is imbued with a sense of style and sophistication. Devoid of colorful colors, it may seem somewhat gloomy at first glance. However, if you look closely, you can see the oriental flavor in the form of various decorative elements. The prim English owe their outlandish gizmos to their eastern colonies: India, Australia and others. The rich British brought various interior items from the colonies, carefully preserving them and passing them on from generation to generation. Therefore, do not be surprised to see a rich oriental rug, an Indian ivory figurine or a porcelain vase in a discreet setting.
The weather conditions in the British Isles determined the atmosphere of the dwelling. You will hide from fog and rain in a warm and solid home, where every element is aimed at creating comfort and coziness.
The English style in the interior of a modern apartment is devoid of fuss and dynamics. Here you plunge headlong into the atmosphere of measuredness and tranquility. The inherent attributes of style are stairs, library and fireplace... The stairs are made of wood and decorated with carvings.
And if the dimensions of not every apartment allow you to build such a structure, then you can organize a small library with a decorative fireplace in almost any space. The view of a cozy fireplace surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves will evoke thoughts of the house on Baker Street, where the great Sherlock Holmes solved the most complicated crimes.
Color spectrum
The coloristic design of the English interior is designed in calm muted tones. As a rule, woody shades, green, sandy and burgundy tones are used. The prevalence of dark colors is considered a classic design in the English style: brown, chocolate, dark green.
Useful advice! Experienced designers recommend decorating rooms facing the sunny side in cool colors, and rooms with windows to the north in warm colors.
In the interior in the English style, it is allowed to decorate the room with light wallpaper using beige, blue and golden shades. In such a design, there is always a contrast. It is created by upholstery of armchairs in dark fabrics, mirrors in massive wooden frames or furniture from dark woods.
Where to start renovating an English-style room? Wall, floor and ceiling decoration
In the classic version, the floor is certainly covered with parquet. However, if this option is perfect for an English-style living room, then parquet flooring in the kitchen will be impractical. In addition, finishing the floor with a parquet board is an expensive pleasure, and not everyone can afford it. Therefore, you can safely use as a floor covering laminate or ceramic stone tiles.
The ceilings are whitewashed, painted and decorated with stucco. Rustic English interiors are often decorated with wooden beams, as shown in the photo below.
Try to use natural materials for wall decoration. In the spirit of British homes, divide the surface of the wall horizontally in two. The lower (smaller) part of the wall is finished with wood panels, the top paint, pasted over wallpaper or plaster.
Elegant and comfortable: the secrets of coziness in the spirit of old England
For rooms in the English style, clear zoning of space is important. This serves both an aesthetic and a purely practical function. Houses in England are characterized by small rooms, so it is important that each piece of furniture has its own clearly defined place.
The choice of furniture in the English style
Of the classic English-style pieces of furniture, the armchair with "ears" and the Chesterfield sofa deserve special attention. English mantel chairs are made with curved legs. Their back is so high that a person sitting in a chair can throw his head on it.
The main distinguishing features of the Chester sofa:
- diamond-shaped screed;
- the back has the height of the armrests, smoothly passing into them;
- the end of the back and armrests is in the form of a twisted scroll;
- the legs of the sofa are almost invisible.
Interesting fact! The Chesterfield sofa, made in dark leather, looks austere and even brutal. However, when upholstered in soft beige velvet, it takes on an elegant delicate look and fits perfectly into the lady's room.
For a room in the English style, it is customary to select expensive high-quality furniture. Among the interior items must be a pouf of various shapes, bookshelves and cabinets from floor to ceiling. The bookcase doors in the English style are decorated with stained glass. The furniture has a strict geometric shape and is decorated with carved elements and original forged handles.
Room lighting in English style
For a room in the style of England, diffuse lighting should be organized. It is achieved through the use of numerous sconces, floor lamps and lamps. Different types of lighting also play the role of additional space zoning. Around the dining area, a row of lamps is installed that illuminate the table from all sides; it would be appropriate to install a floor lamp near the reading chair. In the central part of the living room, you can hang a large chandelier with candle-shaped bulbs, but this will only be relevant if there are high ceilings.
Natural light enters the room through narrow, elongated windows in the English style (example in the photo below).
Window glass is divided into identical squares using wooden lintels - shpros. The window, as a rule, consists of two sashes: upper and lower. The top flap is movable.
Use of textiles
For the textile decoration of the room, heavy expensive fabrics are used. Curtains are hung on the windows, which are picked up with strings with tassels or braid. Upholstered furniture is decorated pillows various shapes of velvet or silk. Curbstones and tables are usually covered with lace napkins and tablecloths.
The color scheme of fabrics must certainly be combined with the general decor of the room. The pattern on the fabric, as a rule, is chosen purely British - a strip, a cage, a plant print.
Finishing touch: decorative elements
English decor is, first of all, traditions. Therefore, among the decorative elements, antiques are especially common. It can be wall clocks with chimes, mirrors in antique frames, collections of figurines and dolls.
It is customary to decorate the walls of the room family photos, tapestries and paintings in baguette frames. Porcelain sets and vases are placed in cabinets and on shelves. In the English living room, a chessboard with handmade wooden figures will look very harmonious, a large globe is suitable for an office, and a bedroom can be decorated with candlesticks with a beautiful floral pattern.
Features of the design of rooms of different sizes
The interior in the English style will look equally harmonious both in a spacious country house and in a small modern apartment. In order to equip rooms of different sizes in a practical and comfortable way, you need to know a few secrets.
The interior of a small apartment in the English style
England is saturated with the spirit of conservatism. Traditions, peace and comfort are respected here. Therefore, when arranging your apartment in the British manner, remember that there should not be a hint of the hustle and bustle of a modern person in it. Returning home to your British apartment after a hard day at work, you will be immersed in an atmosphere of calm, measuredness and warmth. The English style implemented in the interior of a small apartment is shown in the photo below.
English style in the interior of a country house with photo examples
A spacious country house provides its owners with plenty of room for imagination. A classic wooden staircase, fireplace and a large library will perfectly fit into the two-story house. These attributes of a truly English home will make your home look respectable and sophisticated.
Photos of completed projects of rooms for different purposes
The elegant and discreet style will look harmonious in any room. Soft oriental carpets will add coziness to the bedroom, a massive oak table will adorn the study, and a mirror framed with a gilded frame will perfectly fit into the hallway. A time frame should be chosen for each room. Will your living room be a symbol of rich Victorian décor or a resting place for London dandies of the late 19th century? It's up to you to decide. And the photo below will help you to more clearly imagine the British home.
Photo of the living room interior in the English style
The living room seems to be created to embody the atmosphere of the Old World. A library, a fireplace, a Chester sofa set opposite, reading chairs and elegant floor lamps will perfectly fit into it. The luxury of the furnishings combined with the restrained decor will undoubtedly emphasize the good taste of the owners.
Kitchen interier
British cuisine is filled with aromas of freshly baked goods. Behind a large wooden table the whole family will be able to gather for traditional English tea parties. This room is warm and peaceful.
English bedroom
The centerpiece of every bedroom is the bed. In a Victorian bedroom, it should be large, set in the center of the room. Choose a bed with a wooden headboard decorated with fine carvings. For a bedroom with a large area and a high ceiling, a bed with a heavy canopy made of curtain fabric is suitable.
Cabinet in English style
The office can become the heart of your English home. It is difficult to imagine the count's estate without this premises. If the availability of free space allows, then in addition to a massive writing table (an integral part of the study), it can be used to place a library and organize a place for reading.
Hallway in English style
The hallway, as a rule, does not differ in the presence of free space. Therefore, it is so important to make it functional. Conservative English minimalism in this case will do you well.
In conclusion, we would like to share with you a video clip, which demonstrates the ideas of arranging the interior of rooms made in the English style.
Video: English style interior
We hope that the article has helped you understand the intricacies of interior design in English. With this knowledge, you will undoubtedly be able to create the atmosphere of a respectable and cozy English home in your home.