German style in the interior: description and description
At the mention of the German direction in design, the first thing that comes to mind is neat, like toy houses, whitened facades of which are divided into separate sections by dark, narrow slats. This exterior design is called fachwerk - one of the architectural branches of the aforementioned style. Among professional designers, there is an opinion that the classic German style in the interior is nothing but one of the variations of the Empire style. To a large extent this is true, but we will consider the chronology of events in the history of its appearance and development a little lower. German, like any other ethnic style, absorbed the features of the nation that created it. He is strict, restrained, concise, and in some nuances even rude. At the same time, the situation is not without gloss and cold sleekness. Let's talk about the characteristic features of the German style in the interior and on specific examples, consider the options for the decor of each of the rooms.
The “great-grandfather” of the German style was Biedermeier, who has many other names: Neo-Renaissance, Old German, altduch. Eclectic in nature, it was created by German and Austrian designers, as a replacement for the Empire, which in those days (mid-19th century) lived out its last days. Since the luxury of the dying destination no longer fit into the small spaces that were actively replacing the mansions, I had to go for a number of tricks. Biedermeier retained some of the Empire's features, but troubadour-style elements and Gothic details were added to them.
The interiors used massive furniture, an abundance of stucco molding and a large amount of impractical decor. In the cramped rooms, Biedermeier looked caricatured, for which he was popularly given the insulting nickname "bed bug renaissance." As they say, this could not go on for a long time, therefore, by the end of the 30s of the last century, a new German style appeared. He appeared not spontaneously, but systematically. The works of the architect Walter Gropius and the students of his Bauhaus school came up with concepts of a modern, concise and practical direction, which was alien to eclecticism and an abundance of meaningless decorations. True, the German style is not without its grace, since Gropius was primarily an architect, and an architectural component was added to the interiors. The direction is the quintessence of modernity, minimalism and constructivism with a touch of national features. The German style is characterized by large open spaces, a combination of a dark floor with light wall decoration, rounded lines, podiums and functional furniture. Although the direction is widely used throughout Europe, in its pure form outside the homeland it is rare. The German style is considered an "amateur" option.Its modern variation most resembles the intermediate version between pure ethics and minimalism, into which it did not manage to transform completely.
Features and Features
The following features are characteristic of the German style:
An ideal, well-balanced balance between functionality and comfort, which has become a kind of hallmark of the direction.
Competent arrangement of furniture. All items are placed in such a way that it is convenient for a person to move between them. First of all, designers care about convenience and only then about beauty.
The color scheme is calm, which is vaguely reminiscent of the palette of classic interiors, as it is based on white and shades of brown.
Moderate use of decorative elements.
The angularity of the furniture is combined with soft bends.
The presence of a podium and a ledge of a similar design on the ceiling. The latter is used in a modern variation of the German style.
The characteristic texture of the upholstery of furniture and textiles using floral motifs and a contrasting strip.
In modern German interiors, hanging furniture designs (beds, cabinets) are often used. This solution replaces the traditional catwalks, while at the same time giving the atmosphere a “airiness”.
Materials used for decoration
For the decoration of the ceiling using simple, not textured plaster. In modern versions, you can resort to a stretch fabric with a matte surface. Classical German interiors use complex structures with decorative wooden beams that adorned the ceilings in Bavarian houses (like in a chalet or country). Walls are painted, coated with plaster or wallpaper. The surface of the latter is chosen either in a monophonic muted shade, or with a discreet floral pattern. In some cases, a strip or cage is used to finish the accent wall. The floor is traditionally covered with wood.If earlier boards were used for these purposes, now they use a modern laminate, parquet or tile (in the kitchen and bathroom).
Color spectrum
The basis of the color palette is white and brown tones, which is not surprising, since a large number of wooden surfaces are used in the setting. The interior is decorated in gradations of dark chocolate, hazelnut, terracotta, sepia, vanilla, bronze, coffee shades. Black and gray are also used. Yellow, blue, Prussian blue, royal purple, charoite and, in rare cases, red, cherry, wine can be accents.
Features in the selection of furniture
When choosing furniture, the emphasis is on functionality. Aesthetics goes by the wayside. The interior is maintained in classical proportions: comfortable chairs and soft sofas, small chests of drawers, bedside tables, shelves, beds and coffee tables with thin legs. Facades of furniture usually have a smooth surface without unnecessary decorations with simple handles. As for the configuration, the overall angularity of large objects is smoothed by the softness of the lines of small elements. For example, the kitchen uses a rectangular mahogany table, which is complemented by chairs with semicircular seats and carved backs.
In small or cramped combined rooms, the use of folding furniture is allowed, as comfort in German interiors is above all.
Lighting and lighting
The main source of natural light - rectangular windows are closed only with curtains, without using tulle, that is, in the daytime they are fully open. The central lighting is represented by a very concise ceiling chandelier. Additionally, sources of “working” light are placed around the perimeter: lamps and sconces that decorate simple shades of ordinary or frosted glass. If the room has a podium or hanging furniture, then it must be emphasized with decorative light.
German interiors are characterized by the use of a large number of small lighting fixtures, each of which is decorated with a simple “frame”. However, they should be placed only in those places where additional lighting is really necessary: in the reading corner, near the table, next to the mirror.
Textiles, decor and accessories
The decor in the German style is simple and simple, like the whole decor. Use recommended flowers and everything related to them: vases, pots, sometimes even bottles. The bedroom has a bouquet of fresh roses or chrysanthemums on the dressing table. In the living room hang a couple of flower pots or place elongated vases with dry twigs. In the kitchen, miniature pots with indoor plants are arranged. German decor is characterized by the placement of groups of vases that differ in shape, size and color of the glass. The walls are decorated with a pair of paintings with neutral subjects, sconces and clocks. Natural textiles prevail in textiles. Furniture upholstery is chosen from dense materials. As a luxury touch, you can buy chairs with velvet or velor seats. Windows are hung with dense plain curtains to the floor. On the sofa in the living room or on the bed in the bedroom you can place a picturesque composition of two-tone pillows.
Interior examples
Modern German style is laconic and in many ways similar to minimalism. If it is difficult to withstand the interiors of all rooms in an apartment or a country house, then the direction is easily combined with modern, art deco, loft. In each room, the German style can be opened from the "new" side, choosing different colors and accent decor. Let's look at examples of what premises can be if this design is embodied in the design.
Kitchen
The German-style kitchen, as a rule, combines a cooking area and a dining group. If the room is large enough, then the dining table is located right next to the headset, so that if necessary it can be used as an additional work surface. Above the countertop they hang a structure of light bulbs and hooks on which they hook small kitchen utensils.To add more storage space, choose a comfortable dining table-cabinet with closed shelves. The slightly protruding edges of the countertop will allow you to comfortably dine behind it, and the drawers from below will not interfere with those sitting. The set is chosen from light shades of wood for small kitchens and dark chocolate for large ones. A white furniture set will look beautiful, in which part of the drawers are replaced with wicker baskets with neat handles. In such containers it will be convenient to store products that do not need cold. The kitchen floor is covered with large ceramic tiles. Choose a material of white color or with a surface that imitates marble, wood. Walls are covered with monophonic vinyl wallpaper or covered with moisture-resistant plaster, which is designed specifically for "wet" rooms. The room is decorated with plates on coasters, a composition of fruits in a glass bowl and a bouquet of fresh flowers in a vase.
Living room
The living room in the German style meets all the rules of minimalism. The sofa is chosen wide with soft upholstery in brown leather. Nearby there is a coffee table, the table top of which, if necessary, increases due to folding "wings" on the sides. Under it, a carpet with a short chocolate-colored pile with sparse white patches lay on the floor. Near the wall opposite the sofa, a narrow hanging stand is installed, which plays the role of a TV stand and storage space. So that this area does not look “naked”, a pair of open wood shelves with books is placed next to it. The windows are curtained with two-color curtains. If the dimensions of the room allow, then one of the walls put a fireplace. In modern interiors, the use of portable bio-models is allowed. If the fireplace is "full", then it is decorated with artificial brick of light shades (from a gray-brown palette).Of the decor in the room only wall clocks are used, one or two paintings, pots with indoor plants and a round chandelier. Be sure to add a pair of fixtures to each zone.
Bedroom
The ceiling in the bedroom is decorated with gray wooden beams, which contrast with white stucco. The bed is chosen either from wood or from metal with a rare forged decor. The bed is covered with a checkered or striped blanket. A pair of pillows with an identical pattern, but in different colors, is added to the composition. Windows are curtained with dense, heavy curtains of pastel shades. The walls are finished with stucco or pasted over with light wallpaper. The accent area at the head of the bed is decorated with boards laid by the deck method. Additional decorations on such a wall are not needed, its texture more than compensates for their lack. Ebony tables are placed on both sides of the bed on tall, thin legs. Each surface is decorated with a lamp with a simple shade of fabric. The mirror, contrary to generally accepted standards, is not hung on the wall, but a mobile model is chosen on a “leg”. The texture of the accent wall is emphasized by paired sconces. The floor is carpeted with a soft shade of baked milk with short pile. A floor vase with dry branches or a large pot with a houseplant will complement the interior composition.
Hallway and corridor
For the German-style hallway, a furniture set is selected, which includes a wardrobe, a hanger and a small bench for shoes. Of the materials, preference is given to wood (light shades for cramped rooms). The floor is covered with a rug with a short pile, which is convenient to vacuum and periodically wash. One of the walls is decorated with a rectangular mirror in a simple wooden frame or without it at all, on the sides of which a sconce is hung. If the hallway is wide enough, then a cabinet with drawers for storing small items is placed under it. Facades of furniture are simple, smooth, without additional decor.As decorations use a group of vases of different sizes and shapes, cardboard boxes with hinged lids.
Bathroom and toilet
To finish the bathroom, choose the traditional option - large ceramic tiles. However, instead of the usual pastel shades, you can purchase a material whose surface imitates the texture of a tree. She trim the floor, bottom of the walls and the “box” under the bath. So that the surfaces do not merge, you can choose two shades with a small gradation within the same color. The upper part of the wall is finished with a simple, white tile. Furniture, represented by a narrow cabinet and a cabinet under the sink, is selected in white or gray. Such a design solution will visually expand the space. A rimless square mirror is hung above the sink, which is decorated with sconces in glass shades. The meager decor of this room is represented only by an elongated vase with a composition of fresh flowers, which is placed on a pedestal. The floor is covered with a plain white or gray rug. By the way, toilets in combined bathrooms recommend the use of hanging. They are separated from the rest of the room by a mobile frosted glass partition without a pattern.
Conclusion
In the German style, ordinary people are attracted by naturalness and simplicity, which sometimes borders on primitiveness. Designers are happy to take up the design of such interiors, as they are versatile and easily adapt to both spacious rooms and cramped spaces. The German style is not for everyone. If a person is accustomed to surrounding himself with a multitude of “necessary” (and not so) things, then this direction should be rejected immediately. A German-style design will be quite expensive. Although minimal furniture is used, the emphasis will be on quality and natural materials. It is also worth considering that you will have to learn the basics of floristry and floriculture, since living plants are considered an important detail in the interior of each room, without exception.
At the mention of the German direction in design, the first thing that comes to mind is neat, like toy houses, whitened facades of which are divided into separate sections by dark, narrow slats. This exterior design is called fachwerk - one of the architectural branches of the aforementioned style. Among professional designers, there is an opinion that the classic German style in the interior is nothing but one of the variations of the Empire style. To a large extent this is true, but we will consider the chronology of events in the history of its appearance and development a little lower. German, like any other ethnic style, absorbed the features of the nation that created it. He is strict, restrained, concise, and in some nuances even rude. At the same time, the situation is not without gloss and cold sleekness. Let's talk about the characteristic features of the German style in the interior and on specific examples, consider the options for the decor of each of the rooms.
Content
Style story
The “great-grandfather” of the German style was Biedermeier, who has many other names: Neo-Renaissance, Old German, altduch. Eclectic in nature, it was created by German and Austrian designers, as a replacement for the Empire, which in those days (mid-19th century) lived out its last days. Since the luxury of the dying destination no longer fit into the small spaces that were actively replacing the mansions, I had to go for a number of tricks. Biedermeier retained some of the Empire's features, but troubadour-style elements and Gothic details were added to them.
The interiors used massive furniture, an abundance of stucco molding and a large amount of impractical decor. In the cramped rooms, Biedermeier looked caricatured, for which he was popularly given the insulting nickname "bed bug renaissance." As they say, this could not go on for a long time, therefore, by the end of the 30s of the last century, a new German style appeared. He appeared not spontaneously, but systematically. The works of the architect Walter Gropius and the students of his Bauhaus school came up with concepts of a modern, concise and practical direction, which was alien to eclecticism and an abundance of meaningless decorations. True, the German style is not without its grace, since Gropius was primarily an architect, and an architectural component was added to the interiors. The direction is the quintessence of modernity, minimalism and constructivism with a touch of national features. The German style is characterized by large open spaces, a combination of a dark floor with light wall decoration, rounded lines, podiums and functional furniture. Although the direction is widely used throughout Europe, in its pure form outside the homeland it is rare. The German style is considered an "amateur" option.Its modern variation most resembles the intermediate version between pure ethics and minimalism, into which it did not manage to transform completely.
Features and Features
The following features are characteristic of the German style:
In modern German interiors, hanging furniture designs (beds, cabinets) are often used. This solution replaces the traditional catwalks, while at the same time giving the atmosphere a “airiness”.
Materials used for decoration
For the decoration of the ceiling using simple, not textured plaster. In modern versions, you can resort to a stretch fabric with a matte surface. Classical German interiors use complex structures with decorative wooden beams that adorned the ceilings in Bavarian houses (like in a chalet or country). Walls are painted, coated with plaster or wallpaper. The surface of the latter is chosen either in a monophonic muted shade, or with a discreet floral pattern. In some cases, a strip or cage is used to finish the accent wall. The floor is traditionally covered with wood.If earlier boards were used for these purposes, now they use a modern laminate, parquet or tile (in the kitchen and bathroom).
Color spectrum
The basis of the color palette is white and brown tones, which is not surprising, since a large number of wooden surfaces are used in the setting. The interior is decorated in gradations of dark chocolate, hazelnut, terracotta, sepia, vanilla, bronze, coffee shades. Black and gray are also used. Yellow, blue, Prussian blue, royal purple, charoite and, in rare cases, red, cherry, wine can be accents.
Features in the selection of furniture
When choosing furniture, the emphasis is on functionality. Aesthetics goes by the wayside. The interior is maintained in classical proportions: comfortable chairs and soft sofas, small chests of drawers, bedside tables, shelves, beds and coffee tables with thin legs. Facades of furniture usually have a smooth surface without unnecessary decorations with simple handles. As for the configuration, the overall angularity of large objects is smoothed by the softness of the lines of small elements. For example, the kitchen uses a rectangular mahogany table, which is complemented by chairs with semicircular seats and carved backs.
Lighting and lighting
The main source of natural light - rectangular windows are closed only with curtains, without using tulle, that is, in the daytime they are fully open. The central lighting is represented by a very concise ceiling chandelier. Additionally, sources of “working” light are placed around the perimeter: lamps and sconces that decorate simple shades of ordinary or frosted glass. If the room has a podium or hanging furniture, then it must be emphasized with decorative light.
Textiles, decor and accessories
The decor in the German style is simple and simple, like the whole decor. Use recommended flowers and everything related to them: vases, pots, sometimes even bottles. The bedroom has a bouquet of fresh roses or chrysanthemums on the dressing table. In the living room hang a couple of flower pots or place elongated vases with dry twigs. In the kitchen, miniature pots with indoor plants are arranged. German decor is characterized by the placement of groups of vases that differ in shape, size and color of the glass. The walls are decorated with a pair of paintings with neutral subjects, sconces and clocks. Natural textiles prevail in textiles. Furniture upholstery is chosen from dense materials. As a luxury touch, you can buy chairs with velvet or velor seats. Windows are hung with dense plain curtains to the floor. On the sofa in the living room or on the bed in the bedroom you can place a picturesque composition of two-tone pillows.
Interior examples
Modern German style is laconic and in many ways similar to minimalism. If it is difficult to withstand the interiors of all rooms in an apartment or a country house, then the direction is easily combined with modern, art deco, loft. In each room, the German style can be opened from the "new" side, choosing different colors and accent decor. Let's look at examples of what premises can be if this design is embodied in the design.
Kitchen
The German-style kitchen, as a rule, combines a cooking area and a dining group. If the room is large enough, then the dining table is located right next to the headset, so that if necessary it can be used as an additional work surface. Above the countertop they hang a structure of light bulbs and hooks on which they hook small kitchen utensils.To add more storage space, choose a comfortable dining table-cabinet with closed shelves. The slightly protruding edges of the countertop will allow you to comfortably dine behind it, and the drawers from below will not interfere with those sitting. The set is chosen from light shades of wood for small kitchens and dark chocolate for large ones. A white furniture set will look beautiful, in which part of the drawers are replaced with wicker baskets with neat handles. In such containers it will be convenient to store products that do not need cold. The kitchen floor is covered with large ceramic tiles. Choose a material of white color or with a surface that imitates marble, wood. Walls are covered with monophonic vinyl wallpaper or covered with moisture-resistant plaster, which is designed specifically for "wet" rooms. The room is decorated with plates on coasters, a composition of fruits in a glass bowl and a bouquet of fresh flowers in a vase.
Living room
The living room in the German style meets all the rules of minimalism. The sofa is chosen wide with soft upholstery in brown leather. Nearby there is a coffee table, the table top of which, if necessary, increases due to folding "wings" on the sides. Under it, a carpet with a short chocolate-colored pile with sparse white patches lay on the floor. Near the wall opposite the sofa, a narrow hanging stand is installed, which plays the role of a TV stand and storage space. So that this area does not look “naked”, a pair of open wood shelves with books is placed next to it. The windows are curtained with two-color curtains. If the dimensions of the room allow, then one of the walls put a fireplace. In modern interiors, the use of portable bio-models is allowed. If the fireplace is "full", then it is decorated with artificial brick of light shades (from a gray-brown palette).Of the decor in the room only wall clocks are used, one or two paintings, pots with indoor plants and a round chandelier. Be sure to add a pair of fixtures to each zone.
Bedroom
The ceiling in the bedroom is decorated with gray wooden beams, which contrast with white stucco. The bed is chosen either from wood or from metal with a rare forged decor. The bed is covered with a checkered or striped blanket. A pair of pillows with an identical pattern, but in different colors, is added to the composition. Windows are curtained with dense, heavy curtains of pastel shades. The walls are finished with stucco or pasted over with light wallpaper. The accent area at the head of the bed is decorated with boards laid by the deck method. Additional decorations on such a wall are not needed, its texture more than compensates for their lack. Ebony tables are placed on both sides of the bed on tall, thin legs. Each surface is decorated with a lamp with a simple shade of fabric. The mirror, contrary to generally accepted standards, is not hung on the wall, but a mobile model is chosen on a “leg”. The texture of the accent wall is emphasized by paired sconces. The floor is carpeted with a soft shade of baked milk with short pile. A floor vase with dry branches or a large pot with a houseplant will complement the interior composition.
Hallway and corridor
For the German-style hallway, a furniture set is selected, which includes a wardrobe, a hanger and a small bench for shoes. Of the materials, preference is given to wood (light shades for cramped rooms). The floor is covered with a rug with a short pile, which is convenient to vacuum and periodically wash. One of the walls is decorated with a rectangular mirror in a simple wooden frame or without it at all, on the sides of which a sconce is hung. If the hallway is wide enough, then a cabinet with drawers for storing small items is placed under it. Facades of furniture are simple, smooth, without additional decor.As decorations use a group of vases of different sizes and shapes, cardboard boxes with hinged lids.
Bathroom and toilet
To finish the bathroom, choose the traditional option - large ceramic tiles. However, instead of the usual pastel shades, you can purchase a material whose surface imitates the texture of a tree. She trim the floor, bottom of the walls and the “box” under the bath. So that the surfaces do not merge, you can choose two shades with a small gradation within the same color. The upper part of the wall is finished with a simple, white tile. Furniture, represented by a narrow cabinet and a cabinet under the sink, is selected in white or gray. Such a design solution will visually expand the space. A rimless square mirror is hung above the sink, which is decorated with sconces in glass shades. The meager decor of this room is represented only by an elongated vase with a composition of fresh flowers, which is placed on a pedestal. The floor is covered with a plain white or gray rug. By the way, toilets in combined bathrooms recommend the use of hanging. They are separated from the rest of the room by a mobile frosted glass partition without a pattern.
Conclusion
In the German style, ordinary people are attracted by naturalness and simplicity, which sometimes borders on primitiveness. Designers are happy to take up the design of such interiors, as they are versatile and easily adapt to both spacious rooms and cramped spaces. The German style is not for everyone. If a person is accustomed to surrounding himself with a multitude of “necessary” (and not so) things, then this direction should be rejected immediately. A German-style design will be quite expensive. Although minimal furniture is used, the emphasis will be on quality and natural materials. It is also worth considering that you will have to learn the basics of floristry and floriculture, since living plants are considered an important detail in the interior of each room, without exception.