Bungalow style in the interior: tropical relaxation without leaving home
The bungalow style in the interior is a colonial interior style that evokes associations with holidays in hot southern countries. The style of the bungalow in the interior is inspired by the traditional one-story houses of the inhabitants of India, which impressed the British colonialists so much that they transported it to Europe and America. It resembles a tropical one and is great for those who are going to make a place of relaxation and serene rest from their own home.
The style of a bungalow in the interior today is not quite a style, but rather a direction with many branches. Colonial, Indian, chalet and others – all this is a bungalow style. At the same time, it is absolutely recognizable due to the common features and laws by which space is formed.
The main characteristics and features of the bungalow style
The style of a bungalow in the interior can be recreated not only in a private house, but even in a city apartment. It is democratic, variable and simple in execution. The main thing is that the owners and guests feel comfortable and spacious enough. However, when decorating a house, you need to understand that the style of a bungalow in the interior has its own rules and laws:
Architecture. The center of the house is the living room, which is located almost outside the front door. Tambour, hall, corridor, justified in more “northern” styles, are absent. The rest of the space is built around the living room – it is “framed” by small bedrooms and utility rooms. If the house is private, then there is a comfortable large veranda in front of the entrance. In the apartment, its role can be assigned to the balcony. The bungalow is never double storey and has no stairs. Therefore, for apartments and houses on several levels, it is worth choosing some other interior direction.
Forms. All interior details are characterized by simplicity – light constructions, traditional forms and minimalism, thanks to which even a small dwelling seems spacious. Complex geometry, an excess of decor, decorations and other excesses – this is not about a bungalow.
Walls, floor, ceiling, windows. The style is ideal for rooms with large windows and low ceilings. If it is far removed from the floor level, it is designed so that it appears lower: beams, multi-tiered suspended structures, and the like.
Materials. The main thing when choosing materials for a bungalow style is their naturalness. A lot of wood, stone, paper, cane and rattan, glass and metal, linen and cotton are used. Very good imitations, indistinguishable from the original, are acceptable.
Color solutions.
The color palette of the bungalow style is all shades of sand and wood, white, chocolate, ocher, green, blue and blue, gray and black. Accents are also placed with the help of natural colors, but more intense.
Ornaments. In general, the style is characterized by monotony. However, the use of floral motifs in the decor is acceptable, embroideries with national colors and tapestries are appropriate.
Furniture. Low and light furniture is compact and made of natural materials: rattan, wood. However, an antique wardrobe or a leather recliner sofa in the middle of the living room will not spoil the impression.
Light. A home in the style of “relaxation” involves a lot of light. Huge windows to the floor, wide doorways, sconces, floor lamps and spots with which several lighting scenarios are possible – all this works to create the illusion of endless space in the room. However, when choosing lighting fixtures, it is necessary to be guided by the general concept of conciseness and lack of pretentiousness.
Textile. As a rule, in bungalow-style interiors, textiles are used sparingly. Small sofa cushions, a carpet or mat and light curtains are acceptable – if for some reason it was decided to abandon the bamboo blinds.
Decor. The abundance of decorative elements is also not welcome. Live plants, ethnic figurines made of metal and ceramics, hand-made, small abstract paintings on the walls are appropriate. The main thing is nothing bulky. The only exception is the fireplace.
Bungalow style history
The bungalow style in the interior came to America and Europe in the 19th century. The British colonialists borrowed it from the wooden houses of the indigenous people of India – in a warm, humid climate, such dwellings were more than appropriate. The style debuted in the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the first architectural designs for a bungalow was created in San Francisco. Since then, the style has gained crazy popularity, which continues to this day.
