The interiors of luxurious palaces of past centuries, where aristocrats once lived, still fascinate with their rich decoration so much that many people wish to live in such an environment. However, traditional styles are losing relevance: because houses have become smaller and the pace of life much faster. The neoclassical style in the interior is a modern alternative to the usual classic, which better adapts to the needs of the time, allowing to create a beautiful, refined design.
Style Features
The name of the direction is deciphered as new classic. Here it should be understood that the classic style itself has several interpretations. First, it is aesthetics, inspired by ancient culture, second – national and historical styles of European countries, which were replaced by new trends in the middle of the 19th century (mid-1800s).
The variety of concepts makes neoclassicism a fairly flexible style, which combines many traditional features, but skillfully adapts them to modern spaces. Like its historical predecessor, it focuses attention on proportions, lines, shapes and compositional integrity of the interior. The style likes space, so it is preferable to use it in suburban houses, not in small Khrushchev apartments. However, a more laconic variation will successfully fit into a large apartment.
The color palette often includes natural shades, which can be diluted with rich details if desired. White, walnut, ochre, milky, gray, brown – they act as a universal base.
The project author himself regulates the number of accent elements, but they may be limited to a few objects, while the main decorative role is played by the harmonious arrangement of objects, texture of coverings, textiles and palette.
Finishing
An important difference of neoclassicism lies in the finishing materials used. Instead of expensive and impractical basis, you can use drywall, polyurethane and other modern analogs that are allowed within the style.
Floor
Timeless is the natural wooden cover, which serves as a universal solution for any coloristics. In demanding rooms, it can be replaced with laminate or parquet board.
In a non-residential space, ceramic granite or large floor tiles, imitating the structure of marble, look luxurious. In a residential room, where it is necessary to emphasize coziness, you can buy a carpet.
Walls
Light walls of pastel shades compensate for the average size of the dwelling. In addition to painting, which will look dull without moldings, it is recommended to use wallpaper with a small pattern. These can be textile, non-woven or paper varieties, if you plan to change the design in a few years.
Wooden panels that frame the lower part of the room look authentic – they visually outline it and add rigor.
Ceiling
In the neoclassical style, you can’t do without decorating the ceiling around the perimeter with ceiling molding. The surface should be smooth, without defects and patterns. Stretch or drywall structures not only hide irregularities, but also help to implement interesting ideas.
Furniture
Any furniture in the neoclassical style looks quality, elegant and concise, using natural wood of different species or beautiful fabrics. These can be more modern models with minimal artistic elements that do not take up space.
There are items with traditional features: for example, chairs on curved legs with oval seats, armchairs with carving or cabinets with glass inserts. At the same time, it is recommended to buy structures with built-in equipment, as the achievements of technological progress in such an interior look out of place.
The placement of furniture should follow a clearly defined symmetry and composition. There is a key object in the room, around which the ensemble is built, while leaving room for free movement. Neoclassical space has light and space, which are included in the classical concept of comfort.
Decor and textiles
In the classical style, a lot of attention is paid to decorating, which is an indicator of the wealth and status of the owner. In such a house, there are inevitably luxurious silk curtains, antique statues, paintings by great masters, and other exhibits, today presented perhaps in a museum.
Neoclassicism is more democratic in this regard. Here can be present any kinds of decorations, and the walls are often hung with modern canvases. But the number of such elements is limited by the principle of harmony in the interior.
Window openings can be draped with quality smooth fabric, the color of which matches the palette of the room. The best decoration will be books on the shelves, demonstrating the reading of the owners, flowers in vases, enlivening even the gloomiest house, table lamps with an elegant shade, which softly light up the surrounding environment, as well as mirrors in frames – they will visually add a few square feet, which are missing for a complete image.
Lighting in classical space plays an important role. This is related to the historical fact: in the times of luxurious palaces, there was no electricity, so light sources were installed in all major zones. Today this rule has remained, so it is necessary to think about a multi-level lighting system – it will become the best decor in the evening.
Neoclassical Style in Interior Design — Photos
To style a home in the neoclassical way, it’s not just necessary to understand the subtle aspects of the style, but also its possibilities within a given space.
Neoclassical Kitchen Design
Don’t worry about having to sacrifice aesthetics in a kitchen with a potentially dangerous microclimate. Modern materials that can be used in neoclassical design will effectively cope with high temperatures, humidity, and all kinds of dirt. This could be ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware for wall cladding close to the working area, washable wallpaper, and seats with leather upholstery.
A U-shaped or parallel kitchen set painted in light shades would be ideal, but more compact models will also look appropriate. To avoid cluttering the interior with decor, you could purchase a few cabinets with glazed fronts, showcasing beautiful china. If space allows, it would be advisable to allocate a separate room for the dining area.
Neoclassical Living Room Design
Whether it’s “old” or “new” classic, the living room is the main center of the home, where guests are gathered and time is spent in a favorable environment. Homeowners who take a responsible approach to the design often resort to re-planning rooms to extend the walls of the room, letting in more space.
But it’s not just dimensions that determine comfort. In the neoclassical style, the sofa serves as the compositional center of the living room, creating a unique island within the interior. Usually, there are several armchairs, a pouf, and a coffee table located near it. Opposite – a bookcase with a built-in TV screen. Ideally, if a fireplace is installed in the room – it will become the main decoration of the room.
Neoclassical Bedroom Design
The bed rightfully remains the dominant object in the bedroom, which should be large, soft, and comfortable. This choice will reflect not only on the quality of sleep but also on the image of the room, which sometimes resembles a personal fortress. The wall against which the bed is situated stands out with its finishing material or decorative elements.
The color palette is light, natural, and pleasing to the perception. Pastel shades are found here, only enhancing the calming atmosphere. The layout may include several seating places – a sofa, pouf, or armchair, where it’s nice to relax with an interesting book. Besides a dresser with classic touches, in a room where a mistress lives, there often is a vanity table.
Neoclassical Bathroom Design
The bathroom in the traditional interpretation is a spacious room that resembles a separate living room. But in the neoclassical style, one can settle for more modest requirements.
Against the background of walls with tile covering, a bathtub with curved legs looks beautiful, which can act as a compositional center. If there’s a desire to incorporate a shower cabin, it should be allocated in the corner, equipped with all necessary plumbing. Modern cabin models would be out of place.
Neoclassical Kids Room Design
A bedroom for children in the neoclassical style will help to instill in them a sense of beauty and good taste. Usually, such spaces are gender-oriented, but designers recommend avoiding stereotypical color schemes or attributes, opting instead for neutral, high-quality items.
The finish should be durable and eco-friendly, so you can purchase non-woven wallpaper that allows air to pass through. A pastel palette rich in shades will create a fairy-tale, child-like mood and have a calming effect on your child.
Furniture should be without sharp corners and provide the child with access to necessary items. Not only toys will serve as decor, but also a variety of textile decorations: airy curtains, canopies, colorful bed linen.
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