Interior of a house in English style. Cozy English houses: history and traditions. The ninth highlight is soft lighting

The basis English design The interior design is not only restraint and orderliness, but also reliability and continuity. Many houses and their contents are passed down from generation to generation. Antique items are especially highly valued. To ensure that they retain their original appearance for a long time, people choose products made from high-quality and durable materials. If some furniture breaks, its owner will most likely repair and restore it, but will not throw it away.

British design harmoniously combines austerity and high cost. There is no pomposity and golden shine of baroque in it, but there are many features that testify to the well-being of the owners.




History of origin

The English style in interiors began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries. The restrained British were not particularly keen on Baroque and Rococo, preferring restraint and classics.

The development of the genre was actively promoted by the Romanesque and Gothic style. They are still found today in medieval castles. Roman and Greek styles also contributed to the development of the direction.

Early history of formation English interior can be divided into two main stages - the Georgian style during the reign of King George (1714 - 1830) and the Victorian style (1838 - 1901).

The second period is associated with the reign of Queen Victoria. It combined classics, colonial style and minor baroque elements. Over time, the colonial style emerged as a separate movement against the backdrop of important geographical discoveries for the country.

All directions were formed during the rapid development of the state. Industry developed, people gravitated towards prestige and expensive surroundings. Overseas interior items, especially those made from rare and expensive materials, were popular.

Years and centuries passed, fashion changed, but the interior of an English house did not change. dramatic changes. This trend is due to the British loyalty to traditions. Therefore, today you can see such dwellings in a little changed form.












Style characteristics

The main features of English interior design:

  • Zoning of premises. Housing is not simply divided into different rooms. Most rooms are also zoned.
  • The rooms may be small, and at the same time the building may have several floors.
  • Symmetry is maintained. Doors, windows, rooms are symmetrical.
  • Large windows with wooden frames, most often light color. The British deliberately do not change the old ones wooden windows to new plastic ones in order to remain true to traditions and not spoil the appearance of the building’s architecture. This is despite the fact that many old-style windows let in cold air.
  • Basic finishing materials English classics in the interior - natural wood, stone, leather, plaster, wallpaper with stripes or floral prints.
  • Calm color scheme without sharp contrasts - pastel shades, brown and its shades, white, green, blue, light red, purple, terracotta. Applies also golden color, but most often it does not prevail.
  • A mandatory attribute of the living room is a fireplace. On top of it is a shelf with decor and framed photographs (family values ​​are important).
  • Lighting is both central and additional (floor lamps, candelabra, lamps). The light is evenly scattered.
  • The furniture is predominantly classic. It may also include elements of other European styles- carved decor, Gothic motifs, twisted legs, bronze or brass inserts. The upholstery is made of fabric, most often with a small pattern, or leather.
  • Mostly natural textiles. Plain fabrics and striped, checkered, with floral pattern, most often small.
  • Decor is used - paintings, framed photographs, vases, mirrors in antique frames, figurines.
  • There is no negligence or chaos in the atmosphere. The arrangement of furniture and decor is carefully thought out.

















Is the style popular now, and who will it suit?

English apartment interiors have not lost their popularity for a long time. The point is not only that many of its adherents like to observe traditions. From the very first minutes it charms with its coziness, impeccable taste and comfort. In such an environment, you want to organize tea parties, spend time by the fireplace with loved ones, read an exciting English detective story, watch how large window the weather is changing.

The English style in the interior of the apartment will distract from the bustle and haste, which is unusual for the British.

All this together makes the direction relevant, since the environment evokes emotions that are sometimes lacking in the modern rhythm of life.

The genre is suitable for those who like a classic setting, symmetry and orderliness of objects. It will also appeal to connoisseurs of high-quality, comfortable and expensive furniture that is not pretentious.
The direction will be suitable for collectors, since the setting may include the placement of collections of antiques and other items.

It is advisable for the owners to equip it small apartments with small rooms. The premises of the British are most often small. This is due to the desire to heat homes faster and better during the cold period.











Options for arranging rooms in the English style

Let's consider options for arranging a classic English interior.

Living room

  • Wallpaper the walls pastel color(the tone is closer to sand), perhaps with an inexpressive pattern.
  • Plaster the ceiling with white plaster.
  • Lay parquet color on the floor natural wood.
    Complete the floor with a natural carpet beige colour with a small plant pattern.
  • Make a fireplace by covering it natural stone close in color to the wallpaper.
    Set up a sofa area near the fireplace.
  • Upholstered furniture can be chosen in cream color with a sand-colored floral pattern.
  • Place a wooden coffee table, perhaps with a glass top.
  • Place a floor lamp nearby.

If space allows, complement the English-style living room interior with a library area - high bookshelves made of wood, cozy and soft sofa, as well as a coffee table.







































Bedroom

  • Wallpaper in an English bedroom interior can resemble Provence - on a light beige background there is an ornament in the form of flowers with green stems and light red buds.
  • On the floor - light parquet or laminate, laid in longitudinal fragments rectangular shape;
    there is a cream carpet on it, the same color and design as the wallpaper.
  • Double bed with a wooden, carved base.
  • Place a white blanket on it and complement it with plain decorative pillows purple color.
  • Hang olive curtains on the windows.
  • Place wooden nightstands on the sides of the bed, preferably in a retro style, and on them low lamps with beige lampshades.

As a result, you will receive not only an English-style bedroom interior, but also a harmony of colors that is pleasing to the eye, conducive to relaxation and sleep.














Classicism of English style for decoration country houses attracts both designers and ordinary people with its functionality, rigor and ability to well demonstrate the taste and character of its guests. Photos of English-style houses demonstrate the external roughness of unlined facades with low window openings and a bright red tiled roof.

Distinctive elements outside English apartments are considered:

  • wall surfaces made of natural stone elements or bricks;
  • lack of carved parts;
  • asymmetry in the location of the exterior composition;
  • presence of columns;
  • narrow color palette;
  • gable roof;
  • The area near the house is planted with a garden and flowers.


Types of English country buildings

The architecture of English buildings is recognizable all over the world. There are three main architectural and construction trends with their own characteristics and features.

Tudor house style. Visually, such buildings resemble fairy-tale village houses. However, the appearance is a little rough.

The main architectural features of this type are:

  • the presence of high pediments on the main façade;
  • roof with steep slope and uneven edges;
  • large chimney and miniature dormer windows;
  • the general outlines of the building are asymmetrical;
  • the entrance has an arched design.


Georgian architectural style. For modern English world This direction of development is the most popular. Georgian buildings look magnificent and simple at the same time.

The direction is characterized by the following features:

  • symmetry;
  • window openings of the same size, which have the same location;
  • absence various kinds decorations;
  • the main facade of the building is decorated with five windows;
  • the entrance door is located very low;
  • low roof.

Victorian direction. Is different decorative cladding and contrasting color combinations.

Its features:

  • asymmetrical arrangement;
  • overall veranda area;
  • decorative finishing of wall surfaces with stone or siding;
  • ornamental and stucco elements.

The main feature of houses made in the English style is the construction of the building from red brick. Thanks to this material, which has a very reasonable cost, the life of the house increases.

Another advantage is high sound insulation qualities indoors.

An English apartment project is characterized by the presence of two full floors and, in some cases, an attic. The entrance to the room is located in the middle.

Architectural features

The foundation of a typical English residential building is very low, so the floor surface practically coincides with the ground plane. You won’t be able to find the usual basements and garages in the house, since the English style does not imply this.

Sometimes owners can equip a small cellar or storage room in their home. External facade they are not decorated or covered in any way, so it looks rather rough.

Window openings of rectangular or square shape of the first level are located low. The roof of the house is covered with red tiles, its shape is sharp, and the structure is very high. IN last years roofs English houses made from straw or reed.

A porch is attached to a house only if the building is located on a site with a slope. But entrance doors and windows are often framed by awnings.

The ivy climbing along the canopy brings special luxury to the design of an English-style house. It is customary to plant small gardens and create picturesque flower beds next to English residential buildings.

Layout inside the house

The main living area of ​​the first floor is represented by a spacious living room, which, as a rule, is combined with a dining room, corridor areas and a hall. The guest room must be made light, since there is a lot of light in the room. window openings. Another room on the first level is a study.

The second floor is considered the sleeping area. There are three bedrooms in total, one of which has a bathroom and wardrobe.

Interior composition of the house

The main conditions for creating an English interior for a private home are comfort and coziness. The living room is arranged in such a way that it is comfortable for all guests and household members to be here.

As finishing materials, typical for work in the English style, choose natural wood. Floor surfaces covered with a noble parquet covering.

The chosen direction is characterized by large spacious areas for the living room, however, with the help design techniques and in small rooms It is possible to create a project that is distinguished by its effectiveness and style.


A mandatory element of interior decoration, characteristic of the English style, is a fireplace. It acts as the center of the entire interior composition in the guest area.

You can cover the fireplace various materials in the form of marble, wood or lime panels. On the shelf above the fireplace it is customary to display clocks, bronze sculptures, flowerpots with flowers and snuff boxes with cigarette cases.

The English stylistic direction is perfect for decorating a private country residence.

Photos of English style houses

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English style in the interior – 10 key features

It is not for nothing that, in my opinion, the English style is compared with the classical one, because it is also elegant, restrained, but at the same time has its own unique flavor. Luxury is combined with extraordinary comfort, high cost appearance with comfort and convenience. English style in the interior requires both time and money to implement ideas, but the finished result will amaze both residents and guests!

Features: take note

An English-style interior is a lot of little things that need to be taken into account: in the decoration, in the selection of patterns and shades, and in the choice of accessories. I have highlighted for you 10 main highlights of this style of luxury and convenience, embodying which you can easily create such a design in your home or apartment.

The first key is sofas

Furniture is the key accent of a room made in this style. Valid here important rule– no plastic or metal, especially when choosing sofas and armchairs. Sofa – main figure room, it should be large, soft and matching the color of the rest of the interior.

Most often in the English style the Chesterfield model is used - large, comfortable sofa characteristic shape. It should have fabric upholstery, and it would also be a good idea to put a lot of pillows on it.

The second feature is the chairs.

There should be a lot of armchairs, as they emphasize luxury and comfort. The most popular models are armchairs with ears - they will fit perfectly into an English-style room.

Also a good addition to the luxurious interior design will be fireplace chairs with curved legs and expensive upholstery (velvet, leather). They will emphasize the status of the owners, and will also allow you to relax comfortably in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea.

The third highlight is curtains

Curtains should be massive, made of luxurious fabric, with drapery, lambrequins. It seems to me that this is due not only to the fact that the whole room should look luxurious, but also to the fact that dense, massive fabrics gently “let” light into the room, making it warmer, which is also important for creating an English style.

The fourth accessory is a fireplace

It is difficult to imagine a classic English house without a fireplace. This place - central part rooms, already around it there are sofas, armchairs, bookshelves, coffee tables.

The whole family gathers here - to read a newspaper or a book, discuss the day, and enjoy relaxation. If it is not possible to place a real fireplace in the house, pay attention to electric options, as well as dummies that imitate the appearance of a burning fire.

Fifth feature - library

I think this is how the interior of the living room in the English style is designed, as well as offices. Although often a separate room in the house is allocated for the library. Give preference to luxury wooden cabinets and shelving the entire width and height of the wall; they can be supplemented with shelves made of natural wood.

The sixth emphasis is on patterns

It is difficult to imagine an English style without patterns (although this is possible if you take, for example, the color red). Wallpaper, curtains, blankets, pillowcases, upholstery of chairs, poufs - all this can be made of checkered fabric, or materials with a dense floral pattern.

It is not easy to fit geometric patterns harmoniously into the interior. It is important to ensure that accessories and decoration do not look too bright and “heavy”.
A universal solution would be pastel patterns, preferably warm shades.

The seventh rule is natural wood

Whatever the emphasis is on the room (patterns on the wallpaper, furniture, fireplace), without an abundance of wood it will not look as luxurious as it should. Give preference to dark shades when placing in the room wooden tables, armchairs and sofas with wooden legs, wooden and work tables, cornices.

Dark wood parquet/laminate will also look luxurious. The abundance of wood is suitable for different rooms - office, kitchen, living room.

Even small rooms made in this style should be furnished with accessories - these could be framed photographs, porcelain figurines, vases, stands. It's important to place all of these accessories wisely to create a cozy, filled space that still looks neat.

I note that cleaning a room in the English style is not an easy task, especially because of the abundance of accessories on the tables and shelves.
Therefore, it is important to know the measure in their quantity.

The ninth highlight is soft lighting

An English-style room requires soft lighting, so chandeliers with shades of “warm” colors, floor lamps, and textile lampshades are a priority. From halogen white, which is so often used in high-tech, loft, and minimalist styles, it is better to refuse.

The tenth key is textiles

Textile elements are the most important part of an English interior. There should be a lot of them, especially considering that you need to create as many cozy interior. So use as many pads as possible different sizes, blankets, textile lampshades and other textiles.

We decorate different rooms in English style

Each room decorated in this style will have its own flavor, so I want to tell you in more detail about the intricacies of creating design in the living room, bathroom and other rooms of the apartment or house.

  • Living room. The interior of the living room in the English style implies the creation spacious room, but this does not cancel the use large quantity accessories. The room should have plenty of seating - sofas, armchairs, loungers, poufs, etc. Used frequently wooden furniture(shelves, high racks, coffee tables), if desired, it can be artificially aged.

  • Kitchen. The kitchen should be spacious, bright and not without a touch of luxury. Furniture, especially the dining table and chairs, should be massive and wooden; cabinets may have paneled doors and curly handles. You can also display light-colored dishes and kitchen utensils in plain sight, and use a lot of textiles - for example, make coasters for cups and potholders with your own hands.

  • Bathroom. It is very popular to use classic faucets made of copper or brass, expensive tiles, white or milky plumbing fixtures. The best tones are considered to be different shades of brown and beige, and classic white/milky color. The bathroom can be either light or dark; models with legs are most often chosen.

  • Bedroom. Walls should be decorated with wallpaper with a floral pattern and wide stripes. Among the most popular shades, different tones of beige stand out - from light pastel to chocolate brown; red and blue accents. Much attention is paid to massive curtains and large luxurious chandeliers.



Today's trends in the development of society and technology have certainly left their mark on the modern English house. But, in fairness, it is worth saying that their influence on the British, who are conservative in tradition and way of life, is very small. Just look at the traditional and typical village dwellings.

Classic modern city and country house

Great Britain has been an industrial country for several centuries. In this country, the urban population predominates over the rural population. And if so, then there should be more city residents. After all, in our understanding, a city dweller necessarily lives in an apartment. But in Britain this is not the case at all.

The majority of the population of the United Kingdom prefers to live in own homes. Of course, as in many other countries, not many people can afford to pay for the construction or purchase of a private home. Therefore, the vast majority become home owners, paying off a mortgage for twenty to twenty-five years.

But to say the majority is to say nothing. Therefore, it is worth clarifying that the majority in British reality is about 80 percent. This is exactly how many residents of Foggy Albion live in their own houses. There are cities there too. And there are a lot of them. But both in cities and in rural areas Conservative Englishmen prefer a private home.

What does it look like modern home in England? A typical English house is a two or three-story building. Moreover, the understanding of number of storeys is somewhat different from ours. Local residents consider the first floor to be zero. And only what is above the level of the earth’s surface is considered the first and subsequent floors.

The house is usually built of red brick. And no exterior finishing no walls are provided. It is quite durable and beautiful material. And houses made from it, in an island and mild climate, have stood for centuries. This is actually why the ground floor is built at ground level. The foundations here are low. And you won’t see any porch or terrace here front door.

And in these conditions, a deep and heavy foundation is not needed. The soil does not freeze at all, even in winters that are severe by local standards. For reference, it is worth mentioning that in Russia the depth of soil freezing can reach several meters. And a significant part of the country is generally located on permafrost.

As already mentioned, there are no porches as such. But the canopies and awnings over the front door amaze with their diversity. This is also determined by the traditions of the British. They love to diversify their homes. So much so that, despite the general similarity of the projects, the houses can turn out completely different.

This is facilitated not only by canopies and awnings over the entrance doors. Every house must have a small lawn where you can plant a flower bed or flower garden. And the buildings themselves are often decorated climbing plants. It happens that the house is almost invisible through the plants. And of course, the house is decorated with numerous decorative elements. The design of English houses is diverse.

Old English house in the village

An old English house can be seen in the countryside. Moreover, really old houses are protected by law. You can buy them and live there. But it is prohibited to radically rebuild or change the appearance of such a building. Moreover, the inside of such a building can be made completely modern.

The concept of countryside and village is somewhat different here. In essence, villages are small towns. The roads are paved and the areas are landscaped. You won’t see vegetable gardens with potato plantations there. Villagers do not grow vegetables and fruits. They are engaged in growing flower beds and lawns. Therefore, any English village is cozy and clean.

And farmers who do not live in villages grow vegetables and fruits. They live on the outskirts, or as we say in a settlement or farmstead, that is, separately. Most villagers only live in the village and work in the city. Fortunately, Great Britain is famous for its roads. Every British family has a car, often more than one.

A house in an English village is located along the street. Often the front door goes directly onto the sidewalk, if there is one. Sometimes between the wall of the house and the road there is a flower garden or a small lawn. There are no vegetable gardens, as mentioned above. But behind the house there is definitely the pride of the owner - his lawn and flower beds.

In the village, houses are a little simpler than in the city. Here you can often see dwellings made of stone. An old British country house is usually smaller in size than a city house. And the second floor is often an attic. But in the village you can see roofs made of reeds and grass. They look very original and beautiful.

In ancient times, a roof covered with reeds or herbs spoke of the owner's poverty. But times are changing and today few wealthy home owners can afford such a roof. Nowadays, the presence of a thatched roof indicates the wealth of the owner of the house.

British home interior

Usually on the ground floor there is a living room, a kitchen and an office, if provided. The bedroom, bathroom and other rooms are located on the next floors. The kitchen used to be small. Today they are trying to make it more so that dining table The whole family fit.

The living room often houses a fireplace, which is found in almost every British home. Traditionally, an armchair or sofa is placed opposite the fireplace. Near it, a tea table covered with a tablecloth would also be appropriate. In the office there is usually a table and an armchair, and bookshelves or a wardrobe for the same purpose.

The bedrooms have the usual set of furniture - a bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. In general, in the home of the British there is a minimum set of furniture. There is never anything superfluous in them. Only the most necessary things and items.

Despite the stiffness and outward closeness of the British, in English houses It is rare to see window shades or curtains. Windows are usually made quite wide. Rectangular and square in shape, they are often divided into small fragments.

Traditions of the English home

When people talk about an Englishman's house, they always remember the fireplace. And although the fireplace is rarely used for its intended purpose, it is an integral part of the interior. On the mantelpiece there are photographs, small figurines, vases, and clocks. And in front of the fireplace, just like hundreds of years ago, tea parties are held.

The house is usually built of red brick. Moreover, no external decoration of the walls is provided. This is a fairly durable and beautiful material. And houses made from it, in an island and mild climate, have stood for centuries. This is actually why the ground floor is built at ground level. The foundations here are low. And you won’t see any porch or terrace at the front door.

Now let's go inside... Just a picture from a magazine! The owners wanted to include elements in the design rustic style, and modern.

How do you like?

Very nice atmosphere in the kitchen. Classic look goes well with modern equipment.

In the village, houses are a little simpler than in the city. Here you can often see dwellings made of stone. An old British country house is usually smaller in size than a city house. And the second floor is often an attic. But in the village you can see roofs made of reeds and grass. They look very original and beautiful. Now we go out onto the terrace and admire again.

In ancient times, a roof covered with reeds or herbs spoke of the owner's poverty. But times are changing and today few wealthy home owners can afford such a roof. Nowadays, the presence of a thatched roof indicates the wealth of the owner of the house. Incredible cozy courtyard! Ideal for breakfast.

Usually on the ground floor there is a living room, a kitchen and an office, if provided. The bedroom, bathroom and other rooms are located on the next floors. The kitchen used to be small. Today they are trying to make it bigger so that the whole family can fit at the dining table.

The living room often houses a fireplace, which is found in almost every British home. Traditionally, an armchair or sofa is placed opposite the fireplace. Near it, a tea table covered with a tablecloth would also be appropriate. In the office there is usually a table and an armchair, and bookshelves or a wardrobe for the same purpose.

The bedrooms have the usual set of furniture - a bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. In general, in the home of the British there is a minimum set of furniture. There is never anything superfluous in them. Only the most necessary things and items.

Another traditional design element, albeit external, is the arrangement of a lawn and flower beds. The lawn is the pride of the home owner. It has been grown and refined for years. But numerous flower beds and flower beds are located both in front of the house and behind it. And this is another English tradition.