Interiors of luxurious palaces from past centuries, where aristocrats once lived, still captivate with their lavish decorations so much that many wish to live in such surroundings. But traditional styles are becoming less relevant: homes are getting smaller, and the pace of life is much faster. The neoclassical style in interior design is a modern alternative to the familiar classic, which better adapts to the needs of the times, allowing for a beautiful, refined design.
Characteristics of the Style
The term “neoclassical” translates to “new classic.” It’s important to understand that there are several interpretations of the classic style itself. Firstly, it’s aesthetics inspired by ancient culture, and secondly, the national and historical styles of European countries, which new trends began to replace in the mid-19th century.
The variety of concepts makes neoclassical a flexible style, combining many traditional features but skillfully adapting them to modern spaces. Like its historical predecessor, it emphasizes proportions, lines, shapes, and the compositional integrity of interiors. The style prefers spaciousness, making it more suitable for suburban homes rather than small apartments. However, a more streamlined version will fit well into a larger apartment.
The color palette often includes natural shades, which, if desired, can be supplemented with rich details. Whites, walnuts, ochres, creamy, gray, and brown tones serve as a universal base.
The designer regulates the number of accent elements, but they can be limited to just a few objects. The primary decorative role comes from the harmonious placement of items, surface textures, fabrics, and the palette.
Finishes
A significant difference in neoclassical is in the finishing materials used. Instead of expensive and impractical bases, one can use drywall, polyurethane, and other modern equivalents within the style’s boundaries.
Flooring
Timeless is the natural wooden flooring, serving as a universal choice for any color scheme. In high-traffic areas, it can be replaced with laminate or parquet.
In non-residential spaces, ceramic granite or large floor tiles mimicking marble textures look luxurious. In a living room, where comfort is essential, one could opt for carpeting.
Walls
Light walls with pastel shades compensate for medium-sized homes. Apart from painting, which would look bland without moldings, it’s recommended to turn to wallpapers with small patterns. These can be textile, non-woven, or paper versions, especially if you plan to change the design in a few years.
Authentic-looking are wooden panels framing the lower part of the room – they visually outline it and add a touch of formality.
Ceiling
In the neoclassical style, decorating the ceiling with crown molding is essential. The surface should be smooth, free from imperfections and patterns. Stretch or drywall constructions not only hide irregularities but also help implement interesting ideas.
Furniture
Any furniture in the neoclassical style appears high-quality, elegant, and streamlined, using natural wood of various types or beautiful fabrics. These can be more modern models with minimal artistic elements that don’t occupy much space.
Items with traditional features are common: for example, chairs with curved legs and oval seats, armchairs with carvings, or cabinets with glass inserts. It’s advised to purchase furniture with built-in technology, as technological advancements can look out of place in such interiors.
The furniture layout should adhere to a clear symmetry and composition. There’s a central piece around which the ensemble is built, leaving room for free movement. The neoclassical space is filled with light and space, following the classical concept of comfort.
Decor and Textiles
In the classical style, much emphasis is on decoration, indicating the owner’s wealth and status. Such homes inevitably have luxurious silk curtains, antique statues, paintings by great masters, and other exhibits, perhaps today only found in museums.
Neoclassical is more democratic in this regard. Any decorations can be present, and walls often adorned with contemporary art pieces. However, the number of such elements is limited by the principle of harmony in the interior.
Windows can be draped with quality smooth fabric, the color matching the room’s palette. The best decorations include books on shelves showcasing the owner’s erudition, flowers in vases that enliven even the gloomiest home, table lamps with graceful shades softly illuminating the surroundings, and framed mirrors, visually adding extra square footage essential for a complete image.
Lighting in a classical space plays a crucial role. It’s connected with a historical fact: during the times of luxurious palaces, there was no electricity, so light sources were installed in all primary areas. Today, this rule remains, so it’s essential to consider a multi-level lighting system – it will serve as the best decor during the evening.
Neoclassical Style in Interior Design – Photos
To design a home in the neoclassical style, you need to understand the nuances of the direction and its possibilities within a specific space.
Neoclassical Kitchen Design
Don’t worry about compromising aesthetics in a kitchen with a challenging microclimate. Modern materials suitable for the neoclassical style handle high temperatures, humidity, and all types of stains effectively. This could be ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles for wall surfaces close to the work area, washable wallpapers, and seating with leather upholstery.
A U-shaped or parallel kitchen set, painted in light shades, works best, but more compact models will also look appropriate. To avoid overloading the interior with decor, consider having a few cabinets with glass fronts showcasing beautiful dishware. If space allows, it’s a good idea to have a separate room for the dining area.
Neoclassical Living Room Design
Whether it’s “old” or “new” classic, the living room serves as the main center of the home where you host guests and spend time in a comfortable setting. Responsible homeowners often rearrange rooms to expand the living room walls, allowing for more space.
But it’s not just size that determines comfort. In the neoclassical style, the sofa stands as the focal point, creating a unique island within the room. Typically, several chairs, a pouf, and a coffee table surround it. Opposite, you’d find a bookcase with an integrated screen. Ideally, if the room features a fireplace, it becomes the main attraction.
Neoclassical Bedroom Design
The bed remains the dominant feature in a bedroom and should be large, soft, and comfortable. This choice not only affects sleep quality but also the room’s ambiance, which sometimes feels like a personal fortress. The wall adjacent to the bed typically stands out due to its finishing material or decorative elements.
The color palette is light, natural, and pleasing to the eyes, often featuring pastel shades that amplify the soothing atmosphere. The layout might include several seating areas – a sofa, pouf, or chair, perfect for relaxing with an engaging book. Apart from a dresser with classic notes, a room housing a female owner often features a vanity table.
Neoclassical Bathroom Design
A traditional bathroom interpretation often resembles a separate living space. However, in the neoclassical style, you can opt for more modest demands.
Against a backdrop of tiled walls, a bathtub with curved legs stands out beautifully and can serve as the compositional center. If you want to incorporate a shower cabin, allocate space for it in a corner, equipped with all necessary plumbing. Modern cabin models might not fit the style.
Neoclassical Entryway Design
The design of the entryway depends on its layout. If it flows into the living area, the room’s design should influence it. If it opens to a corridor, you can opt for a restrained visual filling.
For finishing, consider materials that are easy to clean – porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, and washable wallpapers. Then light colors that expand the entryway won’t be an obstacle to cleanliness.
In such a corridor, you might find a table with a mirror, a sliding-door wardrobe, a pouf for changing shoes, and a coat rack.
Neoclassical Children’s Room Design
A children’s bedroom in the neoclassical style helps instill a sense of beauty and good taste in them. Such spaces typically cater to the child’s gender, but designers recommend avoiding stereotypical colors or attributes, focusing on neutral, quality items instead.
The finish should be durable and eco-friendly, so consider buying non-woven wallpapers that allow air to pass through. A pastel palette, rich in shades, will create a fairy-tale, childlike mood and have a calming effect on your little one.
Furniture should have no sharp edges and should provide the child with access to their belongings. Not only toys serve as decor but also various textile decorations: airy curtains, draperies on canopies, and colorful bedding.
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