Constructivism belongs to the group of avant-garde styles. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, new trends began to appear in the visual arts, which completely denied tradition. They clearly traced persistent attempts to find a new, previously unused. The avant-garde originates in Europe, where its main inspirers worked, and the USSR is considered the birthplace of constructivism. At the first stages of the formation of Soviet power, an “international” style began to be developed, which reflected the main aspects of collectivization: the simplicity of forms, laconicism in decor, and strict geometric shapes. In part, constructivism resembled a potpourri of abstractionism and minimalism. Initially, the direction "leaked" into architecture. In those days, urban development accelerated the pace, as the new government sought to create its own rational world on the ruins of the former.Then the style moved to landscape design, interior decoration and captured the cultural side of the life of Soviet people: literature, music and photography.
However, as you know, the direction cannot live “fully” within the framework of one country, and the ideas of Russian architects began to be adopted by their foreign colleagues. So constructivism crossed the “closed” borders of the USSR and spawned new style branches that went their own ways of development. Before the start of World War II, a sharp decline in direction was artificially provoked. They forcibly began to change it to more pompous and luxurious options. The change of leadership of the country began to popularize completely different ideas, rejecting the old ones. Constructivism in the interior will continue to be used, but direction degradation will occur. Many architects and designers, being desperate adherents of this style, could not adapt to the "new rules" and chose to emigrate from the country. However, the history of the trend did not end there, constructivist ideas still live on. Rationalism, which strictly obeys the style, after another cyclical “turn” of fashion has once again become popular. Naturally, constructivists find original interior solutions that correspond to the new time and the needs of modern man.
A brief description of constructivism can be summarized in two words "rationalism and practicality." Style, like other areas, has a number of features that are characteristic only for him. These include:
Systematization. Absolutely throughout the interior there should be a clear order that will not allow guests to “get lost” in the room, and the owners on their own shelves in the closet.If you are a supporter of "creative mess" in the apartment and in the head, then this style is not for you.
Strict color scheme. This feature is typical for most modern styles. In constructivism, gray, black, brown are used, but bright accents are also allowed.
The simplicity of the lines, the "light" geometry. There should not be any smooth bends, rounded shapes in furniture and decoration features.
"Greetings" from the Soviet era. Their presence in the premises is not necessary at all, but to create an extraordinary atmosphere, such a stylistic move will be most welcome. Drawings in constructivism are taboo, therefore, to revive the atmosphere, use graphic posters or posters that depict representatives of the working class with slogans and appeals from the last century.
Minimalism. The interiors use only the minimum necessary furniture for living. It will be practical, and sometimes multifunctional. In the last nuance, modern fashion trends are traced.
Constructivism refers to simple styles, which, however, will not suit everyone. You will either have to get used to the interior or reject it immediately. The latter applies to young natures who love living spaces. The direction is more suitable for strict, serious people of age.
Constructivism does not like dividing into rooms, in this he was ahead of fashionable interior trends and “predicted” the popularization of studio apartments.
Decoration Materials
On finishing materials for constructivism, as they say, you will not go broke. The direction prefers "budget" options: glass, metal, plastic. Imitation of expensive materials is rarely used, as puffiness and attempts to reach the status of “luxury” are not about this practical style. Constructivism does not need someone to prove something, because it is self-sufficient. However, the direction is not without a unique touch of elegance.It is embodied in chrome and glass surfaces that stand out against the background of plastic. The walls are covered with simple wallpaper, the ceiling is plastered and painted or whitened, and the floor is covered with a laminate or parquet board, devoid of the traditional wood pattern. In more modern versions, bulk floors and suspended ceilings (plain and without patterns) are used. Textiles give preference to simple naturalness: cotton, linen, burlap. Coarse textures with noticeable fiber stitches are welcome. It's important to know. Designers recommend abandoning the popular brick and stone wood. These materials in the style of the room will look alien, as they violate its main principle: minimalism in decor and decoration.
Furniture
Furniture is chosen according to the principle: the simpler, the better. Each room has enough functional minimum, which will be used for its intended purpose, and not stand "for beauty". Constructivism also has its own concept of the latter. It is expressed in rationality, rigor and style restraint. A kind of "adult" idea of beauty, contrasting with the "youthful" beauty of romanticism or the bright charm of Provence. In furniture, as well as in decoration, plastic prevails, which is shaded by metal, glass and mirrors. The surfaces are smooth, without embossed texture. Upholstery of sofas and armchairs with a rough texture of natural materials or their combination with synthetics.
The need for simple furniture, which was mass-produced in those days, arose on the basis of the post-war deficit. In order for typical products to be manufactured quickly and cost a penny, I had to abandon all the frills. For this reason, furniture performed only the basic functions: it was cooked, eaten, slept, sat, worked and rested. All other "delights" were the lot of the bourgeois layer, which was despised.
Color schemes
At the heart of the style is always a color "trio".If more shades are used, then the conciseness and harmony of the interior picture can be violated. Two colors, as a rule, are neutral: white, gray, black, brown, and the third is chosen according to the principle of contrast. The last tone plays in the details of furniture and decor. Particularly popular are:
Red;
Blue;
Green;
Yellow.
They do not recommend the use of drawings, ornaments and patterns.
Lighting
At a special position in constructivism is natural light. It should be as much as possible so that the room literally bathed in it. In private homes for these purposes, panoramic windows are installed on the floor. This nuance is taken into account at the design stage. In apartments where it is no longer possible to change the order of things, the windows are framed with plain curtains and air curtain, which looks more like a light web. Such a conditional “obstacle” will not prevent the sun's rays from playing on metal and glass surfaces in the interior. Artificial lighting is worked out on three main levels. The general is usually made out using a ceiling chandelier, which is located strictly above the center of the room. Additional lighting is provided by floor lamps and wall sconces, whose shades have the simplest possible shapes. Local appliances are installed in places for reading or working. Usually in the role of light sources are sheets of table lamps.
In especially small rooms, it is better to refuse curtains altogether. They are replaced with practical blinds, so as not to bring a touch of “office” atmosphere with them, choose non-standard panel colors: deep blue, grass green, sunny yellow.
Living room
The drawing room is used for collective rest and reception of "visitors". A wardrobe, a sofa, a pair of armchairs and a coffee table are installed in this room. The white floor is covered with a square rug of beige color, which conventionally indicates the center of the room.From this point they are repelled when creating an interior composition. Around the carpet equip a sitting area: one corner sofa or two symmetrical opposite each other. Between them is a coffee table, and next to it are additional chairs, in case of a large number of guests. The wall with the window is left open without furniture, so that nothing prevents the light from entering the room. Opposite the recreation area they hang a flat-screen TV, which no longer needs coasters. A cabinet with closed shelves is installed at the opposite wall.
Bedroom
The functional “set” for the bedroom includes a bed, bedside tables, a chest of drawers, a pair of chairs or pouffes, and possibly a wardrobe. The bed is chosen with a metal frame in black or white. It is covered with a light blanket: only two or three plain pillows are allowed from the decor. Two side tables are placed symmetrically on the sides of the bed. Each set on the lamp with a simple, white shade. The floor in front of the bed is covered with a small square carpet or two small ones on either side of the bed. The cabinet can be replaced with a combination design with open and closed shelves. This exceptional step is only allowed to dilute the atmosphere of the relaxation room. Books or meager souvenirs made in the best traditions of minimalism are placed in open shelves.
Hinged structures (bedside tables, beds), which embody practicality in its highest form, look original in the interior.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, a headset is preferred rather than separately purchased items. Its surface can be either matte or glossy, and it is here that they use the “right” to accent color. The headset can be red, blue, yellow. The more active the shade, the less it is used additionally in decor items. The kitchen apron is decorated with ceramic tiles without patterns in simple colors. It is permissible to create a “chess” composition. The floor is also tiled to match the apron, but larger in size.A square table is not decorated with a tablecloth, and chairs are chosen with hard seats without upholstery. The windows are traditionally only slightly curtained.
Children
Constructivism is rarely used to design a children's room. Such a room may seem unnecessarily boring to a child, but there are some advantages in style. Given children's needs, growing every year, the nature of the crumbs in practical conditions can be formed in a completely different pattern. Naturally, there will be more bright accents in the room than in other rooms. As an exception, a pattern is allowed: geometric shapes and their combinations. The entire furniture minimum fits in one corner: an “attic” bed with a storage area and a workplace.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, wall mounted toilets and overhead sinks are actively used. The abundance of mirrors, glass and metal will be a stylish addition to the situation. It is better to replace the bathtub with a practical shower. The corner where it will be located can be finished with ceramic tiles of a different color from the rest of the walls, but within the framework of the selected tone composition. Storage areas in small rooms are not recommended. There are a number of non-standard options (narrow racks, shelves under the ceiling) that constructivism simply will not accept. The lack of natural light will have to be made up by increasing the number of artificial light sources.
Hallway
In the hallway there is a wardrobe for storing things and shoes. Open shelves are excluded in it, as this will not comply with the “systematization” rule during storage. The walls are papered with wallpaper: light in large hallways and dark in small ones. It is recommended to refuse a chest of drawers, as from an extra interior object. Instead, they install a high mirror in the floor with a simple frame (perhaps a bright color, as an accent). If the dresser is still present, then choose a hinged model that will add original notes to the interior.A bench or two low stools for changing shoes choose contrasting shades.
Conclusion
The trendy hi-tech in our time is rightfully considered the "grandson" of Soviet constructivism. Ideas of styles overlap, and sometimes create original combinations. In fact, hi-tech is a more modern “version” of constructivism, which has known and accepted the achievements of the century of technological progress. Given the increasing popularity of practicality and simplicity, the style promises a strong position in the future.
Constructivism belongs to the group of avant-garde styles. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, new trends began to appear in the visual arts, which completely denied tradition. They clearly traced persistent attempts to find a new, previously unused. The avant-garde originates in Europe, where its main inspirers worked, and the USSR is considered the birthplace of constructivism. At the first stages of the formation of Soviet power, an “international” style began to be developed, which reflected the main aspects of collectivization: the simplicity of forms, laconicism in decor, and strict geometric shapes. In part, constructivism resembled a potpourri of abstractionism and minimalism. Initially, the direction "leaked" into architecture. In those days, urban development accelerated the pace, as the new government sought to create its own rational world on the ruins of the former.Then the style moved to landscape design, interior decoration and captured the cultural side of the life of Soviet people: literature, music and photography.
However, as you know, the direction cannot live “fully” within the framework of one country, and the ideas of Russian architects began to be adopted by their foreign colleagues. So constructivism crossed the “closed” borders of the USSR and spawned new style branches that went their own ways of development. Before the start of World War II, a sharp decline in direction was artificially provoked. They forcibly began to change it to more pompous and luxurious options. The change of leadership of the country began to popularize completely different ideas, rejecting the old ones. Constructivism in the interior will continue to be used, but direction degradation will occur. Many architects and designers, being desperate adherents of this style, could not adapt to the "new rules" and chose to emigrate from the country. However, the history of the trend did not end there, constructivist ideas still live on. Rationalism, which strictly obeys the style, after another cyclical “turn” of fashion has once again become popular. Naturally, constructivists find original interior solutions that correspond to the new time and the needs of modern man.
Content
General style features
A brief description of constructivism can be summarized in two words "rationalism and practicality." Style, like other areas, has a number of features that are characteristic only for him. These include:
Constructivism refers to simple styles, which, however, will not suit everyone. You will either have to get used to the interior or reject it immediately. The latter applies to young natures who love living spaces. The direction is more suitable for strict, serious people of age.
Decoration Materials
On finishing materials for constructivism, as they say, you will not go broke. The direction prefers "budget" options: glass, metal, plastic. Imitation of expensive materials is rarely used, as puffiness and attempts to reach the status of “luxury” are not about this practical style. Constructivism does not need someone to prove something, because it is self-sufficient. However, the direction is not without a unique touch of elegance.It is embodied in chrome and glass surfaces that stand out against the background of plastic. The walls are covered with simple wallpaper, the ceiling is plastered and painted or whitened, and the floor is covered with a laminate or parquet board, devoid of the traditional wood pattern. In more modern versions, bulk floors and suspended ceilings (plain and without patterns) are used. Textiles give preference to simple naturalness: cotton, linen, burlap. Coarse textures with noticeable fiber stitches are welcome.
It's important to know. Designers recommend abandoning the popular brick and stone wood. These materials in the style of the room will look alien, as they violate its main principle: minimalism in decor and decoration.
Furniture
Furniture is chosen according to the principle: the simpler, the better. Each room has enough functional minimum, which will be used for its intended purpose, and not stand "for beauty". Constructivism also has its own concept of the latter. It is expressed in rationality, rigor and style restraint. A kind of "adult" idea of beauty, contrasting with the "youthful" beauty of romanticism or the bright charm of Provence. In furniture, as well as in decoration, plastic prevails, which is shaded by metal, glass and mirrors. The surfaces are smooth, without embossed texture. Upholstery of sofas and armchairs with a rough texture of natural materials or their combination with synthetics.
Color schemes
At the heart of the style is always a color "trio".If more shades are used, then the conciseness and harmony of the interior picture can be violated. Two colors, as a rule, are neutral: white, gray, black, brown, and the third is chosen according to the principle of contrast. The last tone plays in the details of furniture and decor. Particularly popular are:
They do not recommend the use of drawings, ornaments and patterns.
Lighting
At a special position in constructivism is natural light. It should be as much as possible so that the room literally bathed in it. In private homes for these purposes, panoramic windows are installed on the floor. This nuance is taken into account at the design stage. In apartments where it is no longer possible to change the order of things, the windows are framed with plain curtains and air curtain, which looks more like a light web. Such a conditional “obstacle” will not prevent the sun's rays from playing on metal and glass surfaces in the interior. Artificial lighting is worked out on three main levels. The general is usually made out using a ceiling chandelier, which is located strictly above the center of the room. Additional lighting is provided by floor lamps and wall sconces, whose shades have the simplest possible shapes. Local appliances are installed in places for reading or working. Usually in the role of light sources are sheets of table lamps.
Living room
The drawing room is used for collective rest and reception of "visitors". A wardrobe, a sofa, a pair of armchairs and a coffee table are installed in this room. The white floor is covered with a square rug of beige color, which conventionally indicates the center of the room.From this point they are repelled when creating an interior composition. Around the carpet equip a sitting area: one corner sofa or two symmetrical opposite each other. Between them is a coffee table, and next to it are additional chairs, in case of a large number of guests. The wall with the window is left open without furniture, so that nothing prevents the light from entering the room. Opposite the recreation area they hang a flat-screen TV, which no longer needs coasters. A cabinet with closed shelves is installed at the opposite wall.
Bedroom
The functional “set” for the bedroom includes a bed, bedside tables, a chest of drawers, a pair of chairs or pouffes, and possibly a wardrobe. The bed is chosen with a metal frame in black or white. It is covered with a light blanket: only two or three plain pillows are allowed from the decor. Two side tables are placed symmetrically on the sides of the bed. Each set on the lamp with a simple, white shade. The floor in front of the bed is covered with a small square carpet or two small ones on either side of the bed. The cabinet can be replaced with a combination design with open and closed shelves. This exceptional step is only allowed to dilute the atmosphere of the relaxation room. Books or meager souvenirs made in the best traditions of minimalism are placed in open shelves.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, a headset is preferred rather than separately purchased items. Its surface can be either matte or glossy, and it is here that they use the “right” to accent color. The headset can be red, blue, yellow. The more active the shade, the less it is used additionally in decor items. The kitchen apron is decorated with ceramic tiles without patterns in simple colors. It is permissible to create a “chess” composition. The floor is also tiled to match the apron, but larger in size.A square table is not decorated with a tablecloth, and chairs are chosen with hard seats without upholstery. The windows are traditionally only slightly curtained.
Children
Constructivism is rarely used to design a children's room. Such a room may seem unnecessarily boring to a child, but there are some advantages in style. Given children's needs, growing every year, the nature of the crumbs in practical conditions can be formed in a completely different pattern. Naturally, there will be more bright accents in the room than in other rooms. As an exception, a pattern is allowed: geometric shapes and their combinations. The entire furniture minimum fits in one corner: an “attic” bed with a storage area and a workplace.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, wall mounted toilets and overhead sinks are actively used. The abundance of mirrors, glass and metal will be a stylish addition to the situation. It is better to replace the bathtub with a practical shower. The corner where it will be located can be finished with ceramic tiles of a different color from the rest of the walls, but within the framework of the selected tone composition. Storage areas in small rooms are not recommended. There are a number of non-standard options (narrow racks, shelves under the ceiling) that constructivism simply will not accept. The lack of natural light will have to be made up by increasing the number of artificial light sources.
Hallway
In the hallway there is a wardrobe for storing things and shoes. Open shelves are excluded in it, as this will not comply with the “systematization” rule during storage. The walls are papered with wallpaper: light in large hallways and dark in small ones. It is recommended to refuse a chest of drawers, as from an extra interior object. Instead, they install a high mirror in the floor with a simple frame (perhaps a bright color, as an accent). If the dresser is still present, then choose a hinged model that will add original notes to the interior.A bench or two low stools for changing shoes choose contrasting shades.
Conclusion
The trendy hi-tech in our time is rightfully considered the "grandson" of Soviet constructivism. Ideas of styles overlap, and sometimes create original combinations. In fact, hi-tech is a more modern “version” of constructivism, which has known and accepted the achievements of the century of technological progress. Given the increasing popularity of practicality and simplicity, the style promises a strong position in the future.