Empire style in the interior - history and modernity in design

The Empire style that came from medieval France in the interior is an amazing combination of royal triumph and military triumphal splendor in all its manifestation. The interior is always present a touch of rigor and brilliance of gold accessories. The basis of the Empire is majestic columns in the palaces, artistic stucco, round arches, frescoes. A special highlight are the items of military symbols - it is swords, weapons, swords, shields and other attributes of war. To create such an environment of our day, only large rooms are suitable where you can place voluminous pieces of furniture and medieval accessories. Very rarely such an interior can be seen in city apartments, as a rule, it is suitable for large country houses, banquet halls and expensive luxury hotel rooms.

History of

The style was born during the reign of Napoleon, when there was a need to emphasize the greatness, the status of the imperial palace. The pompousness and classicism of Napoleon’s rule have been preserved in decoration to the present day. The luxury and grandeur of the imperial house was intended for royals. There was a clear need to emphasize the characteristic military power of the Emperor of France, to show his military superiority and pathos, as the supreme commander of the country. During his reign, Bonaparte was eager to conquer new lands, to create a huge empire under his command. He wanted to unite not only cultural traditions, but also to create his own new style in all directions - architecture, painting, art and theater. Thus, he managed to achieve significant results: during the reign of the emperor, the huge medieval palaces were completely rebuilt in architectural terms, plays were created praising the military power of the emperor, and his greatness and brilliance of palace life was depicted on canvas.

Common features of style

1. The main most important feature of the Empire style is a large area of ​​the premises, as well as their grandiose decoration. The brilliance, the grandeur of the imperial house smoothly flowed to our days in a modern interior decoration. Often, the Empire style is used in the design of elite hotel rooms, in the decoration of banquet halls, private country houses.
2. A striking composition of accessories, the correct placement of furniture, as a rule, is located in the center of the room. Be sure to determine the center of the floor and ceiling with a certain bright pattern.
3. Wrought candle holders, intricate vases made of porcelain, as well as medieval sculptures enclosing the essence of the historical events of that era, are used as decoration objects.
4. Items of military paraphernalia, placed around the perimeter of the walls - swords, swords, shields, armor, and much more.
5. Huge mirrors on the walls, framed by gilded frames. Their mission is to visually increase the area of ​​the room, fully reflect the grand solemn interior.

Important! The basis for the creation of this direction of the royal setting is the use of only expensive natural materials, precious woods, expensive fabrics, bronze, gold, crystal and silver. Massive furniture and expensive accessories are always in the center of the room.

Interior design color solution

1. White color is dominant in the Empire style. Its role is to create an elegant festive atmosphere. Ceiling and flooring are decorated in white with the addition of various patterns. The curtains on the windows are also present white, as a rule, for the main rooms.
2. Dark red, cherry, wine red are also used in the Empire style. Often these colors are present in pieces of furniture, carpets, curtains. Color symbolizes elegance, high status and the greatness of the owner of the house.
3. The color of gold is present in the interior in many quantities, combined with almost all the additional shades. Most often it is used in combination with white, when making patterns on the walls, mirror frames, there may also be a large number of gold-plated accessories. This emphasizes wealth, as well as the power of the owner.
4. The cool blue color is almost always combined with gold, such a tandem was used for boudoirs, as well as rooms for receiving guests.
5. Ivory is used for bedrooms, furniture and decor.

Features of wall decoration

At its core, walls in this style play the role of an inconspicuous background on which paintings, decorations, mirrors and other attributes are placed. Therefore, the patterns and ornaments on the surface must correspond to the decorations and other elements that will be further placed there.

The modern design of the Empire style in the interior on the walls allows the use of wallpaper with a different texture, there can also be depicted symbols of military times. However, wallpaper is the easiest and not expensive option. The original version of the design of the walls of the Empire style implies decoration with mirrors, stucco, patterns with gold-plated shades, ivory. At the same time, you can create a modern design of the Empire style with the help of various patterns and mosaics on a light background. For example, the walls can be painted in beige color, and then create symmetrical patterns on them with gilded paint. You can also use the overhead columns, arches medieval stucco, with an emphasis on gilded design. Large perimeter mirrors with antique portraits and paintings, as well as with artificial attributes of military subjects. The main decor of the room is concentrated on a huge chandelier in the center of the ceiling with antique candlesticks or faceted droplets of crystal. Of course, with a combination of white and gilded colors.

Ceiling design

One very important point in the design of the interior of the Empire style is the presence of a room with high ceilings. If the apartment is small, then it will not be advisable to use such an interior, as the decoration will not be able to reflect this style completely. The highlight of this trend is the royal decoration, grandeur, so the room should not be small.

1. The ceiling can be domed or rectangular, but a large area.
2. The main color of the ceiling is white, with gilded or beige patterns.
3. Antique paintings on the surface symbolizing the historical events of the corresponding era. In our time it may just be an intricate ornament.
4. Decorations with stucco or medallions, frescoes, various historical inscriptions.
5. Volumetric chandeliers with antique candlesticks with the presence of decorative elements made of crystal.

It should be noted that several chandeliers on pendants are placed on the ceiling, while the largest is necessarily located in the middle of the ceiling, forming the center of the room.

Royal floor in a modern design

For laying the floor in modern times, high-quality parquet is used, marble tiles with various patterns and mosaics. Most often it is laid parquet made of precious wood, stronger and more attractive in appearance. To create shades and patterns on the floor, parquet boards of different colors are used, and symmetry must be present. As a rule, the pattern starts from the center of the floor and reaches the corners of the room. Sleeping rooms and living rooms on the floors are covered with handmade carpets, always with the presence of an ornament or pattern. Blue, dark red, and beige carpets are most commonly used. White coatings with golden ornament are used a little less often, but such options are suitable for a solemn atmosphere, and everyday life requires a more practical design. The marble tile looks pretty beautifully and exquisitely, fascinating with its brilliance with a variety of patterns. It is used for ceremonial halls, banquet rooms, wedding palaces and other similar rooms. For a private house to create an Empire style, warm wooden parquet is more suitable.

Furniture

In terms of the choice of furniture, there are several fashion trends introduced into the Empire style design from different countries of Greece and Rome. On the one hand, the furniture has ceremonial strict outlines, massive forms and details, on the other hand it is decorated with stucco, floral ornaments and other drawings. At the same time, Empire style furniture sets have main common elements:

1. All furniture, its elements are made of massive valuable wood species. As upholstery using only expensive natural materials.
2. The body of the furniture is decorated with stucco, various shapes, floral ornaments with the addition of gold and bronze.
3. To create an interior in the whole house, furniture is made from only one type of wood so that it does not differ in appearance.
4. The absence of small forms, as well as details. All furniture is massive and majestic appearance. Chairs are always with high backs.
5. The strict style is combined with a floral ornament, artistic performance, decorated with carvings.

Attention! The choice of furniture should be based on the emphasis on luxurious festive decorations. Massive forms, polished surfaces, carving and upholstery of expensive fabrics are a prerequisite for creating a royal style in the interior.

In this aspect of design, the combination of different artistic trends brought from different countries is especially visible.

Exquisite decoration

The decor is the final stage of the interior of the Empire style, but at the same time creates a unique atmosphere of the spirit of celebration, royal sophistication, as well as luxury. Among the main bright elements of the decoration are the following:

1. Epochal paintings on the walls with expensive framing;
2. Exquisite china in cabinets behind glass doors;
3. Massive mirrors in gold or bronze frames;
4. Bronze or wooden watches with gold-plated inserts;
5. Antique bronze candlesticks, boxes with gilding, chests with ornaments;
6. Items of military paraphernalia - swords, swords, shields, armor and antique weapons.

All together, decorative elements should convey the spirit of historical events that occurred during the reign of Napoleon.

Nowadays, the interior style of the Empire style has been substantially complemented, as well as modified, has become more modern and sophisticated. Of course, time does not stand still, new materials, a variety of decorations and finishing materials appear. Modern designers add their own flavor when developing projects. Today, in the interior of the royal pomp can even see the skins of dead animals, instead of carpets. However, the essence of this direction has remained the same - the use of natural expensive materials to create imperial sophistication and strict military celebration. The color scheme, the volume of ornaments on the floor and ceiling, military elements, large mirrors are also an integral part of the Napoleonic style. For those who wish to create such an interior at home, it is worth considering everything to the smallest detail. And it is better to consult with good designers who can recreate the era of ceremonial triumph in your home, combining it with royal refinement.