Solid wood trunks and cases, panelled joinery finishes for walls, occasional chairs in rattan or simple four poster beds: Colonial style revival gets more and more attention. Focusing upon handmade pieces of furniture and original artworks, fusing Eastern designs, the Botanical trend and all times European classics, the Colonial style brings into your home design what today’s times are missing: tranquillity, relaxation, piece of mind, quality and uniqueness.
The style is synonym with exotic flavours but also with adventurous travels. Back in the 19th century, when the European Empires spanned the globe, the romance of exotic travel was an exciting reality. Those who established trading posts and tea and coffee plantations in far places like India, the Caribbean, Africa and the Far East, brought back with them traditional styles that were successfully translated and adapted locally. The merging of these varied styles created a look that is still emulated today and evokes an era of elegance with emphasis upon relaxation and comfort.
If you’re looking for designing or redesigning your interior, then Bello Horizonte is your source for Colonial style, in which they have been specialising since more than 15 years, carefully selecting themselves the pieces of furniture and decoration, directly from their original sources.
Admired for its simple lines and rich, subdued colours, the Colonial style has one unifying thread: the look for handcrafting in every element. Whether formal or rustic, the style mixes the European Classic shapes and details with the rich in details and original in expression Far East vibes. Neoclassical style and simpler versions of Baroque and Rococo, alongside elegant Greco Roman influences, meet the rattan and bamboo details, the elegance of Asian shutters and the rich, exotic textile, creating an atmosphere that invites to relaxation. Here are some of the main elements one might find at Bello Horizonte and combine for an authentic Colonial style interior design.
Rattan and Teak Furniture
The soft tonal variation of light rattan and the neutral warm brown of local teak furniture is a classic combination which gives the plantation style chair its unique appeal. Also, the soft white shades of rattan are also in vogue, especially if combined with the Provençal touch of white vintage patina, like this beautiful table top below.
Dark Shades and Soft Whites
The beige and sucré whites from plastered walls and textiles, combined with dark timber beams or even panelling, and flowing drapes partnered with rich dark brown shutters or furniture create the great tonal variation so specific to the Colonial atmosphere.
Exotic Accents
Textiles printed with luxuriant patterns depicting local scenes, flora and fauna have enjoyed a renaissance recently with the botanical trend taking hold. Animal prints too are in vogue and just small elements help to evoke this look. As for the decoration objects, you can go for mural patterns, statues, rugs, accent cushions or original use of materials, like the rattan lamp base below.
Comfortable Seating and Day Beds
Oversized comfortable sofas and large chairs perfectly complement the Colonial look. Day beds with plenty of cushions are also popular and they are, as well, a great place to while away the afternoon. You don’t really have a classic Colonial style scheme without one of these. Needless to say that, besides furniture and decoration, your Colonial home does need plants, everywhere, in any size, but especially large, if you find the space.
For more information on the Colonial style, visit Bello Horizonte website: http://www.bellohorizonte.es/