Colonial (from the Latin word "colonus") - colon, so called the ancient Roman settlers, tenants of land, usually on the outskirts of the empire, in the provinces. A style born at the junction of two worlds - East and West.

This trend originated in medieval England. Known for its powerful navy, Great Britain was the largest conqueror.

By the end of the 19th century. Her colonies were located on all continents. Other European countries did not lag behind the British. Europe ruled the whole world. Spanish, British and French ships set out in search of new territories and sources of resources. Very often the conquerors settled in the colonies with their families. So the colonial style appeared, which is based on the synthesis of cultures - the colonialists brought with them the comfort and elegance of Europe, and borrowed exotic traditions and original motives from the locals.

Depending on the nationality of the colonists and the location of the colonies, the colonial style in architecture and design had several types: laconic and elegant English, luxurious French, cozy Spanish, a little rough Dutch, restrained American colonial style. And also a style based on the fundamental difference between Asian, South American and African cultures.
Colonial style is a concept so broad that it is difficult to fit it into one definition. The main directions of the colonial style have developed over the centuries, as a result of which various eras and cultures peacefully coexist in it, which makes it especially eclectic. Archaic forms and ethnic motives are considered the main feature of the colonial style.


The Europeans brought the "native" culture, borrowed from the local population some of the features of their way of life, the arrangement of dwellings and their interior decoration, divided into zones conditionally: with the help of different levels or ceilings, wicker screens, sliding partitions, screens made of fabric or columns. Colonial design offers numerous possibilities for combining objects and furnishings. Colonial houses have always used a slat to protect the walls from damage from chair backs. Floral ornament predominates.

The style was based on massive carved mahogany and teak furniture combined with rattan (wicker furniture) and leather. Massive armory cabinets and cupboards, suitcase tables, tables with elaborate curves of legs, a low chair with a reclined back and curled armrests, chests with gilding and ivory inlay. Animal skins, Indian wild silk, colorful pillows, Turkish and Persian carpets, runners and curtains, canopies, swing shutters and wicker fans; glazed herbarium, telescope, geographical maps; tropical plants (palm trees, fern, orchid), brushwood bundles, picturesque stones, bamboo blinds, mat, floor vases, baskets, fruit and vegetable trays; African ritual masks, Buddha statues, multi-colored candles, etc.

When creating colonial interiors, natural materials should be used - wood, clay, bronze, leather, ceramics. The color scheme should also correspond to natural shades: gold, terracotta, the color of aged wood, olive, yellow ocher, greenish-yellow, pinkish-red, grayish-green shades, brown, beige, straw colors.

Accessories occupy an important place in the interior design, they give the interior individuality. Even trivial doorknobs can be a highlight. Candles of various colors and sizes will create a pleasant atmosphere. Floor vases, baskets and trays can be great places to store small items. Picturesque stones, fresh fruits and vegetables will add a piece of nature to the interior. Bamboo blinds, wicker screen. Embroidered rugs, mats or a huge carpet with floral or geometric patterns will look extremely natural on the floor - this is also a colonial style.

Colonial style gives an extraordinary role to various accessories - specifically thanks to them, sometimes insignificant gizmos, the interior is filled with meaning. Various figurines and candlesticks, wooden chests and wicker suitcases, a bundle of brushwood and carved plates - they subtly emphasize the colonial style.

Colonial style will highlight the various attributes of a successful wild game hunt. Horns of animals, stuffed birds and pictures in wooden frames, hung on the walls, more accurately convey the colonial style.

Another fundamental addition to the colonial style is the presence of living vegetation in the interior. Palm trees, ferns, bamboo trunks and exotic flowers in huge clay pots will give you a true colonial style and an indescribable feeling of freshness and warmth of tropical thickets.

For passionate travelers and those who like to bring countless souvenirs from overseas trips, the colonial style of the interior is most suitable. Inhaling the indescribable smell of natural wood furniture and admiring the colorful fan on the wall of your living room, you will again and again remember those happy minutes that you spent in mysterious India or exotic Vietnam.

Today, the colonial style in the interior is chosen by strong-minded people with high aesthetic demands.

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Thanks to me and the sources for the information.
Sincerely yours, Tatiana Antonchenko