European Exotic in a Typical Living Room: Professional Idea

The interior in the colonial style is pure eclecticism. And it's important to maintain balance so as not to fall into kitsch. We try to find that fine line using the designer's advice, and head off to inspiration at the Hoff furniture hypermarket.

Anna Baraldi is a design expert, decorator, and founder of the children's textile line Baraldi Kids

Basics of the Style

The colonial style emerged in medieval Europe, when the four great powers ruled the world: England, Spain, Portugal and America, and their colonies were present on every continent.

The conquerors brought not only new languages and laws for the aborigines, but also familiar lifestyles and interiors that gradually adapted to tropical conditions. That's why the colonial style is so eclectic and traditional: it loves ethnicity and exoticism, but only in the context of well-tested classicism.

In a colonial interior, it's important to emphasize the exotic color scheme. Its foundation is a special love for nature and unique creativity. This is confirmed by a rich color palette and an abundance of various ornaments. Each shade means something: turquoise is the color of the sea, beige is sand, emerald is a tropical forest.

Its combination with minimalist lines and materials, such as white plastic or glossy surfaces from HDF, makes such an interior modern.

When creating such interiors, it's important not to get carried away with exoticism. The first colonists were amazed by what they saw on new lands, but their journey lasted so long that they began to miss the old Europe.

They missed cozy armchairs by the fireplace, strict proportions, and familiar forms to the eye. That's why in the colonial style, it's essential to have items of antiquity.

The blend of European classicism and exoticism is also evident in materials. The finishing usually uses rattan, rubber or teak wood, as well as ceramics, bronze or stone. For example, it can be classical furniture in form made of wood but decorated with ethnic carving.

Today, the colonial style in interiors is a combination of boldness, individuality and eclecticism.

Implementation

Furniture

The central element in the living room is the sofa. You can draw attention to it with a vibrant color. For example, at Hoff there is a rich palette of blue-green shades: from dusty blue to deep emerald.

Furniture pieces that live next to a vibrant sofa should be minimalist instead. This can be a table or buffet. Preference should be given to simple geometric forms without extravagance. Such furniture should ensure comfort and ergonomics.

Furniture accessories are better chosen with an ethnic undertone. An Eastern chest, a round mirror in the shape of the sun, and other trophy items from distant travels will subtly create the right atmosphere.

Corner sofa-bed "Doit", 29,999 rubles, Hoff

Sofa-bed "Siesta", 33,999 rubles, Hoff

Console Table Linate, 8,399 rubles, Hoff

Chest "Eastern", 6,499 rubles, Hoff

Mirror in Frame M801, 699 rubles, Hoff

Armchair "Ludwig", 9,999 rubles, Hoff

Rug

The rug is another way to add colonial color to the interior. Usually, rugs and woven sheepskin mats were used for this. The rug doesn't have to be bright. What matters is the pattern. This can be a simple meander or an aged design like Marrakech.

Rug "Erin", 5,199 rubles, Hoff

Rug Inko, 5,999 rubles, Hoff

Rug Eko, 1,999 rubles, Hoff

Lighting

Light fixtures can also have simple shapes but reflect all the shine of colonial wealth. This can be a minimalist shade, but with pagan figurines on the stand, or a chandelier made of glass geometric pendants with bronze tones.

Candles always had a special place in the colonial interior. Today, it's easy to find a chandelier or wall lamp that imitates such lighting.

Table Lamp Emma, 999 rubles, Hoff

Standing Lamp Maja, 11,999 rubles, Hoff

Table Lamp Selection, 12,599 rubles, Hoff

Decorative Figure "Elephant", 499 rubles, Hoff

Artificial Plant "Hydrangea", 899 rubles, Hoff

Vase HZ1908180, 899 rubles, Hoff

Textiles and Decor

With textiles, you should definitely play, but carefully. The main thing is not to overdo it. Complex shades of blue and green — cobalt blue, emerald, turquoise, malachite — will balance the palette of milky, gray, beige colors. In addition to ethnic ornaments, use fabrics with animal skin patterns.

For wall decor, it's appropriate to use reproductions of paintings depicting exotic vegetation and animals. You can also find these in Hoff. Pay special attention to the framing. It should be minimalist but eye-catching, for example, a frame with gold patina. Don't be afraid to combine ethnic motifs in decor with simple modern forms.

Reproduction "In Bloom" in Frame, 5,999 rubles, Hoff

Reproduction "Magnificent Elephant" in Frame, 3,999 rubles, Hoff

Painting in Frame, Series 3D, 4,999 rubles, Hoff

Decorative Pillow Vimperg, 1,299 rubles, Hoff

Decorative Pillow, 1,399 rubles, Hoff

Decorative Pillow "East", 599 rubles, Hoff

Plant Life

The first colonists brought not only tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco from their travels back to the homeland. Exotic decorative plants also took root in interiors, reminding of humid tropical forests. If the microclimate in your apartment allows growing palms, vines and other lush greenery, they will harmoniously complement the colonial interior.

As an alternative, you can use large cacti and succulents. They are less demanding but no less impressive. Planters should be chosen accordingly: woven with rattan or decorated with ethnic patterns.

Set of Artificial Plants "Succulent", 799 rubles, Hoff

Vase KL1625, 2,999 rubles, Hoff

Artificial Plant "Fern in Pot", 399 rubles, Hoff

Creating a Mood Board from Hoff Products

As an interior accent, we take a corner sofa in a saturated blue color. A natural complement to it will be an ensemble of a beige armchair with a high back, a minimalist console table with a niche and a spacious white cabinet with a mirrored door.

For the ethnic atmosphere of the interior, an aged rug with a pattern like Marrakech, an Eastern chest, a round mirror in the shape of the sun, decorative eastern pillows, and a panel with an elephant.

Complete the interior with a painting depicting exotic flowers on a golden background with patina, Eastern vases, and silk curtains.

And don't forget about lighting — in our case, minimalist glass pendants in gray, beige, and cobalt blue tones.