How to Create an American Interior in an Apartment: 5 Rules

We explain the components of an American interior: our expert believes you should remember the main five.

Olga Vasileva Expert Art Director of ARCA Design Studio

Use shades of gray, white, beige, cream. An American interior is often built on the basis of several similar, complementary tones. There are few color accents, usually deep colors are used.

Walls and furniture upholstery are usually monochromatic. If there is a pattern in the interior, it is most often geometry, stripes, or nature and animal motifs that came from English homes.

American interiors are characterized by symmetry and regular shapes. Furniture is simple in design, closer to modern but with details such as moldings, panels, carved windows, and elements from Art Deco.

Built-in furniture is a must-have element in American homes. Wood is usually painted with enamel in wall color.

Metallic details: furniture handles, forged railings, metal console and table legs, nailheads on furniture finishing, carved metal bases for table lamps — typical for American interiors, also a reference to Art Deco.

Classic elements in wall and floor finishing are essential for American interiors. To give space volume, moldings, high baseboards, and curtains are used. Sometimes walls are smooth but ceilings are complex, for example, with coffered ceilings. Wallpaper is always paper. Floors are usually wood, sometimes stone.

There are few details in American interiors, but they draw attention and 'tie together' the interior. Accent elements: a round mirror with 'rays' above the bed, a painting above the fireplace or several beautiful items on the fireplace shelf.

A fireplace or its imitation is one of those elements that will help maintain the style and make your home cozy. As is known, you can look at a live fire indefinitely, especially if there are soft armchairs or a comfortable sofa nearby.

On the cover: Studio ARCA Design interior.