Perhaps the main defining characteristics of the English style are restraint, respectability and aristocracy. It is by no means historical, which fits into some dated framework. Rather, it is an ethnicity that expresses the everyday life and traditions of the English aristocratic strata.

The interior of this style is discreet, practical, with notes of English settlements, classically symmetrical and harmonious in colors.

A little history

In the design of English interiors, the styles of Baroque, Gothic, Classical and Realism are used, which are united by characteristic features in truly English traditions. The most famous styles England are Victorian and Georgian, which come from the reign of Queen Victoria and King George (late 17th century - early 18th century).

This period marks the era of prosperity and development of the country. The style is dominated by an abundance of luxurious furniture and decoration, exquisite decorative elements and objects decorated with precious and rare materials. For example, ivory or mahogany.

The interior of that time is especially noteworthy in that everything had a colonial gloss, expressed by various decorative and household items imported from other countries: India, America, Africa or Australia. In the setting, they successfully take their place without disturbing the harmony of the interior as a whole. Traditionally, they were protected and tried to be passed on to their descendants in a perfectly preserved form.

But the main difference characterizing interior design in the English style is the presence of a large number of antique pieces of furniture, decorative elements, and utensils.

When decorating an interior in the spirit of old England, professionals advise using decoration, furniture, accessories, textiles, lighting, unique to this style.

Do not use mobile and multifunctional accessories and devices. The design of the interior solution should be refined and solid, protocol restrained and of good quality.

Using a style

Collector. This interior loves to surround itself with various decorative items in the form of antiques, original expensive dishes, figurines made of precious metals and stones. For this purpose, they even set aside special places on the fireplace shelf or an open cabinet with shelves so that the collections can be admired.

A lover of reading books in beautiful bindings or manuscripts. Usually in the English style, a convenient place is reserved for reading books. easy chair near an antique fireplace with smoldering logs. In addition, the house simply needs to have at least a small library, which, in addition to its direct purpose, can be used as a work office or a place of rest.

A large solid wood cabinet is reserved for books natural wood, there must certainly be a ladder of a certain size, used for its intended purpose or as an attribute. A large heavy table, comfortable chairs and a floor lamp with a beautiful lampshade are also necessary components of the interior.

A connoisseur of exquisite furniture made from natural wood and upholstered in luxurious textiles. Furniture of this style is the queen of the interior. All items must be matched to each other, because it will serve for quite a long time.

Owner of a small apartment. In this case, the English style will be a win-win option. So he is characterized by some cramped surroundings. Because the apartments in English houses small area, so that in cold times it would be easier to heat them, since the climatic conditions do not pamper the British with warmth. Therefore, interiors are created with subdued soft lighting, cozy and warm.

A supporter of everything classic. English design premises is considered an ideal classic due to its symmetry, harmony and proportionality. All items are placed in their places, everything is clear and without excesses.

Style Basics

Before you start decorating a room, it’s worth thinking through the details and taking into account the following principles:

• zoning must be specifically designated;
• it is mandatory to use stained glass for window openings and other glass inserts;
• used as finishing natural materials: wood, stone, etc.;
• It is necessary to have a fireplace in tandem with a shelf in the living room, bedroom or library; for lighting it is better to use sconces, floor lamps or lamps with dim light;
• for textile design it is worth using natural fabric materials, plain, striped, tartan, with small images of any vegetation;
• The following are used as decoration: figurines, porcelain figures, mirrors, photographs, flowerpots, etc.

To choose any design option, you should look through catalogs with photos of the English style in the interior.

Layout features

The most significant property of the layout is symmetry in everything: in the arrangement of interior items, rooms, and even windows and doors.

In English houses, as a rule, the rooms are small, but the number of floors can be two or more. A chic staircase inside the house will become not only a stylish decoration, but also a detail that divides the space of the room.

Features of the color scheme

Basically, English interiors are characterized by combinations of the following tones:

• brown, terracotta, dark green interspersed with gold;
• sand, chocolate, beige or dark brown;

In general, finishing in a dark, muted range of colors is considered a typical feature of room design. If the windows of the room face south, then the finishing is done in cool colors (green, blue, blue, gray, etc.), if the windows face north, then in warm colors (chocolate, ocher, sand, etc.).

Interiors in light colors are rarely decorated, but this does not contradict the style. The color of the surfaces predominates in white, beige or light gray tones.

Furniture upholstery must match the style of the walls (in terms of color and printed image). Wooden elements can be light or dark, the main thing is not to upset the balance.

Wall decoration

All materials used in finishing must be natural. This applies to plaster, wallpaper, paint or wooden surfaces. In addition, several methods can be used to decorate a room in the English style:

• The lower part of the wall is finished with wood panels, and the top is covered with light-colored paint and a matte texture.
• Divide the wall with moldings and paint it one color. Thus, the molding divides it into two parts.
• To increase the height of the ceiling, wallpaper with vertical stripes is suitable. If the height allows, you can cover the wall beautiful wallpaper with the image of monograms or with an ornament.

Decoration of the ceiling part

The most common option is whitewashing or painting the ceiling white.

A cornice made of stucco around the entire perimeter, matching the color of the ceiling or covered with gilding, will help create a complete look.

Floor decoration

As flooring Often they use parquet, boards or stone tiles. Possible use artificial materials with imitation of natural ones.

You can lay laminate or parquet in a cozy living room, and stone tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, a handmade carpet would be appropriate in the living room or bedroom.

Photo of English style in the interior

When you think about Britain, you recall many amazing and recognizable images associated with fashion, history and style: a mackintosh, a redingote, Paddington stuffed bears, pubs where you can not only drink ale, but also discuss how Millwall and Fulham played. And, of course, who can forget the Irish Guards in baribal hats? We are accustomed to thinking that the English style in the interior is the embodiment of aristocratic traditions, sophistication and restraint, although we understand that Great Britain is not only the ancestral castles of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, but also small mining towns like Wrexham and Silfynid, which have their own inexplicable beauty.

If you have never lived in the suburbs of London, but really want to be transported there instantly, you are welcome. Everything here is very solid and English: in the living room there is a quilted leather sofa and a dark green armchair, the built-in wardrobe holds many shelves on which you can display the complete works of Dickens and Oscar Wilde. A TV panel was placed in its center. As is customary in best houses England, a console table with elegant floor lamps with decorative bases in the shape of vases is leaning against the sofa.

To decorate the walls, they used wooden panels that ran along the bottom, and light wallpaper with an unobtrusive geometric pattern. Oil painting not only tells guests about the impeccable taste of the hosts, but also lifts the mood: a couple of small portraits, a still life and a painting depicting a motley spaniel on a hunt.

Office with a Scottish accent

A marsh-colored quilted sofa, similar to the group of furniture in the living room, you will find in work area. There is also a reflection of the majestic Empire style: a bowl chandelier, austere desk lamp with a metal base on the table, picture frame. Everything is very traditional, because all educated gentlemen decorated their rooms with globes and maps, perhaps in order to keep their plans for the future visible: be sure to visit India and swim the English Channel.

For the office, exquisite checkered wallpaper was chosen, reminiscent of the mountains of Scotland and the mood that appears in the owner after he offers guests a glass of scotch or green greaset with myrtle and meadowsweet, once called a “company drink” among the Scottish intelligentsia, and soon - go to the dining room, where a table for six people has already been set.

Return to Brideshead

The kitchen-dining room offers a wonderful view of the loggia with many potted plants. Since this room is a logical continuation of the living room, we repeated the decoration of the walls. The composition of small paintings put together is also in the spirit of the English aristocracy. Even if your family doesn't have a rich history to be proud of,

Have you always wanted to live in the UK? There is nothing simpler - turn your own apartment into a cozy corner of good old England! Arrange your home in a classic style, if it is close to your spirit.

The main features of this style are severity and restraint combined with wealth and luxury. This is not as easy to achieve as it seems, especially if you want to apply the English style to the interior of a small apartment. Find out what techniques designers use.

Features of the English style for a small apartment

Here are some tips to help you get as close to your desired result as possible:

• think first color scheme rooms. There are usually only a few windows, and they face a certain side of the world. As a rule, cold colors are used for a southern or western room (for example, green, azure or snow-white), and in rooms facing north or east, on the contrary, warm colors (pink, golden, brown);
• large mirrors and paintings in massive frames are not suitable for a small apartment. As a last resort, limit yourself to one similar element - it will emphasize the style, and at the same time will not overload the space;
• In terms of materials used, the area of ​​the apartment does not limit you in any way. Yellow copper, gilding, crystal will look great in a huge country house, and in the city two-room Khrushchev house;
• the British habit of rigor and order will come in handy in the design small apartment. There may be few decorative elements, but they will become an excellent accent in the interior. For example, traditional shelves with family heirlooms will replace “classic” racks. They will save space and at the same time maintain the necessary proportions in the design.
• English style will be appropriate if the kitchen and dining room in your apartment are represented by two different rooms. This is easy to arrange if your apartment is not of a standard construction, but has been remodeled;
• Gold-plated plumbing fixtures, black and white, will help you decorate a small bathroom in English style floor tiles, lined with a checkerboard pattern, a lamp or sconce with frosted lamps.

English interior design, although constantly developing and evolving, remained committed to tradition. The British flag on the pillow, the image of a red telephone booth - the most common attributes of England in modern interiors. Is their presence enough to create an English-style interior? Of course not!

The essence of the English style is not limited to a set of national symbols. True light, airy British interiors are a derivative of the colonial past. How to properly organize the appropriate atmosphere in the interior of an apartment?

Historical excursion, description of style

The rapid development of the furniture industry in England began in the mid-18th century. Thomas Chippendale published the famous catalog The gentleman cabinet – maker’s director, reflecting his love for pomp and complex shapes. Furniture in the later Sheraton catalog already gravitates towards the classics.

A revolution in the furniture market (not only the British one) was Thonet’s invention of the method of bending wood over steam. His famous chair No. 14 was the first chair intended for mass production.

William Morris did not like the idea of ​​mass production. He advocated a return to traditional way furniture production inspired by folk crafts. The famous floral motifs on fabric and wallpaper, popular in Great Britain, are the merit of Morris. Many of these models are still in production today.

Photo. Famous patterns of William Morris

Modern English style - main features

British interiors are rich in motifs that reference local historical styles. 250 years have passed since the beginning of the rapid development of the furniture industry in England, but in modern versions of furniture you can still feel the spirit of history. British style is an investment for many years, it does not change much under the influence of seasonal trends. Like the people of the British Isles, he is quiet, steady, traditional. The interiors of the apartments, decorated in the English spirit, are cozy and promote relaxation without losing elegance.

Colors, patterns

The modern English interior has received more lightness, light colors have been added, and the interior has become balanced. Stylized elements – popular consoles, bookcases– also often white.

Today the style is associated with the traditional, cozy interior. Dominant colors the following:

• beige;
• ivory;
• salmon;
• vanilla;
• bleached blue;
• pink;
• white;
• shades of natural wood;
• decorative, floral motifs.

Pastels are the basis of the living room. Against their background, additives in tones look good:

• red,
• pink,
• green,
• blue

The above traditional patterns can be found on wallpaper, pillows, curtains, upholstery.

English style in the interior, photos of color solutions

Elegance is achieved through contrasting colors.

Materials

The premises are filled mainly with natural materials. Wood helps to bring together the features of modern English style. Wood is present not only in furniture made from natural material, wood can be found on walls, ceilings - as cladding, panels, moldings.

Photo. Apartment interiors in classic English style, wood on the walls

Characteristic features of a typical British house are wall cladding with wood. Traditional wooden wall paneling consists of panels about 70 cm wide and 85 cm high. The panels are richly decorated with frames, carvings, and fancy decorations. The panels are installed at the bottom of the wall, make the interior stylish, protect the wall from damage, dirt, and other types of adverse effects.

Floors and furniture are usually also wooden. Furniture is often painted white, adding delicacy and lightness to the atmosphere.

Textiles, accessories

British style is impossible without fabrics that add coziness to the room. The main motif of patterns on fabrics is usually flowers. The queen of British flowers is undoubtedly the rose. Roses are found on:

• curtains,
• walls,
• pillows,
• tablecloths,
• furniture upholstery.

A well-known attribute of English design is the cage, popular among the British, fans of sports and hunting. In addition, horse figurines and hunting accessories are popular.

British decoration is sentimental - the apartment needs cute, romantic trinkets:

• family memorabilia,
• figurines,
• paintings,
• framework,
• Images.

Interior decoration methods today are not subject to strict standards, as was the case in the 18th century in England, and include many different components. Overall, a sentimental, whimsical tone is created that takes into account the needs of the apartment's residents. Residents should feel comfortable and at ease. Look great:

• fluffy carpets,
• textile products,
• stucco,
• pillows,
• trinkets, accessories.

The tables are decorated with vases with fresh flowers. The surface of the table is decorated with a beautiful tablecloth and napkins.

Characteristic walls, ceiling

A characteristic element of the English style is special walls, divided into 2 parts:

1. at the bottom there is a large plinth, wooden lining, upholstery in light colors;
2. at the top there is wallpaper in strong patterns (floral, geometric).

The patterns on the wallpaper differ depending on the direction of the style:

• English classics in the interior are decorated with wallpaper with floral patterns and elegant stripes;
• The Victorian version has an interesting texture, it seems that the wall is covered with silk, like in palaces.

Instead of wallpaper, paint in delicate pastel colors is often used:

• beige,
• soft pink,
• pale blue,
• white.

Decors are installed near the white ceiling:

• wide baseboard,
• stucco,
• decorative cornice.

Ceiling design, British style room, photo

The characteristic pattern is a stripe, often found on wallpaper.

Furniture

An apartment decorated in a traditional English style must be equipped with classic furniture. Character traits English furniture:

• made mainly of wood, preferably dark;
• has a rectangular shape;
• decorated various types moldings, carvings;
• high quality;
• quite bulky.

Upholstered furniture is made from materials with floral and geometric motifs.

The sofas are surrounded by various poufs and footrests. There are many tables and cabinets displaying various numerous trinkets.

A traditionally shaped sofa is often complemented by a leather armchair. An elegant chair will be useful for an office. The living room needs a fireplace, which is an essential part of every English home.

English interior country house with fireplace, console, photo

The furniture colors are chosen to be light. Main colors used:

• white;
• beige;
• aquamarine.

Light colors are especially dominant in:

• bathrooms,
• ​​bedrooms,
• canteens,
• kitchens

The use of light colors makes the interior, despite a large number of lighter, more trinkets.

Kitchen interior in English style, photo

The English style is ideal for lovers of warmth, comfort, and elegance.

Bedroom interior in English style, photo

Lighting

In the English style, decorative crystal chandeliers are popular, proudly hanging in the center of the ceiling, which are its crown.

You can often find decorative finishing the ceiling is made of plaster, decorating the place where the chandelier is attached. Today, stucco molding is made in the form.

Ceiling decors often repeat decorative motifs located on wooden wall panels. Decors, decorative baseboards made of foam plastic, plaster decorate the edges of the ceiling and walls.

Stucco looks very beautiful provided the ceiling is high enough. Each decoration on the ceiling will make it appear lower. The ceiling height in apartments is no more than 3 meters, and such decor looks bulky. In a room with high ceilings, stucco molding will become a real decoration.

An English interior will not be complete only with overhead lighting. Many rooms have sconces with richly decorated lampshades:

• lampshades can have an antique shape, fringe adds an English character:
• modern lampshades are complemented with decorations - frills, fringes.

Curtains and window decor

The interior requires the presence of curtains. Large, heavy curtains are needed to protect the room from prying eyes. The curtains are decorated with patterns, designs with a typical motif of plants and flowers. The curtains can repeat patterns located on the sofa upholstery and pillows. In some English interiors you can notice an excess of patterns and colors. Combine patterns of flowers and plants on the sofa with pillows and a checkered, striped blanket. Patterned curtains are often located behind the sofa.

Floral patterns should be used sparingly. Otherwise instead stylish interior we get a mishmash of colors and patterns. For a colorful interior, it is advisable to choose plain, smooth curtains that are completely calm.

Small apartment design

British style in a small apartment should be designed carefully. An abundance of colorful patterns should not be allowed. Floral motifs must be present on 1-2 interior elements, for example:

• on curtains and pillows, curtains and blankets;
• on the section of the wall above the sofa, bed and on pillows;
• colorful wallpaper on one wall;
• on the couch.

With this design, the interior will not seem too pockmarked.

The decor of the walls and ceiling of the apartment can be done using the mentioned skirting boards.

It is advisable to decorate the walls with beige shades, which make the interior of a small apartment visually larger. Pastels will give the room comfort and warmth, as opposed to cold, sterile white. Interesting option– Cover 1/3 of the wall below with wooden panels. Light wallpaper with a pronounced texture looks beautiful.

Instead of covering walls with wood, you can use 2 types of wallpaper:

1. patterned (stripe, flower);
2. plain in one color scheme.

For a small apartment, it is preferable to choose light furniture that does not overload the small interior.

Conclusion

The British brought many popular trends to the world of interior design, art, and fashion. The bright, strong English style provides inspiration to many designers. The style is varied, combining tradition and modernity. Main features of the style:

• cosy,
• conservative,
• elegant,
• romantic,
• austere and idyllic at the same time.

British interiors are full of elegance, sophistication, warmth and comfort. This combination will seem impossible for many. British style is not suitable for everyone, as it is associated with a heavy, overwhelming interior.

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This design style is suitable for people who value nobility and sophistication. The main foundations of the English style in the interior of an apartment are furniture made of natural wood, expensive textiles, gilding, and a fireplace as decorative elements. The smallest apartment will become luxurious and emphasize the high status of the owner.

Color spectrum

The design of an apartment in the English style is dominated by rich warm shades:

• dark gray and brown;
• burgundy and terracotta;
• bronze and beige;
• golden and creamy.

These colors will add aristocracy and comfort to the atmosphere. Found in various combinations.

Wall decoration

The English-style apartment has a discreet interior. Choose plaster and wallpaper for walls in discreet colors. An interesting option - paper wallpaper with an expressive English pattern, hiding possible wall defects. Wallpaper with elegant floral patterns is suitable for the bedroom. For the living room, do not choose bright wallpaper with floral prints or Scottish mesh - they visually reduce the space. Give preference to golden, beige tones or small ornaments. Decorate the lower part of the walls with wooden panels or lining and you will give the room medieval royal luxury. The walls can even be covered with wood, as shown in the photo. Three-level walls are popular:

• first level - wooden panels at a height of approximately 75 cm from the floor. Lacquered wood or panels are used, painted to match the general color of the room's interior;
• second level - wallpaper. The pattern is large stripes, with floral patterns and small cute flowers;
• third level - stucco or carved wooden cornice around the entire perimeter of the room.

Use stucco molding carefully so as not to overload a small English-style apartment with it. A whimsical, complex shape is suitable for antique interior design, while simple shapes look beautiful in a modern setting.

Decoration of floors and ceilings

Cover the floor in the bedroom and living room with laminate or parquet. Expensive parquet will be replaced by imitation wood laminate flooring. The floors are covered with luxurious soft carpets. You can cover the entire room with a carpet or leave narrow strips of flooring around the perimeter of the room.

Use tiles in the hallway, kitchen or bathroom. An interesting option is to lay out white and black tiles when renovating an apartment in the English style in a checkerboard pattern or in complex patterns.

In such an interior, the ceilings are multi-level structures with clear contours. Wooden elements are used - skirting boards, beams and plaster decorative details. Decorate the ceiling with a luxurious chandelier.

Furniture selection

For the English style choose massive wooden furniture carved and well polished. This is both an antique and modern furniture. The upholstery of the sofa and armchairs is made of velvet and other expensive fabrics. A lot of expensive textiles - pillows, bedspreads on the sofa, armchairs, bed. A bedroom would not be complete without a high wooden bed with wrought iron elements and a canopy. The number of furniture items depends on the size of the room.

The main design element two-room apartment in the English style there will be a large fireplace installed in the living room. A wood-burning fireplace is suitable for private homes, while an electric fireplace is used in an apartment. It is placed in the central part of the wall, place furniture around it, and hang a picture or a large mirror on top. By the way, the fireplace can even be artificial.<*p>

One-room apartment in English style

IN one-room apartment In the English style, one can also highlight the peculiarity of the interior. This is a wooden shelf with family heirlooms, a small mirror in a carved frame, expensive textiles, crystal. Of course, wooden furniture. In terms of decoration, there are no restrictions - yellow copper, gilding, a beautiful expensive carpet. In a small bathroom, a lamp with frosted lamps, gilded sanitary ware and black and white tiles will help highlight the style.