Characteristic features of the classics
The interior of an apartment in a classic style cannot be confused with any other, thanks to a set of unique characteristics inherent only to it:
- Space. Most often, large rooms are decorated in a classic style – they look the most harmonious. If you are planning to decorate a small room, use the secrets of visual expansion – light shades, mirrors.
- Natural materials. A classic interior is synonymous with luxury, so the use of cheap plastic or imitations is unacceptable. Use natural wood, stone, plaster.
- Symmetry. The layout is built around a central element, with each half being a mirror image of the other. The center is a fireplace, wardrobe, table, sofa, bed.
- Light colors. The design of an apartment in a classic version is done in calm, pastel colors. The exception is furniture made of natural wood.
- Strict lines. First of all, it concerns furniture – it is laconic, symmetrical, with clear forms. But on top it is decorated with carvings and other decorative elements.
- Stucco molding. It is not obligatory, but is often used in decoration and is considered an important element of an apartment in a classic style.
- Textiles. Classic fabric decor can be characterized in one word – wealth. Give preference to noble fabrics, draperies, decorations in the form of fringe and tassels.
What color scheme to choose?
We have already mentioned that the classic interior is light. However, not only muted tones are used in the design. A calm range acts as a background: white, beige, ivory, gray. In interiors, they often resort to a warm palette – it best complements the shade of natural wood.
As for accents, the classic style is characterized by noble, dense tones – burgundy, olive, chocolate, deep blue or purple. They go well with both light colors and gold or bronze decor elements.
The photo shows an example of a classic bedroom
The interior design will be harmonious if the combination of the furniture frame and textiles is correct. Light furniture needs pastel (peach, pistachio, cappuccino) upholstery. Dark wood items look better with dark or bright upholstery, with the same textiles around.
What materials to use for repairs and decoration?
In the classic style, the more natural and expensive the finishing material, the better. Depending on the functionality of the room, wood, stone, gypsum, ceramics, plaster, natural fabrics are used.
The standard floor of a classic-style apartment is natural parquet. In modern realities, it is replaced by laminate, engineered board. Marble, granite, ceramic tiles are suitable flooring for wet rooms.
The design of the walls of an apartment in the classic style is done using natural wallpaper, fabric, decorative plaster, matte paint. Most often, designers use a single-color coating, but sometimes it is diluted with gilding or unobtrusive patterns. It is appropriate to decorate with clapboard – for example, the lower part of the wall in wooden panels, and the upper part is covered with wallpaper.
The photo shows the living room design in a classic style
There are two types of ceiling decoration: classic white or artistic painted. The first option is the most universal, suitable for small and low rooms. The second is expensive and unique, but creates a special atmosphere of apartments and the interior design looks much more interesting. To make a classic interior more elegant, add stucco to the ceiling. Or keep it if you got it with the purchase of the apartment. For low ceilings, it is replaced with cornices.
What to consider when choosing furniture?
Furniture in a classic style in the interior plays no less an important role than the decoration. It is on it that depends how cozy the interior will be. It is necessary to make a choice at the design project stage so that each detail matches each other.
The photo shows a mahogany kitchen set
The requirement for naturalness also applies to interior items – pay attention to models made of valuable wood, upholstery made of leather or expensive natural fabric. If you like antiques – look for suitable cabinets, armchairs and chairs in second-hand shops. Or order from a modern manufacturer.
Choosing stylish lighting
If you look at the original images of the classical style in the interior, you will see two mandatory lighting attributes: large chandeliers and large windows. In modern realities, nothing has changed. It’s good if your apartment or house has huge window openings – a lot of daylight comes through them. But if this is not the case, take care of multi-level artificial lighting. There are never too many lamps in a classic style!
The photo shows a bright accent in the hall
A large chandelier in the center is the main and obligatory element of illumination. Crystal, candle-lamp and other voluminous, luxurious models will do.
Floor lamps and sconces should be placed symmetrically – this is one of the main principles of interior design. On both sides of the sofa, bed, TV, wardrobe, fireplace, etc.
For mood, use candles in tall crystal candlesticks in the living room design.
Tip: The chandelier should be proportionate to the room, the smaller the room – the smaller the pendant lamp. In a small apartment, replace floor lamps with sconces or table lamps.
What decor and accessories are suitable?
In the classics, as in any other style, you can’t do without decorations. The requirements for them are the same as for other items: sophistication, elegance.
The photo shows a bedroom design in a classic style
The following are used as decoration:
- paintings in expensive frames;
- candelabra;
- porcelain or bronze figurines;
- candlesticks;
- sculptures;
- mirrors in antique frames;
- rugs made of natural pile;
- silk or velvet pillows.
Features of modern classics in the interior
The interior in this style can be modern. The direction is called neoclassicism and has its own characteristics:
- Straight lines.
- Symmetry.
- Furniture in a classical style.
- Arches, columns, pilasters.
- Stucco moldings.
The photo shows a hall with a fireplace according to neoclassical standards
As you may have noticed, the attributes of the modern classic style are no different from the traditional direction. But this design looks fresher due to modern furniture and decor, brighter colors, and simple finishing.
For example, in the old classic style, upholstered furniture is often curved, while in the new style, the lines are clear. In the old style, there is a large number of decorations – carving on furniture, stucco molding, painting, while in the new style, everything is simpler and more laconic. Neoclassicism uses a maximum of basic elements — from renovation to furniture.
Room interior
All rooms in the apartment are decorated in the classical style: living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, even the balcony.
Kitchen
The kitchen is perhaps the only room where functionality is more important than beauty. But the classic design easily combines these concepts. The central point is the kitchen set – preferably made of natural wood. Modern equipment will have to be hidden behind the facades so as not to spoil the overall picture.
In the kitchen-dining room, a table with chairs is installed in the center, and a bulky chandelier is hung above it. Read more about kitchen design in our article.
Living room
The ideal initial data of the room is space, high ceilings, the correct shape. Small halls are also decorated in a classic style, although there will be much more work.
Since the living room is where most of the day of any family is spent, the interior should be as neutral as possible. The ceiling, walls, sofa, armchairs, and cabinets are made light. A fireplace is often installed in the hall; in a city apartment, candles are installed inside instead of a hearth. What else should be taken into account when decorating a living room, read in our article.
Bathroom and toilet
Due to the small area of these rooms, it will not be easy to implement a classic design in them. Use marble or other natural stone in the decoration, or ceramic tiles to save money.
The bathroom itself, like all other plumbing fixtures, should be rounded. A mandatory element of the interior is a mirror in a gilded frame. The rest of the bathroom finishing secrets are in another article.
Hallway and corridor
The design of the walk-through room is no different from any other – pastel colors, expensive decor, naturalness. Suitable furniture for the classics is a bench with carriage coupler, a mirror in a gilded frame, a roomy chest of drawers. Read all the stages of arranging the hallway in our article.
Classics in the interior of a child’s room
At first glance, it may seem that this style is not suitable for a child. But this is definitely not true: a girl in such an environment will feel like a princess, and a boy – at least a prince.
The preferred palette for walls, furniture, textiles: milky, beige, gray, white, cream, peach, mint. Avoid dark wood, white interior items are more appropriate – for example, a bed with a white wrought iron headboard will become the center of a girl’s room.
The photo shows a girl’s room in white and pink tones
Classic style office
The furnishings in the work area should encourage labor exploits, this is facilitated by:
- light wall decoration;
- furniture made of natural wood;
- green textiles;
- a comfortable desk.
For the office, take the English classic direction as a basis.
The photo shows a bright, spacious office
A balcony in a classic style
You shouldn’t clutter the balcony with old junk, it’s better to make it a place to relax. To do this, you will need:
- paint the walls in a pastel shade;
- lay dark parquet on the floor;
- put a couple of comfortable armchairs or chairs;
- decorate the space with fresh flowers in vases.
The photo shows a loggia with finishing
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