Timeless classics in the interior

Recommendation points

• The main characteristics of the classics in the interior
• Colour
• Finishing
• Furniture
• Textiles and other decorative elements

The omniscient Wikipedia says that classics in the collective sense of the word are classic, exemplary, time-tested works of literature and art..

Classics are present in various spheres of our life – at school we studied the works of classics of literature, we can come to the theater for a classical ballet production, in a TV show we can see competitions in classical parachuting or another kind of sport, and so on..

In the field of interior design, it is customary to understand the classics as the art of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome during their heyday. Later, the classical direction of design was developed by the masters of the Renaissance and classicism, and medieval artists and sculptors relied precisely on ancient traditions..

The classic design style really proved its right to bear this proud name – it became the basis of numerous later trends in interior design and is incredibly relevant to this day, despite the fact that at least two and a half thousand years have passed since the heyday of Ancient Greece!

According to statistics, today in Russia, almost half of homeowners choose the classics for decorating their home. Why is it so attractive to our contemporaries? What is it about this, without exaggeration, ancient and at the same time very fashionable design style? What are the main characteristics that distinguish the classics and allow you to recognize such an interior at a glance?

Slender columns, muted colors, strict and at the same time graceful lines – such a classic interior cannot be confused with any other style

The main characteristics of the classics in the interior

It is interesting that it is much more difficult to describe the classic style of interior design than the more exotic and much less common trends in our country. Classics are too familiar to us and it is often difficult to convey in words how this style stands out from many others.

If you try to describe the classics literally in a nutshell, the best combination would be “refined restraint.” In such an interior, there is no diversity of country, barely covered luxury and massive furniture of the English style and, of course, ultramodern novelties and an abundance of high-tech technology..

Quite strange, but it was the classics, the oldest of all known design styles, that managed to adapt to modern realities better than other areas, earning respect and love from professional designers and ordinary owners of houses and apartments.

How do you describe the classics? She is comfortable, familiar, became dear and close to us, simple and laconic in its own way. However, this style has its own characteristics that can be distinguished and generalized.

Colour

So, if you would like to create just a classic interior in your usual city apartment or country cottage, then first of all it is worth remembering that the good old classics do not accept bright and too juicy, saturated colors.

The palette of the classic interior is:

1. Pale green.
2. Beige.
3. Brown.
4. White.
5. Light yellow, rather, even a sandy shade.
6. Cream.
7. Warm creamy.
8. And, as a last resort – pale blue.

It is interesting that richer and brighter shades such as golden, dark blue and dark red, purple, burgundy were actively used in the antique classical style. However, modern classics prefer muted, contemplative, calm tones, which serve as a magnificent background for exquisite furniture and allow you to relax and unwind in a homely, cozy atmosphere..

The brightest example of the classic style is laconic, but at the same time very comfortable soft striped armchairs with a round table, pillows and a lamp with a textile shade. All this in muted, soft colors – beige, brown and pale green

Finishing

Walls and ceilings in a classic interior are almost always monochromatic. No large floral patterns, lurid poppies, daisies or roses, geometric shapes – soft, eye-pleasing paints, white plaster, paintable wallpaper, sometimes a small vertical strip. The walls are characterized by the imitation of the natural texture of the stone, which is achieved with the help of Venetian plaster. In general, decorative plaster can be called an ideal solution for wall decoration in a classic style..

One of the main features of the classic interior is a complex ceiling – multi-level, with an additional lighting system, with a central, sufficiently large chandelier and stucco. Most often, a circle is constructed from drywall in the center of the ceiling, which stands out with the help of polyurethane decor – light and very attractive stripes with a pattern.

To highlight the central composition and create a contrast between the smoothness of the walls and convex decorative elements, it is better to choose stucco moldings in a slightly darker or lighter color than the rest of the ceiling decoration.

Polyurethane stucco molding allows you to install hidden lighting and visually raise the ceiling even in a small room. Stucco molding can also be made of gypsum, however, such decorative elements are distinguished by solid weight and need additional staining, and if there is an excess of moisture in the room, they may completely lose their original appearance. The most budgetary option is polystyrene stucco molding, lightweight, but not very durable. Although in the case of decorating a ceiling that will not be subjected to functional stress, the material of manufacture is not so important, therefore, if you liked just such a decor, feel free to choose inexpensive foam molding.

A ceiling cornice or skirting board is also used, emphasizing the strict framing of the walls and ceiling and is the final touch in the classic interior..

A complex ceiling becomes one of the main decorations of a room in a classic style, in this case, the stucco molding is chosen in white, which looks very elegant and beautiful against the background of the beige ceiling

Classic moldings have become an indispensable attribute of this style.

Doorways in classic interiors are also usually decorated with stucco moldings that match in color and texture with the ceiling decor. Stucco molding made of polyurethane can be painted in the color of wood or bronze, which will look especially stylish and original.

By the way, doorways in the classical style are often made in the form of arches, they can also be decorated with fake columns on the sides. Columns, usually not carrying, but simply serving as decoration of the room, along with friezes and pediments, become the brightest visiting card of the classical style and immediately remind of the majestic temples of Ancient Greece.

Such ceiling cornices and framing of doorways and arches are not necessarily made of expensive and heavy natural wood. And it will be very difficult to bend the tree in this way. Most often it is polyurethane, painted in the natural wood color. Very stylish and attractive, isn’t it?

The classic style implies the use of as many natural materials as possible, so that the ideal flooring is exquisite parquet, possibly in different shades of wood, lined with patterns. However, an ordinary laminate is quite suitable, and even linoleum, only with a classic pattern “like parquet”, not too light and not very dark.

You can also use carpet, also muted color, without bright patterns. If one of the areas of the room is planned to be highlighted with a carpet, it is better if it is monochromatic or with a strict pattern around the edges – bright, colorful rugs will not work.

A large beige rug with ornamental edges makes this classic bedroom particularly cozy and warm.

Furniture

The classic interior is characterized by wooden furniture, not painted, but simply covered with a thin layer of varnish. If finances do not allow you to purchase furniture made of natural wood, you can choose a good imitation of MDF or chipboard covered with veneer.

The main difference between classic furniture is strict lines and compliance with symmetry. Facades can be decorated with carvings, without pretentiousness and special frills, as well as frosted glass inserts. No metal, unnecessary glitter and tinsel – everything is quite strict and elegantly emphasized.

Cabinet furniture and soft sofas can be dark brown, gray, and even pale blue. Usually, a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table on gracefully curved legs take their place in the living room, a traditional set in the bedroom, and a familiar set of lower and upper cabinets with wooden facades in the kitchen. Wrought iron furniture in a classic interior is rare, and wicker, too “suburban” and “frivolous” – even less common.

The classic dining group is a rectangular table with carved legs and soft armchairs. Darker furniture looks especially advantageous on beige carpet. By the way, tables in a classic interior are often round or oval, although the shape of the table top is not so important and can be, in principle, any

Wooden kitchen facades are decorated with frosted glass inserts and openwork carvings

Very modern living room. The fact that the interior is decorated in a classic style is indicated only by false columns on the sides of the arched doorway, a wide ceiling cornice, calm colors, a chandelier in the center of the ceiling and strict lines of a snow-white sofa

Textiles and other decorative elements

Windows in a classic interior must be decorated with curtains, light tulle and heavy brocade are welcome. However, curtains should not be decorated with bright patterns and colors – monochromatic, rather with a hint of a pattern, in a shade consistent with the main palette of classic design.

But you can experiment with the shape of the curtains themselves. If the color of curtains and curtains simply must be as muted as the decoration of the walls, then lush folds, lambrequins and all kinds of cords are welcome. Rich curtains and intricate drapery around the window will soften the severity of plain plain walls.

Lush lambrequins came to us precisely from the classics. They can be of the same color as the fabric of the main curtain and curtains, or they can differ, creating a single harmonious composition

In general, textiles in a classic interior are used with restraint – a plain tablecloth on the dining table, napkins in the kitchen, sofa cushions and curtains – these are, in fact, all the decorative elements made of fabric. However, this is quite enough to make the room very cozy and homely..

Of the rest of the design elements of a classic-style room, it is worth noting mirrors in strict frames, paintings, tall vases and figurines. Of course, it is better to choose both figurines and vases in antique style. And the paintings can be copies of the works of famous artists, calm landscapes or portraits of household members. Just no abstraction or avant-garde!

The fireplace, of course, fits perfectly into the classic interior, but you can do without it or replace it with an imitation of drywall.

Another element of decor in a classic room can be a wall clock, and even better a floor clock (if there is a place in your room for such a rarity).

A vase of flowers or fruit in the center of the dining table – isn’t it a classic?

A chandelier in a classic interior must be large, noticeable, with crystal trimmings and bronze elements. However, if this option seems too pretentious to you, you can choose a more modest chandelier – with glass shades. The main thing is that it fits harmoniously into the interior of the room. Of course, the size of the room and the height of the ceiling should be taken into account – an oversized chandelier with long pendants would be more appropriate in a ballroom than in a cramped bedroom. Lamps in the form of candelabra and candlesticks are also very relevant..

Of course, such a huge chandelier can only be hung in a spacious room with a ceiling of at least four to five meters. But for a city living room, you can choose a smaller option in the same style – with crystal pendants and candle-shaped lamps

So, we can state that the classic style in the interior has the following main features:

1. Muted colors, calm shades, small patterns, floral or antique ornament.
2. Solid walls and ceiling with obligatory stucco, columns, cornices and baseboards.
3. A lot of natural wood, strict furniture, straight lines.
4. Rich fabrics: satin, brocade, silk, also plain, with a classic pattern.
5. Symmetry in everything – in the layout of rooms, the arrangement of furniture, the use of decor.
6. Clarity and geometrism of forms. In this respect, the classic is the sharp opposite of modernity, which just adores flowing lines and asymmetrical whimsical shapes..

Classics can be ceremonial and home, traditional and modern, simple and luxurious, cozy and stylish – despite its conservatism and adherence to tradition, this style of interior is harmoniously combined with modern trends and materials

The modern classic style can be described as very cozy, with a fairly simple interior, in which all family members, without exception, will feel comfortable. Another advantage of the classics is that such an interior can be created without special costs, replacing expensive natural materials with more affordable modern options..

And don’t think that the classics are the lot of conservatives and retrogrades. Not at all! An apartment decorated in this style will look unusually fashionable and relevant, and among the fans of the classics there are many young and successful people.