Neoclassical style in the interior: top 5 features
Neoclassical style is able to fit into any house, be it a large family nest outside the city or compact apartments in the city. Choosing this style, you will never regret it. Let’s find out why!
The phenomenon of the universality of the classics is very simple: it is the middle between all extremes. Today we will speak about the main features of this style.
1. Natural shades
Finish of neo-classical interior is very similar to the exterior finish of classicism. Colors are selected mainly from natural origin: sand, pearl, milk white, pale pink, grey, beige and other muted colors. Sometimes bright turquoise color may be used in the interior by mixing a bit of Mediterranean style, which is consistent with the ancient classics and is considered to be a successful combination. Eclecticism sometimes blurs the standards of fundamental styles, nevertheless color gamma of neoclassicism prevents a riot of colors, or the pressure of a strong color. The overall picture is either nearly monochrome with soft pastel shades or snow-white: columns and pilasters with capitals, cornices with modillion, rosettes and other decorating relief moldings.
2. Strict rules
Ideal planning for neoclassical style is the space with high ceilings and a suite of rooms, and if there is also a spacious living room, it will add authenticity to the interior. This allows, for example, building a symmetrical composition of fireplace and adjacent elements with a large mirror or frame over it above eye level, and it will fill the whole room with real aristocracy. In the arrangement of furniture standard classical principles are used, namely: symmetry, sparseness, proportionality. For example, two identical small stools are already creating effect of reflectivity; two identical armchairs, two identical windows in the room – these are examples of how the symmetry law works. But the number of items should not overload the valuable space; this also applies to vertical surfaces. The ratio of the surfaces closing walls shall not exceed the available space of the walls, because the basis of classics is equal proportions of functionality and decoration.
3. Noble origin
The furniture in neoclassical interior can be grand in neo-classical style, minimalist and very simple modern. In the first case chairs with fluted legs and oval soft back, a little frilly chest of drawers and secretaries are often found. Be it furniture full of historicism or a modern interpretation of classics, neo-classical style fills the space with a sense of conservatism and respectability.
4. Natural Prints
Neoclassical prints do not irritate the eye, do not force to ponder and do not create optical illusions. In textiles and wallpaper you will not meet strong contrasts and intense color combinations, even in the favorite classic vertical strip shades are selected very carefully. Natural floral patterns are often quite realistic, they are found in prints of carpets, on the walls and upholstery.
5. High standards
Favorite trick of many designers – draperies of tulles and curtains in the interiors of neoclassical style that remind us of ancient Greek togas and flutes of columns. Refined neoclassicism goes further and is decorated with antique vases and cups, as well as with voluminous chandeliers with crystal pendants and canvases in openwork frames. Books, paintings, flowers and table lamps with lampshade in the form of a truncated cone are common furnishings in neoclassical style.