Colonial style in the interior of dwellings
Features of the colonial style in interior design
The colonial style is suitable for people who travel frequently and love adventure, and returning from exotic countries dream of overseas kraevids. It combines the features of different styles. Borrowing some elements of decor in other countries, the style has incorporated the original flavor and atmosphere of the tropics.
Although this style was born long ago, in the 21st century it has not lost its relevance. European luxury and charm are closely intertwined in the colonial style. Particular attention is paid to functional features and their improvement.
In the interiors of the colonial style can be found "contradictory" details. An important distinguishing feature is the combination of naturalness and functional technology.





Who suits the colonial style
Since the colonial style inherent versatility and freedom in the interior there is no rigidity. This style is suitable for decorating houses and apartments:
- tourists (creates an exotic atmosphere);
- owners of larger dwellings (colonial-style design requires space and additional illumination, so it will look beautiful in spacious rooms);
- connoisseurs of eclecticism (combination of decorative elements from different countries and cultures in the interior is welcome).
Differences of the colonial style from other styles
Since the colonial style combines incompatible and opposite things, in the interior you can find a close intertwining of classics and exotic, east and west, new products and traditions. The design in the colonial style has many distinguishing characteristics.

Photos: British Colonial Bedroom

Photo: French Colonial Dining Room

Photo: American Colonial Living Room
Room decoration
The historical development of the colonial style falls on the period of the Rococo style. The colonial style in the interior differs from the rococo by the lack of glitter, luxury and wealth. Original look ceiling trim. Plain plaster or paint is not enough here. The design is recommended to use wooden beams with the addition of leather elements. The difference of the walls is in the rough texture of the plaster and pasting with natural bamboo, jute, textile, rattan wallpaper.
Tip: the interior in the colonial style "loves" the spaciousness, where each thing stands out its individual place.
For the flooring, ideal materials are tiles that look like stone or bricks, and the material for the flooring of bog oak.


Photo: tile flooring in the kitchen

Photo: wooden beams in the interior of the kitchen combined with the dining room
Color features
In the interiors of the colonial style a warm light palette in terracotta, chocolate, sand, and brown colors is welcomed. Sometimes in the design of rooms you can find a green palette. The choice of color is determined depending on the variations of design. For a bright warm range it is appropriate to choose a dark red or yellow interior.
Sometimes a colonial-style design guide can serve as a villa in the tropical zone, where the use of a light palette is appropriate. The palette in olive and grassy tones is perfectly combined with exquisite gilding.




Photos: Spanish Colonial Bathroom
What furniture is combined with the colonial style
Natural furniture is characteristic of the colonial style. It is not necessary to use wood of exotic species, for example, palm trees, yew, rubber, rattan. Beautifully looks in the interior wicker furniture.
The main feature of modern furniture is its convenience, functionality, and comfort. Therefore, ottomans, chairs, sofas are best purchased from heavy soft materials. Extras will be decorations on bed linen and other textile materials.
Colonial-style furniture is also characterized by shaped shapes with images of animals or their individual parts. An interesting design, when the legs of furniture are shaped like paws, and the back, armrests and seats are shaped like animal bodies.
In the design of apartments there are not only wooden products, but also leather. Look harmoniously leather chests of different sizes.

Photo: rattan furniture in the bedroom


Photo: wicker furniture
Lighting selection
In rooms designed in the colonial style, there should be a maximum of lighting. Thus, rooms should have huge windows with lockable wooden shutters. Previously, the purpose of the shutters was to shelter houses from abnormal weather conditions (extreme heat, hurricanes, showers). But now, designers recommend the use of shutters in European interiors in order to give the desired color and the necessary decorations.
Artificial lighting, though not used so often, is still welcome. In addition to the huge lighting fixtures, you can buy lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps, the design of which is made in a mixed style.
Sometimes, taking into account the functional features of the purpose of the rooms, it is decided to install spotlights in the room.


Scenery and decorations
The colonial style in the interior is distinguished by the luxurious decor, exotic, accessories. It is important to adhere to measures. It is better to decorate the furniture with various joints, decorated with bright fringe. As a decor it is recommended to use exotic crafts, souvenirs, figurines. Additional light can be created by installing floor lamps and lamps.
The wall decor is done by a panel, additionally decorated with stuffed animals, paintings, decorative trinkets, photos. For floors it is better to buy bright hand-finished carpets.
Tip: carpet floors with a bright flowering ornament or a geometric pattern, mats, as well as a large wicker carpet look relevant on the floor.


Appropriate in the interior and screens of the unique technology of weaving. The interior in the colonial style will not be complete if there is no “living” corner in the apartment. Exotic plants, flowerpots with palm trees, creeping vines will create a tropical atmosphere in the room. Unusual design will give an aquarium. It does not have to contain fish. You can buy an iguana or a turtle, as long as it is a tropical pet.
Colonial style in the interior is a very expensive thing. The surrounding atmosphere, colorful, beautiful refined interior let you forget about the problems. You will not notice how to plunge into the world of unforgettable adventures of the wild savanna or unsafe tropics.
If you have been dreaming about decorating a colonial-style room for a long time, take a step, deciding to bring a bit of exotic to your home.