History of the style
The formation of the foundations of the style occurred during the development of new lands by European settlers. They brought with them to the American continent a European idea of style and methods of arranging premises. The first colonists, in a fit of nostalgia, tried to recreate their familiar life and way of life under new difficult conditions. However, the difficulties and hardships they had to experience left their mark.
Thus, a new American colonial style emerged, created mainly on the foundation of the English classics. But unlike her, it turned out to be simpler and adapted to new realities.
Bedroom with colonial style elements.
Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, under the influence of the luxurious Art Deco that dominated in Europe, the American style in the interior of apartments and houses was somewhat transformed and transformed. It has become more mannered, elegant and sophisticated, incorporating the signs of Hollywood luxury and emphasized beauty, which were successfully popularized by the film industry.
Kitchen with traditional island in the center of the room and chic crystal chandeliers with ruby pendants in Art Deco style.
The second half of the twentieth century again introduced a touch of natural harmony and open spaces, a spirit of rustic peace and tranquility into American interiors. The American style, popular at that time, in the interior of a country house acquired characteristics of country. But the style did not completely dissolve in rustic simplicity and unpretentiousness. He retained the features of the classical manner of organizing space and methods of decorating rooms in the spirit of Art Deco.
Bedroom in American country style of the second half of the twentieth century.
Modernity has added new features to the classic American style in the interior, such as a free space layout, an abundance of technology and modern functionality. The democratic style has been preserved, allowing the use of both expensive natural materials and more budget-friendly analogues during interior design. This approach contributes to the spread of the style, its use for decorating small apartments of the middle-income population and executive class apartments.
Cozy open plan living room.
Varieties of style
The formation of the American style was influenced by different parts of the world. The United States has always been attractive to foreign citizens. They migrated en masse from other continents in pursuit of the American dream, and at the same time brought with them pieces of their culture. People from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America contributed to the development of this trend. It combines features of many cultures, which is reflected in the interiors. American style can be divided into various categories depending on the stylistic features characteristic of a particular area. There are classic, modern, neoclassical, country.
American neoclassical
The main feature of such interiors is exquisite simplicity and elegance, and a certain flexibility. Here, modern technology and innovative building materials coexist perfectly with the classical principles of space formation. The presence of plastic trim, textiles made from mixed materials, and an imitation fireplace is quite acceptable in the design.
Modern American
A characteristic feature of the modern trend is a combination of functionality and comfort. Comfortable furniture with contemporary shapes is arranged in accordance with classical principles. Despite the predominance of modern furniture, the interior may contain elements of classics and art deco. The inclusion of classic details along with high-tech elements is very often used when creating modern American interiors. In the decoration, a classic fireplace can coexist with an ultra-modern TV, futuristic lamps with exotic vases and figurines, mirror mosaics with a carriage screed.
American country style
The trend originated in rich country houses, and not at all in the outback, as many believe. Cheapness and asceticism are not the defining features of this style. Wooden decoration of walls, floors, open beams on the ceiling, rough furniture made of untreated wood are characteristic features of country music. An integral attribute of the living room is a fireplace in front of a seating area with comfortable upholstered furniture, upholstered in leather or rough fabrics with a natural composition. The style is extremely close to nature, as it is based on the use of environmentally friendly materials and natural colors.
As you can see, American interiors have fundamental differences and can be presented both in a classic, presentable form, and in a modern functional or rustic one.
Layout features
As a rule, American style in the interior is recognized by three features:
- open layout of premises;
- large living space;
- a residential interior organized around a central axis.
Such signs are typical for various types of living space: houses, apartments, cottages, villas, cottages. If it is necessary to visually increase the area of the room, remove all possible partitions and walls. In this case, the open space is zoned using finishing materials or furniture.
Living room in American country style.
This is interesting: despite the preference to combine all rooms into one common space (kitchen, living room, hallway, dining room, office), the classic American style in the interior sacredly honors everyone’s right to personal territory. Thus, the bedroom and bathroom are necessarily separated by walls, which not only visually hide the owner of the room, but also absorb all kinds of sounds.
Lighting
Americans prefer soft, diffused light, which adds coziness to the interior. It is for this reason that small table lamps with lampshades, floor lamps and sconces are especially popular among them. If you like luxurious chandeliers, you can place it in the living room. In the kitchen, spotlights or small pendant lights are considered the norm.
Soft lighting is not annoying and helps enhance the atmosphere of home comfort
Several sources of soft light help to fully illuminate the entire kitchen
American style color scheme
When decorating a home or office interior in American style, you should take into account its loyalty and eclecticism. That is, the room can be decorated in classical traditions, combining harmonious shades of white and brown:
Beige.
Sand.
Chocolate.
Lactic.
Cream.
Open plan living room in classic American style.
At the same time, you can use a contrasting combination of colors to decorate your apartment:
- dark brown with white and red;
- sand with white and blue;
- red with white and blue.
Spacious bedroom in sand and terracotta tones.
In order to properly organize the American style in the interior of a country house, it is enough to use solid colors that are not too bright. It is acceptable to use geometric patterns and volumetric textures.
Living-dining room design in brown and sand tones with a bright blue accent.
American home design options
The dining room is a cult place in the American interior. The whole family gathers here in the mornings and evenings. The meal is a leisurely affair; important issues are discussed during the meal. The furnishings of the kitchen and living room should be conducive to family gatherings. There is a lot of space, light and cozy. They prefer natural kitchen decoration, for example, wooden furniture is valued. Environmental friendliness and convenience are much more important than appearance.
The living room is intended for receiving visitors and family gatherings. People wear street shoes here, so the finishing materials and furniture are extremely practical. All the best, which is the pride of the family, is on display.
American style in the interior suggests the presence of several bedrooms. The largest room is for the heads of the family, the rest are for children. If there is free space, a guest room must be equipped. The bedrooms are decorated without frills. The central attention is given to the large-scale bed. The color scheme of the bedroom is light and fresh. Furniture - minimum.
American style room interior
Chic American style room design
There is usually more than one bathroom. The ideal option is a separate one for each bedroom. The interior is conducive to relaxation. No washing machines or other household appliances. The bathroom is intended for relaxation. Light colors in the design, large dimensions of the room are the main features of the room. Plumbing, a minimum of furniture, enough free space - these are the main features of the right bathroom for an American.
American style in the interior does not require significant expenses. The main condition is the possession of a considerable area. The design is simple but functional. The house always attracts with its comfort and warm family atmosphere. An apartment is also often decorated in this style, but most likely the furnishings will be more modern and practical.
See alsoInterior design in Gothic style
Wall decoration and design
The style is characterized by smooth wall design:
- the most common method is to paint the plastered surface with matte, plain paint;
- less often, walls are covered with wallpaper with small patterns;
- inserts include wooden or stone panels (both natural and artificial).
Advice: you should not use bright contrasting wallpaper with a replicated print to decorate rooms, as the free and unobtrusive atmosphere may be lost.
Decoration and design of ceilings
Typical techniques for decorating ceilings in a classic or modern American style are:
- whitewashing or painting a smooth surface in a uniform light shade;
- decorating white high sloping ceilings with wooden beams;
- decoration of the perimeter and ceiling area with plain moldings.
Examples of decorating the ceiling of premises:
On a note. Large spacious rooms require good lighting, so lighting also plays an important role in the design of the ceiling. He gets maximum attention.
American style floor
The following materials are chosen for finishing floors:
- parquet;
- laminated board;
- artificial stone or tile;
- self-leveling or wooden floor.
Carpeting is rarely used. A feature of American-style interior design is the preference for bare floors with a heating system. Carpets are used to decorate bedrooms or recreation areas in the living room.
Features of room decoration: floor, ceiling, walls
Americans have no passion for carpets, rugs and other coverings. They consider them nothing more than dust collectors. That's why there are practically no carpets in American design. The exception is the bedroom: carpet can be laid here. Classic parquet, laminate, artificial stone, and wood can be used as flooring.
Carpet can be laid on the floor in seating areas
The ceiling is made in calm light colors. As an additional decorative element, you can use ceiling beams painted in contrasting dark brown colors. You can also use moldings, the color of which will be in harmony with the ceiling.
Beams can be used in the design
You need to approach the decoration of walls with special care. Americans use panels to decorate them. Both products made from natural wood and the more common analogues made from MDF are popular. American-style wallpaper is used quite rarely. If you decide to stick them on, choose a subtle, floral or geometric pattern. Surprises, abstractions, and bright colors should be avoided—unless, of course, you are a fan of pop art.
The walls are covered with plain plaster
Correct selection of furniture and arrangement
What is characteristic of the American style in the interior in the case of furniture arrangement?
Firstly, it is not placed along the walls. In large rooms there is enough space to place a sofa and several armchairs in the center of the room, around which the rest of the furniture will be organized.
Secondly, the furniture chosen is solid, large, and most importantly, comfortable. In the case of kitchen furniture, it is also functional.
Thirdly, furniture from the same collection is placed within one room or living area, harmoniously combined in texture, design and color.
Furniture sets in the living room.
Examples of American style furniture:
American hallway
The design of a hallway in American design depends on the dimensions of the room. The main distinguishing feature is the maximum free space.
If the hallway is combined with the living room and other rooms, it is designed in complete harmony with the rest of the interior, and often does not stand out. In a separate hallway you can place a couple of wicker chairs, a small wardrobe and a chest of drawers for useful items. In a small hallway you should limit yourself to a minimum of furniture.
The walls can be finished with plaster, covered with wallpaper with a light floral print, or lined with clapboard. It is important that all colors are in harmony with each other and fit into the overall design of the apartment.
Photo gallery: hallway design
Open wooden hangers are acceptable in the design
If space allows, you can place a small sofa in the hallway. The hallway is the face of an American home. From here you can get to any part of it
You can place several home photos on the wall
Maximum light, functionality and comfort
The design is done in soft, light colors
Textile
It is impossible to embody the classic American style in the interior without good textile design. For curtains, a plain natural or mixed fabric is selected, sometimes with a small geometric pattern; a straight, uncomplicated cut is typical. Lush lambrequins and ruffles are not typical for American-style windows. It is possible to use Roman, Japanese curtains or blinds.
Lighting organization
To illuminate spacious rooms, designers choose a variety of lighting scenarios:
- spot lighting around the perimeter of a room or living area;
- using a large multi-arm chandelier with pendants in the center of the bedroom, living room or dining room;
- the preferred use of a variety of floor lamps, sconces, table lamps and lamps.
The lighting is soft and natural.
Floor lamps and chandeliers in interior design.
American style lighting fixtures:
Decoration of different rooms
The American-style interior is not only spectacular, but also practical. This is evidenced by the fact that some elements of such housing are happily borrowed by representatives of other countries. Each room has its own nuances.
Living room
Since the living room is intended for communication with family and friends, the interior of this room should have a large sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table. There can also be a chest of drawers or a small cabinet.
The more spacious the living area, the better
Bedroom
The bedroom has a massive high bed, bedside tables and a chest of drawers. There may also be a dressing table, an armchair and a banquette. The lighting here is predominantly local - a floor lamp, table lamps or sconces.
A bedroom that harmoniously combines various geometric prints
Kitchen
The kitchen is not a separate room, but part of the living room or dining room. It is separated from them by a stand. The furnishings here are usually modest, and the technology, on the contrary, is the most modern. Refrigerators are large, free-standing.
Kitchen with island with extra storage space
Hallway
This is a very small part of the house and is often combined with the living room. And yet, there may be such furnishings as a clothes hanger, a stand or a stylish basket for umbrellas, or a console for small items.
There is often a staircase in the hallway area
Bathroom
The bathroom is distinguished by the presence of an external window and the absence of a washing machine. Plumbing in America is not the same as in Europe. There is no bidet or shower hose. The water in the shower only flows from above. Bathtubs are lower and toilets are of a different design and are always half filled with water. Double washbasins are often installed.
Two sinks and two mirrors - for those who are not ready to wait their turn in the bathroom
Children's
This part of the home is traditionally divided into several zones - sleeping, play and study. The bed is placed not against the wall, but in the center; only the headboard is adjacent to the wall. Next to the bed is a bedside table or table. A student must have a desk and chair. A young girl might need a make-up area, a little girl might need a place for a doll's house. Teenagers have hobbies that also require space.
Children's room for girls with private bathroom
Decor and accessories
Designers do not recommend oversaturating the interior with bulky decorative items. On the contrary, in order to emphasize the comfort and simplicity of large rooms decorated in American style, choose fresh flowers and floral arrangements, decorative pillows and framed paintings or photographs. This is quite enough to complete the design.
Decorative items used in American-style interior design:
Photo examples of American-style interiors
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