I continue to observe the beautiful home interiors I have come across recently for readers of this blog. I will concentrate on colonial styles in the interior design decorating now and will give you simple and practical advices on how to make your interior beautiful with a help of various styles that are readily available nowadays.

The colonial way to organize your home interior has nothing to do with conquering your neighbor’s property. It is simply a fusion of two traditions in design decoration- the Eastern one and the Western one. Fancy styling of the Eastern tradition with its sensual curves, exotic shapes and garish colors is mixed with Western practicality and minimalism. The blend can be euphoric.

Materials used in decorating

Great Queen Victoria started this trend for bringing exotic materials from the colonies of British Empire and since then respectable homes started to get filled up with bamboos, rattan, raffia and otherwise exotic pieces of wood that introduced special feel and intricacy to British middle and upper classes. The rest is history. Colonial materials when applied properly can create really beautiful home interiors.

Variety of styles

Depending on your mood and inclination you can decorate your interior with the ocean theme, the forest theme or animal-oriented theme. All of those are essential for the colonial style.

The use of furniture

The furniture of colonial style is rather cumbersome and overwhelming. It may be played nicely against otherwise minimalistic design. Necessary prerequisite of this style is decorating of the furniture, which has partly influenced art nouveau style.

Textile colors

The furniture is of darker shades, so you want to put on textiles of fresher colors.

Use rugs in decorating

You can see the rugs of colonial style almost everywhere. Their distinct mark is the large animal, like tiger or lion being the main subject of the ornament. When applied with taste, carpets with colonial ornament can add a certain feel to your decorating.

Colonial plants

In my opinion, plants are necessary items if you want beautiful home interiors to live in. And healthy, too.

Ceramics and other objects as an element of decoration

Ceramic vases, various ethnic masks, reminiscences of enigmatic rituals can be richly used on the walls and on the furniture. The Indian sculptures of multi-handed gods are highly popular elements even in low rent apartments and can help creating a beautiful home interiors.

The Essential Things to Include When Designing Your Room

When designing your room, there are several things you should include, to ensure your home interiors project is as beautiful and functional as possible. We spoke with Nabil Karim Kassar, owner of Interiors Consulting Group in Toronto, about what materials you should use to outfit your kitchen or bathroom, and how you can make your space work for you.

Walls

You’ve got a blank canvas — a room with no interior design ideas can still look fantastic with the right choice of paint and wallpaper. Similarly, if you’re going for a classic look, but with more modern paint and wallpaper choices, the contrast ensures it will pop.

As for the materials you should use for walls, concrete is always a great choice. Not only does it look fantastic when finished, but it offers excellent insulation and a durable surface that’s easy to clean. For those seeking an ultra-modern look, marble is a great option — it has that raw, industrial appeal that makes everything else in the room seem more polished and put-together. If you want a more traditional look, but with a touch of luxury, faux concrete is a fantastic choice. There’s a wide array of hues you can choose from, allowing you to create a look that’s uniquely yours.

Flooring

The floor is an important part of any room — it anchors everything else in place and provides a sense of continuity from room to room within your property. It can be tricky to find one that’s both stylish and functional, but it’s worth it for your home interiors. Again, you have a blank canvas to work with — you can find almost anything you want in terms of style, but it comes down to what’s functional for you.

If you’re seeking a chic yet functional floor, look no further than ceramic tile — there’s a reason it’s been popular for thousands of years and is still the classic choice today. Ceramic tile is easy to clean and maintain, and it offers an elegant look that draws the eye upwards. It can be purchased in various textures and patterns to create a look that’s uniquely you.

Laminate flooring is also a fantastic option, especially if you’re seeking a timeless look that can be used in nearly any room within your house. It’s durable and easy to clean, which makes it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms alike. It’s also available in a large array of colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find something that suits your individual taste.

Furniture

Furniture is a crucial part of any room — it can either enhance or detract from the look and feel of your entire space. If you love a particular piece of furniture or appliance, but lack the room for it, consider an enclosed porch or veranda to store it in. This area can be used both inside the home and outside in warmer months — so it provides a double-duty solution that saves you both room and energy.

When it comes to the larger items, such as sofas, chairs, and dining tables, consider the look you wish to achieve and the size of your room. If you have a small space, but you want to create a chic and luxurious look, look for pieces that incorporate a high-end fabric like silk or even corduroy to provide a luxurious look without taking up too much room. You can also use this option to furnish your outdoor space, as well as your indoor eating areas — providing further savings in terms of both space and energy.

Lighting

Lighting is essential in any room — without it, it feels like the dark ages return. During the day, lighting will determine how the room feels and whether you feel comfortable or intimidated when utilizing certain areas of the space. So ensuring you have ample lighting — both natural and artificial — is key to making the most of your room’s design.

If you have an abundance of sunshine, you can replicate the effect with simple wall fixtures and uplights overhead, providing you with a bright, cheery room that draws the eye upwards. Add in the perfect piece of artwork or patterned wallpaper, and you’ve got a room that feels both elegant and luxurious.

If you’d rather create a more intimate atmosphere, consider downlighting — artificial light that’s directed at eye level, from below. These lights can be set at a higher intensity than traditional ceiling lights, so they draw the eye towards the area rather than away from it.

Accessories

Accesories are a fantastic way to enhance a room’s look — they can range from a beautiful plant to a stunning vase filled with roses. When choosing your accessories, consider what material they are made of, the color, shape, and size to create an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.

When furnishing your space, including accessories will not only give it that extra touch of luxury, but it will provide you with a beautiful focal point. It’s never easy choosing accessories, but if you feel inspired, the process will be worth it.

Read also: How To Start Decorating A House When You Feel Overwhelmed?