Style in interior design English style

English style - the generalized name of the manifestations of art in England from the Middle Ages to the present.

These architectural styles in our country are often defined by the general term “English style”, but in reality they represent two interrelated directions - the Georgian and Victorian styles.

General characteristics of the English style

Traditional English style is the eclecticism of the “aromas” of different eras, which today we perceive as classics.

The main principle of the English interior: rich and reserved.   If we take moderate luxury to the point of refinement, sense of taste and measure, we get pure English style. Since England is an isolated island, this fact could not but leave a mark in the style of the house. Around visible conservatism, measured way of life. From generation to generation, traditions remain constant, only minor changes are added to the layout of the house. To characterize the English style in the interior can be such concepts as respectability and luxury, in a word, this is the classic style of the interior with the addition of luxury. This style is reminiscent of the castles of the English aristocrats - noble, majestic. As a memory of the colonial past - in some places there are shades of Indian and Chinese style.

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History of English style

The English style is characterized by the influence of two epochs: the Georgian (1714 - 1837) and Victorian styles (1837 - 1901). This period is marked by the rapid growth of opportunities in the use of a variety of styles from around the world and from different eras.

During the reign of King George I, the influence of ancient Greece and Rome began to be felt in the English style. The style of that era can be described as majestic, restrained, proportional and symmetrical. The choice of color often depended on the direction of the world where the windows of the room were facing. If to the north - warm shades prevailed, for example, golden-pink, lemon-yellow. If the south - cold: azure, rich green. Elements borrowed from the cultures of India, Japan, China, Mauritania, Ancient Egypt, as well as Rococo, Louis XIV, Jacob I, etc., could have been present in the interiors of that time.

The Victorian style was formed in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, namely, in the second half of the XIX century. At this time, thanks to the rapid development of industry and the colonies around the world, the bourgeoisie began to grow rich and take shape as a class. It should be noted that many interior items, not previously available to everyone and considered luxury, have gained massive popularity. Thanks to mass industrial production, many items that were previously considered unaffordable luxury have become widely available. Decorating, arranging and furnishing houses acquired a demonstrative nature of status and wealth.

In the 19th century, the famous designer William Morris became famous for creating on the basis of a medieval English interior what today is called the English style throughout the world.

The secret of the popularity and longevity of the English style is that even then Morris was able to feel the “golden mean” between the outdated pompousness of aristocratic castles and the technological boom of mass production advancing on humanity.

Features of English style

• Calm respectable carpets in wealthy residential interiors and effective with patterns in the living rooms
• Fireplaces or wood-burning stoves with carved decor made of wood, limestone or marble and mirrors above them in gilt-rich gilded frames
• Natural lighting, as well as chandeliers, wall sconces with two horns and matte lamps, floor lamps
• Yellow copper, gilding and crystal - from picture frames to figured base of table lamps
• Dark wooden furniture - mahogany or bog oak - with curved legs in the form of an inverted comma
• Wonderful design of windows: volumetric drapes with folds, cords with tassels, pelmets, plus false inserts for those who like to sit on the windowsill
• Rich colored fabrics with intricate patterns and luxurious texture - velvet, chenille, damask - and more leather
• Wood type parquet or tile patterns on the floor in halls and kitchens

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The English style in the interior is characterized by almost complete expulsion of curved lines, refinement of details, elegance in proportions and design, expensive woods. The furniture in the English style is very architectural: the furniture has cornices and pilasters, beautiful-shaped brass handles, and halls are decorated with keyhole guards. The decor of English houses is based on ancient motifs. The walls are covered with oak carved panels, mysterious and unique fireplaces, as well as white stairs, always decorated with sculpture.

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Historically, a fireplace is a necessary and indispensable attribute of the English interior. Fireplace as the center of the home, around it are placed comfortable tables, upholstered furniture, wool carpets on the floor (He was given a central place in the living room of country mansions and castles of the Middle Ages). It can be made of different materials, simply decorated with wooden bricks with a mantel, it can be lined with natural stone. In modern homes, it gives the room a cozy, aristocratic look.

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The walls in the English-style house are usually decorated with authentic tapestries and paintings: prints, watercolors, landscapes. The walls themselves are usually plain, either striped, small floral pattern or covered with antique oak panels.

For this style are relevant floors of the floorboards. Also from a piece parquet, but laid so that the wood fiber pattern is read.

English style photo

In conclusion, it is worth noting that textiles occupy a large place in the decoration of English interiors: blankets and pillows on chairs, covers on sofas and chairs, lampshades lamps. The color scheme in bright colors, calm. The drawings are the most diverse: from polka-dotted calico in the kitchen, colored cashmere in the living room to luxurious bouquets of roses on bedspreads and curtains in the bedroom.

English style photo

An indispensable attribute of the English living room is a soft wool blanket with a checkered pattern and a footstool.

English style photo

English style in the interior of the living room, bedroom and the whole house is popular all over the world, regardless of political affiliation and culture of the society. He is chosen by true connoisseurs of tradition and quality.

English style photo

Conclusion

The house, designed in the English style, to some extent dictates to its owners a certain way of life: unhurried, measured and solid. English style is suitable for you if you: yearned for the atmosphere and charm of classical interiors and adore antique furniture, antique shops; love the warmth of rich dark wood - red, oak; have the property of the building of the past era; dream to create a cozy, but at the same time elegant house.