Shale Style in Interior Design

However, this term does not appear in urban planning. This is related to the specific characteristics of the structure called «shale»: it refers to a house built in a special way, where the lower floor is made of stone and the upper part is wooden. Thus, residents of rural areas in Switzerland try to protect themselves from landslides and bad weather, which often occurs in the Alps.

History of Shale Style

The word itself is of French origin and literally means «small country cottage». The first such buildings were made by shepherds who grazed their flocks on rich green Alpine meadows for a long time. Initially, modest huts were built, but by the middle of the 18th century, Alpine residents began to create more comfortable dwellings. Later, people engaged in creative work became interested in them. They believed that living in a shale connects them with nature and provides inspiration for new works.

Today, shale represents a comfortable building distinguished from ordinary country houses by its construction style (still stone bottom and wooden top) and additional reinforcements in case of avalanche. These houses are usually built in areas where ski resorts are located.

Shale Style Interiors and FacadesShale Style in Urban Apartments

Initially, it seemed impossible to implement this style in urban apartments. However, time has shown that it is not so. It is enough to follow some requirements for the living space to resemble a quiet rural cottage in the Alps.

One of the main points is the predominance of natural materials (they can be replaced with high-quality imitation). These include light, coarsely processed wood species (which can be artificially aged), copper, and stone items. Walls are panelled or made from timber, but can also be decorated with beige textured plaster. The ceiling with protruding beams should be wooden, and the floor (unpainted and treated with stain or varnish) should also be. In this case, ceramic tiles that imitate natural stone can be used. If the ceiling height is less than 2.5 meters, beams should be omitted. Furniture should be solid, chairs and sofas should be upholstered in natural fabrics or leather. A correctly executed interior in the shale style evokes tranquility and serenity, which applies to every room regardless of its functional purpose.

Shale Style Room Interiors

The main idea of Alpine design is the combination and mutual complementation of stone and wood. Tones also play an important role – they should be identical to dark wood, terracotta, amber, ochre, and beige and cream tones are welcome. For accents, burgundy or chocolate colors are used.

Living Room: Shale Style Interiors

This is the largest room in the house, with high ceilings and window openings that span entire walls. In the living room, the main place should be given to a large rough sofa, on which pillows and a large plaid in a checkered pattern (preferably one that looks like an animal hide). When describing the interior of a house in the shale style, it is impossible not to mention the fireplace, which is essential in the living room. This structure serves as the central element in the room, creating a cozy atmosphere. Since it is impossible to install a real fireplace in an urban apartment, it must be replaced with an artificial electric or gas model, finished with material imitating natural stone. Place real large candles on the structure to enhance the interior. The living room decor can be roughly divided into two directions:

• masculine: implies filling the setting with hunting romanticism, adorned with trophies – deer antlers, bear hide, forged items;
  
• feminine: appropriate old photos, paintings, wreaths of herbs and embroidery.
  

Another interesting element of the shale style interior is a log with visible annual rings. It can be well decorated or replaced with an artificial analog. This item serves as a small coffee table or chair.

Shale Style Bedroom

Romanticism and comfort without extravagance – these are the main features of a bedroom in the shale style. The main direction is to preserve the integrity of the finish with natural materials or their quality imitations (this is clearly visible in the photos). It is also acceptable to complement the shale style interior with items made of glass or ceramics. What else should one pay attention to when designing a bedroom?

• Color scheme. It is recommended to choose natural neutral tones – light and warm. Natural materials well emphasize chestnut and beige tones.
  
• Walls. The best option is to use wooden panels with carving (decorative plaster can also be used). Choose a terracotta or cream color.
  
• Textiles. Natural fabrics in pastel tones are used for curtains, and bedding and rugs should be in the same color. It is possible to add some flair to the design: decorate the entire room in a beige tone, and buy pillows and blankets in purple or burgundy color.
  
• Furniture. The bed should be wooden and slightly rough. Chairs and rocking chairs should be made of wicker (willow), and as a contrast, place a table with a glass top nearby. The concluding element is a bear hide laid on the floor.
  

Shale Style Kitchen and Dining Room

In these rooms with an Alpine interior, everything is filled with patriarchal tranquility and warmth. Simple and even ascetic decor invites relaxation. Colors are chosen naturally brown, gray, or beige. Accentuating a specific object can be done using bright red, green, or saturated blue color.

Floors – wooden or tiles imitating stone. Walls are preferably partially made of wooden panels, and the «apron» should be laid with tiles. Kitchen furniture has its own requirements:

• work surfaces and kitchen cabinet (at least the doors) should all be made of natural wood;
  
• chairs should be wicker with textile (or patterned with flowers) or leather upholstery;
  
• a table (preferably made of oak) should be placed in the center of the dining room;
  
• hang hunting «trophies» on the walls: horns and animal skins;
  
• presence of cast iron or copper kitchenware.
  

Special attention – to household appliances. The shale style does not allow visible presence of these devices. Therefore, microwaves and other relatively large appliances should be hidden behind cabinet doors. If camouflage does not work, then appliances with a stainless steel front panel and no indicators should be used. The exhaust hood can be decorated with brick.

How to Finish a Shale Style Interior

As mentioned earlier, it is undesirable to use artificial materials in Alpine interiors. What natural materials are used for decoration?

• Wood. It is not necessary to stop your choice on expensive species. You can get away with pine or larch, cedar. For ceiling finishing, it is necessary to create beams for special atmosphere. They can be hollow (made of boards with empty spaces inside, like small boxes).
  
• Metal. The main requirement here is authenticity. That is, metal items should not be painted. Also, keep in mind that the most characteristic for shale style are bronze, brass, copper and to a lesser extent cast iron.
  
• Stone. It can be any, but preference should be given to granite and basalt. However, using natural material is quite expensive, so many prefer to buy artificial stone. For floor covering, ceramic granite can be used, and the kitchen can be partially finished with red brick.
  

If artificial materials are used, it is better to finish the walls with MDF panels (choose moisture-resistant products) imitating stone. The «apron» on the kitchen can be decorated with glass mosaic, smalt or ceramic tiles.

Lighting

The shale style implies proximity to nature. High windows that span entire walls provide quality penetration of sunlight into the house. In this case, small ceiling lights can be used. If the windows do not let in enough sunlight, then large chandeliers should be used, one in each room. The light should not be too bright or scattered (this must be taken into account when selecting lamps). Also, keep in mind the style: devices that stand out from the overall background will disrupt the composition. Designers recommend using chandeliers that resemble candelabras in configuration, and use candles as light sources. In addition to chandeliers, install additional lighting devices. In the bedroom, these can be copper or brass sconces near the headboard, in the study – a small table lamp, and on the kitchen – forged light fixtures.

Shale Style Country HouseStylish Country House in Kazimierz

Building your own «Swiss» country house requires following specific architectural forms. One of the main distinctive features is the roof. It should be substantial, with two slopes, a large angle of incline (so that precipitation slides off «automatically») and projecting at least 0.5 meters beyond the gable. That is, the roof acts as an «umbrella», protecting the walls and foundation of the house from bad weather. For roofing material, use corrugated metal – a quality coating in the form of wooden tiles made from larch or oak.

The second characteristic feature is windows. There should be many of them: the size of each exceeds normal dimensions. The best option is to order panoramic windows. Another important feature is a spacious balcony and similarly sized (they can be multiple) terrace. If the terrain where the shale-style house is planned to be built is uneven, this will only help – Alpine structures are often built in a «step-like» manner. Inside, the shale style in a country house is exactly the same as described above.

Landscaping Around Shale Style House

When working on a landscape design project in the shale style, try to leave natural natural objects without serious changes, so as not to disrupt the naturalness of the environment.

Natural Features

There is no garden in the usual understanding of this word. The main area on the plot is occupied by compositions made from stones: hills, slopes. Tall deciduous trees are undesirable: small (dwarf) conifers look better. Suitable shrubs include:

• Japanese quince;
  
• barberry;
  
• gooseberry.
  

If you like vertical greening, then you can use virgin's bower and climbing plants. Too bright plants are not welcome; preference is given to low-maintenance plants:

• Alpine asters;
  
• flox;
  
• stonecrop;
  
• edelweiss and others.
  

Find a place for a pavilion, which should be wooden. Inside, place simple furniture, and if possible, a fireplace or barbecue made from natural stone. Resting in an area decorated in the shale style will provide unforgettable feelings of freedom and lightness. Fresh air and the exterior of the house ensure relaxation and recharge with natural energy for the future.

Shale Style House Interiors: Living Rooms, Kitchens, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.