Classicism is a trend in architecture and design, the birth of which dates from the beginning of the XVII century. The style has remained relevant in Europe for almost two centuries. Gradually, the main ideas of classicism spread beyond the Old World to the New, where the colonialists mixed them with local ethnic motifs, turning them into a colonial direction. Style refers to the elite, the most accurate definitions of it are considered to be the epithets "royal", "palace". Classicism is difficult to translate into a modern interior that gravitates to laconicism and rationality. Luxury, sophistication, prosperity - the main features of the direction, which in the age of technological progress may seem hopelessly outdated. Let us consider in more detail how to correctly use classicism in the decoration of a room so that the design, having references to the past, is relevant for our days.
Many are confused in the concepts of "classicism" and "classic style." In the minds of modern people, they have long become two derivatives that merged into one. No, these are different designations with differences. Classic is a standard, something related to the highest category. It means objects in art, design, architecture, which have already received the highest score, have been evaluated. Now they are considered the very bar on which the rest should be equal. Classics really come from the past, but it completely broke the connection with time, took a golden niche over fashion. Classicism is considered a narrower concept. This is a direction characterized by logic and strict order. Some examples of classicism may belong to the classics. The founders of the style drew inspiration from ancient architecture, as they considered it exemplary. In those days, the Baroque was in a period of decline, and it was replaced by another, young direction - Rococo, because of the pomp of which a classic alternative appeared. Like many styles, classicism originated in the architecture of temple complexes. Two great architects of those times: Palladio and Scamozzi formulated a harmonious system of principles of direction. Over time, the style changed, thanks to the research of architects who were inspired by ancient culture. But he managed to maintain his grace, which contrasted with the excessive cloying of Baroque and Rococo. In the XVIII century, Robert Adam became a prominent figure in European design. The Scot traveled around Italy and watched archaeological excavations that exposed the new remains of the great ancient culture.A vocation architect, Adam drew new ideas from ancient architecture and made a great contribution to the development of classicism.
The most popular destination was in Germany (Berlin, Munich), Russia (St. Petersburg), Poland (Warsaw), Scotland (Edinburgh) and France. The latter skillfully combined the “sweetness” of Rococo with the logic of classicism. Most examples of style in architecture have become standards, that is, classical monuments: the Arc de Triomphe (Carruzel), the lesser-known building of the same name in Rome (Septimius Severus), the Vendome column, the Pantheon (Saint-Genevieve), the Marble, Petrovsky, Tauride palaces, the Academy of Arts, Admiralty (St. Petersburg).
Empire is an imperial style, the brainchild of high classicism, whose history made another round during the reign of Napoleon. In the interiors, the direction showed itself rather weakly, but was reflected in the sculptural ensembles (especially in the monuments of military valor).
Main characteristics
Classicism has a number of interior features that make it possible at a glance to find out whether a design belongs to a specific stylistic group. These include:
Draperies made of natural, luxurious fabrics (mainly silk). Usually they are decorated with a discreet, restrained, but therefore no less rich pattern.
Graceful stucco, painting on the walls, tapestries, instead of paintings.
Long, narrow windows. In modern interiors, panoramic models are used that allow you to exit from the house to the terrace or from the apartment to the glazed balcony. Blind them with heavy curtains on the hooks. Dense fabric is best combined with high ceilings, so classicism is ideal for spacious "palace" rooms.
Antique columns with capitals, friezes, festoons, sockets, meanders, mirrors, multi-tiered chandeliers of expensive crystal as the main decoration of the room.
Furniture from an expensive solid wood.
Classicism is characterized by an abundance of luxurious, rich details, but they are devoid of a touch of pretentiousness, do not look too catchy and bright. Perhaps the reason for this was the principle of symmetry, which is used in all interiors and makes luxury balanced.
The columns in classicism lost their actual function and became only decor. They do not belong to the supporting structures, as in the antique style, therefore they are mainly made of light materials.
The color scheme used in the style
In interiors, white or one of its shade options is necessarily used. Its dosage depends on the function and dimensions of the room. In larger rooms, you can use dark cinnamon tones: rich walnut, mahogany, rich chocolate, soft sand color. In small rooms you should stay on beige, cream or coffee with milk, which has long been a classic. Also used are soft shades of pink, green, blue, yellow and less often - lilac. As a rule, three colors are combined: a light background (white, milk, pearl, ivory), a pastel base from overflows of similar shades (usually brown) and a relatively bright accent.
Do not recommend choosing flashy accent colors. The brightness in understanding the man of the era of classicism is very different from the rich, neon shades that our contemporaries are used to.
Textiles and Decor
The decor and furniture are made from natural materials. If you need an exact imitation of the interiors of the era of classicism, then acquire handmade items. The curved, complex lines characteristic of Baroque and Rococo are replaced by simple “directness” and smoothness. Particular attention is paid to mirrors and reflective surfaces. The “shine” of many bulbs in massive chandeliers underlines the respectability of the apartment. Partially carved on wooden surfaces, solely for the sake of adding elegance to the decor.Tapestries (carpets with woven patterns), paintings in massive gilded frames are hung on the walls. A mandatory element in the living room and bedroom is considered a fireplace. On the shelves put vases, porcelain and small sculpture. Furniture and decor are decorated with inserts of rare wood, gilding, silver, brass, silk, velvet of deep colors, inlaid. Textiles are used exclusively natural. The lightest, most luxurious and widespread in classicism material is silk. Pearlescent overflows on its surface will make the atmosphere restrained, but incredibly elegant. Silk is followed by velvet, satin, muslin and cambric.
You can make a wall carpet or a miniature picture yourself if you are fond of embroidery. To do this, you need to take a hoop, a needle with a wide eye, an ordinary canvas and a mouline thread, folded several times. The picture is embroidered with a tapestry seam, which is a diagonal "half" of the classic cross.
Lighting
The emphasis in the interior is on the central lighting, presented by a grandiose ceiling chandelier. It usually has such impressive dimensions and is made so elegantly that it becomes one of the main decorative elements in the room. As a complement, local table lamps and sconces are used. They are usually decorated with crystal, glass or a transparent stone (in luxurious versions). The use of fabric shades is also allowed. In neoclassicism, white spotlights can be used to emphasize winning details.
Materials and methods of decoration
Walls are painted with subsequent painting or wallpaper. At the same time, it is better to choose fabric ones that will most correspond to the era. Of the shades, light tones are preferred, and the ornament should not be too ornate. Alternatively, the walls can be draped in silk or draped with wood paneling.Additionally, the surface is decorated with columns or “tricks” - pilasters. The original solution will be grisaille painting, which is done with paints of different tones within the same color (usually gray). In a similar technique, not only walls are decorated, but also the ceiling. For flooring choose parquet. If the budget allows, then you can buy a luxurious version with a unique pattern with stacked modules made of natural wood. In the kitchen, in the dining area, bathroom, the floor can be covered with ceramic tiles, expanded clay or mosaic. Ceiling choose opaque stretch or finish with plaster. Alternatively, you can use a satin or silk fabric for drapery. In the decoration of the floor marble is sometimes used light shades with a discreet pattern. Tall walls cannot be fully decorated with natural stone because of its weight.
In neoclassicism (“modernized” style), the use of a laminate is permissible, since such interiors do not claim authenticity.
Classicism in the interior
Classicism can be embodied in every room of the house or combined with other areas that are similar in spirit. These include Rococo, Baroque, Empire, classics (in a broad sense), colonial style. The first two options will contrast with the restraint of the main direction, and the rest will fit on the principle of analogy. Neoclassicism combines well with another modernized style - neoclassicism.
Hallway and corridor
In the design of the hallway, as a rule, light shades are used (milk, white, cream, beige). Since the corridor usually has an elongated shape, it can be visually expanded using a combination of plain decoration at the bottom and fabric wallpaper at the top of the walls. The border of the two textures is intentionally emphasized. A modern sliding wardrobe will organically pour into the interior if its facades are decorated with stucco or carving. Mirror surfaces of doors will add volume to the room.In order for a bright room to play in bright light, they use paired sconces symmetrically located on opposite walls.
Living room
The walls of the living room are decorated with wallpaper with floral ornaments. Although the “historical” classicism is not characterized by a combination of textures of materials, in the modern version it is possible to combine drapery with plaster, painted fragments or wooden inserts. The original solution will be the alternation of paintings from sconces around the perimeter of the room. The main composition is represented by a sofa, a pair of armchairs, an ottoman or couch and a coffee table made of wood. The color of the surfaces of the latter is selected a couple of tones lighter or darker than the upholstery. The room should have a fireplace with a mirror above the shelf. If it is not possible to establish genuine, then use "apartment" bio - and electrical analogues.
Kitchens
A classic tile is used to finish the classic kitchen floor, imitating wooden parquet. The shade is selected natural from a rich brown range. The kitchen set also obeys the principles of symmetry and must have identical storage systems on both sides of the "center" (usually the stove). Furniture facades are decorated with stucco molding, decorative moldings, borders and cornices, “pilasters” with gilding. They do not recommend using fabric wallpaper in the kitchen, so it’s better to paint or paste the walls with a vinyl variety that imitates a textile pattern (with “fibers”). The dining area is decorated with a light white table and the same "air" chairs with mother-of-pearl upholstery made of silk.
Bedrooms
The center of the bedroom is a bed; in classicism, it lost its canopy, which used to cover sleeping from the outside world. But on the luxurious upholstery, decorative pillows and bedspreads with a rich pattern, you can not save. If the dimensions of the bedroom allow, then the "female" half is equipped with a boudoir. In private houses, a small adjacent room can be allocated for it.On both sides of the luxurious bed put two bedside tables, observing the rule of symmetry. At the foot of the canopy can be installed or a bench upholstered in expensive silk. Tall, narrow windows are draped with heavy curtains of light shades. It is better to paint the walls, and at the headboard to place accent painting or tapestry.
In neoclassicism, you can use furniture upholstered in genuine leather instead of fabric.
Bathroom
The bathroom has ceramic walls and flooring. In experimental versions, the green palette and its gradations are taken as the basis for the palette of colors. The walls and floor are given a soft olive color. The sink is placed in a pistachio-colored cabinet decorated with silver or gold-plated moldings. On the wall hang an oval mirror in a simple frame. Four paired sconces with two bulbs are installed on both sides of it. A decorative addition will be the painting: a floral ornament of white and green shades that hangs over the mirror and ends at the sconce level. The bath is chosen in a classic shape with curved legs. They close it with pistachio-colored curtains with an unobtrusive ornament. So that the interior does not look too “green” it is complemented by furniture made in combinations of dark brown and milk colors.
Study
Antique furniture organically flows into the interior of the office. An old, heavy desk, bureau, desk or secretary will give comfort, convenience and beauty. Such furniture is made of solid wood in dark colors. To the situation did not look too gloomy, for the drapery of the walls using fabrics of light shades with a neutral pattern. A bulky table will match a luxurious armchair with leather upholstery. A required attribute of the cabinet is a library. If the size of the room allows, then for it allocate a separate "corner" with an ottoman and a table.Since the ceilings are high in the “palace” rooms, you can use large wardrobes with a mobile staircase, which they climb to get to the highest shelves. The original addition will be sconces on a mirror substrate, similar in shape to candlesticks.
Conclusion
The description of classicism contains references to painting, poetry, prose, music and sculpture. The direction at one time completely embraced the broad concept of “art” and left a mark in almost every niche of it. Most of the "remnants" of the style have been preserved in excellent condition and have survived to this day. To feel the “taste” of the direction, to see firsthand the atmosphere of the interiors, to appreciate its charm and impressiveness, you can visit the Russian North Palmyra, where most of the examples of Russian classicism are located - a separate branch of style.
Classicism is a trend in architecture and design, the birth of which dates from the beginning of the XVII century. The style has remained relevant in Europe for almost two centuries. Gradually, the main ideas of classicism spread beyond the Old World to the New, where the colonialists mixed them with local ethnic motifs, turning them into a colonial direction. Style refers to the elite, the most accurate definitions of it are considered to be the epithets "royal", "palace". Classicism is difficult to translate into a modern interior that gravitates to laconicism and rationality. Luxury, sophistication, prosperity - the main features of the direction, which in the age of technological progress may seem hopelessly outdated. Let us consider in more detail how to correctly use classicism in the decoration of a room so that the design, having references to the past, is relevant for our days.
Content
Style History
Many are confused in the concepts of "classicism" and "classic style." In the minds of modern people, they have long become two derivatives that merged into one. No, these are different designations with differences. Classic is a standard, something related to the highest category. It means objects in art, design, architecture, which have already received the highest score, have been evaluated. Now they are considered the very bar on which the rest should be equal. Classics really come from the past, but it completely broke the connection with time, took a golden niche over fashion. Classicism is considered a narrower concept. This is a direction characterized by logic and strict order. Some examples of classicism may belong to the classics. The founders of the style drew inspiration from ancient architecture, as they considered it exemplary. In those days, the Baroque was in a period of decline, and it was replaced by another, young direction - Rococo, because of the pomp of which a classic alternative appeared. Like many styles, classicism originated in the architecture of temple complexes. Two great architects of those times: Palladio and Scamozzi formulated a harmonious system of principles of direction. Over time, the style changed, thanks to the research of architects who were inspired by ancient culture. But he managed to maintain his grace, which contrasted with the excessive cloying of Baroque and Rococo. In the XVIII century, Robert Adam became a prominent figure in European design. The Scot traveled around Italy and watched archaeological excavations that exposed the new remains of the great ancient culture.A vocation architect, Adam drew new ideas from ancient architecture and made a great contribution to the development of classicism.
The most popular destination was in Germany (Berlin, Munich), Russia (St. Petersburg), Poland (Warsaw), Scotland (Edinburgh) and France. The latter skillfully combined the “sweetness” of Rococo with the logic of classicism. Most examples of style in architecture have become standards, that is, classical monuments: the Arc de Triomphe (Carruzel), the lesser-known building of the same name in Rome (Septimius Severus), the Vendome column, the Pantheon (Saint-Genevieve), the Marble, Petrovsky, Tauride palaces, the Academy of Arts, Admiralty (St. Petersburg).
Main characteristics
Classicism has a number of interior features that make it possible at a glance to find out whether a design belongs to a specific stylistic group. These include:
Classicism is characterized by an abundance of luxurious, rich details, but they are devoid of a touch of pretentiousness, do not look too catchy and bright. Perhaps the reason for this was the principle of symmetry, which is used in all interiors and makes luxury balanced.
The color scheme used in the style
In interiors, white or one of its shade options is necessarily used. Its dosage depends on the function and dimensions of the room. In larger rooms, you can use dark cinnamon tones: rich walnut, mahogany, rich chocolate, soft sand color. In small rooms you should stay on beige, cream or coffee with milk, which has long been a classic. Also used are soft shades of pink, green, blue, yellow and less often - lilac. As a rule, three colors are combined: a light background (white, milk, pearl, ivory), a pastel base from overflows of similar shades (usually brown) and a relatively bright accent.
Textiles and Decor
The decor and furniture are made from natural materials. If you need an exact imitation of the interiors of the era of classicism, then acquire handmade items. The curved, complex lines characteristic of Baroque and Rococo are replaced by simple “directness” and smoothness. Particular attention is paid to mirrors and reflective surfaces. The “shine” of many bulbs in massive chandeliers underlines the respectability of the apartment. Partially carved on wooden surfaces, solely for the sake of adding elegance to the decor.Tapestries (carpets with woven patterns), paintings in massive gilded frames are hung on the walls. A mandatory element in the living room and bedroom is considered a fireplace. On the shelves put vases, porcelain and small sculpture. Furniture and decor are decorated with inserts of rare wood, gilding, silver, brass, silk, velvet of deep colors, inlaid. Textiles are used exclusively natural. The lightest, most luxurious and widespread in classicism material is silk. Pearlescent overflows on its surface will make the atmosphere restrained, but incredibly elegant. Silk is followed by velvet, satin, muslin and cambric.
Lighting
The emphasis in the interior is on the central lighting, presented by a grandiose ceiling chandelier. It usually has such impressive dimensions and is made so elegantly that it becomes one of the main decorative elements in the room. As a complement, local table lamps and sconces are used. They are usually decorated with crystal, glass or a transparent stone (in luxurious versions). The use of fabric shades is also allowed. In neoclassicism, white spotlights can be used to emphasize winning details.
Materials and methods of decoration
Walls are painted with subsequent painting or wallpaper. At the same time, it is better to choose fabric ones that will most correspond to the era. Of the shades, light tones are preferred, and the ornament should not be too ornate. Alternatively, the walls can be draped in silk or draped with wood paneling.Additionally, the surface is decorated with columns or “tricks” - pilasters. The original solution will be grisaille painting, which is done with paints of different tones within the same color (usually gray). In a similar technique, not only walls are decorated, but also the ceiling. For flooring choose parquet. If the budget allows, then you can buy a luxurious version with a unique pattern with stacked modules made of natural wood. In the kitchen, in the dining area, bathroom, the floor can be covered with ceramic tiles, expanded clay or mosaic. Ceiling choose opaque stretch or finish with plaster. Alternatively, you can use a satin or silk fabric for drapery. In the decoration of the floor marble is sometimes used light shades with a discreet pattern. Tall walls cannot be fully decorated with natural stone because of its weight.
Classicism in the interior
Classicism can be embodied in every room of the house or combined with other areas that are similar in spirit. These include Rococo, Baroque, Empire, classics (in a broad sense), colonial style. The first two options will contrast with the restraint of the main direction, and the rest will fit on the principle of analogy. Neoclassicism combines well with another modernized style - neoclassicism.
Hallway and corridor
In the design of the hallway, as a rule, light shades are used (milk, white, cream, beige). Since the corridor usually has an elongated shape, it can be visually expanded using a combination of plain decoration at the bottom and fabric wallpaper at the top of the walls. The border of the two textures is intentionally emphasized. A modern sliding wardrobe will organically pour into the interior if its facades are decorated with stucco or carving. Mirror surfaces of doors will add volume to the room.In order for a bright room to play in bright light, they use paired sconces symmetrically located on opposite walls.
Living room
The walls of the living room are decorated with wallpaper with floral ornaments. Although the “historical” classicism is not characterized by a combination of textures of materials, in the modern version it is possible to combine drapery with plaster, painted fragments or wooden inserts. The original solution will be the alternation of paintings from sconces around the perimeter of the room. The main composition is represented by a sofa, a pair of armchairs, an ottoman or couch and a coffee table made of wood. The color of the surfaces of the latter is selected a couple of tones lighter or darker than the upholstery. The room should have a fireplace with a mirror above the shelf. If it is not possible to establish genuine, then use "apartment" bio - and electrical analogues.
Kitchens
A classic tile is used to finish the classic kitchen floor, imitating wooden parquet. The shade is selected natural from a rich brown range. The kitchen set also obeys the principles of symmetry and must have identical storage systems on both sides of the "center" (usually the stove). Furniture facades are decorated with stucco molding, decorative moldings, borders and cornices, “pilasters” with gilding. They do not recommend using fabric wallpaper in the kitchen, so it’s better to paint or paste the walls with a vinyl variety that imitates a textile pattern (with “fibers”). The dining area is decorated with a light white table and the same "air" chairs with mother-of-pearl upholstery made of silk.
Bedrooms
The center of the bedroom is a bed; in classicism, it lost its canopy, which used to cover sleeping from the outside world. But on the luxurious upholstery, decorative pillows and bedspreads with a rich pattern, you can not save. If the dimensions of the bedroom allow, then the "female" half is equipped with a boudoir. In private houses, a small adjacent room can be allocated for it.On both sides of the luxurious bed put two bedside tables, observing the rule of symmetry. At the foot of the canopy can be installed or a bench upholstered in expensive silk. Tall, narrow windows are draped with heavy curtains of light shades. It is better to paint the walls, and at the headboard to place accent painting or tapestry.
Bathroom
The bathroom has ceramic walls and flooring. In experimental versions, the green palette and its gradations are taken as the basis for the palette of colors. The walls and floor are given a soft olive color. The sink is placed in a pistachio-colored cabinet decorated with silver or gold-plated moldings. On the wall hang an oval mirror in a simple frame. Four paired sconces with two bulbs are installed on both sides of it. A decorative addition will be the painting: a floral ornament of white and green shades that hangs over the mirror and ends at the sconce level. The bath is chosen in a classic shape with curved legs. They close it with pistachio-colored curtains with an unobtrusive ornament. So that the interior does not look too “green” it is complemented by furniture made in combinations of dark brown and milk colors.
Study
Antique furniture organically flows into the interior of the office. An old, heavy desk, bureau, desk or secretary will give comfort, convenience and beauty. Such furniture is made of solid wood in dark colors. To the situation did not look too gloomy, for the drapery of the walls using fabrics of light shades with a neutral pattern. A bulky table will match a luxurious armchair with leather upholstery. A required attribute of the cabinet is a library. If the size of the room allows, then for it allocate a separate "corner" with an ottoman and a table.Since the ceilings are high in the “palace” rooms, you can use large wardrobes with a mobile staircase, which they climb to get to the highest shelves. The original addition will be sconces on a mirror substrate, similar in shape to candlesticks.
Conclusion
The description of classicism contains references to painting, poetry, prose, music and sculpture. The direction at one time completely embraced the broad concept of “art” and left a mark in almost every niche of it. Most of the "remnants" of the style have been preserved in excellent condition and have survived to this day. To feel the “taste” of the direction, to see firsthand the atmosphere of the interiors, to appreciate its charm and impressiveness, you can visit the Russian North Palmyra, where most of the examples of Russian classicism are located - a separate branch of style.