European Exotic in a Typical Living Room: A Professional Idea

The interior in the colonial style is pure eclecticism. It's important to maintain balance to avoid falling into kitsch. We try to find this fine line using the designer's advice, and head off for inspiration to the Hoff furniture hypermarket.

Anna Baraldi — Expert Designer, Decorator, and founder of the children's textile line Baraldi Kids

Basics of the Style

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

The conquerors brought not only new languages and laws for the aborigines, but also familiar ways of life 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 presence of well-tested classicism.

It's important to emphasize the overseas color in a colonial interior. 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 — the color of the sea, beige — sand, emerald — tropical forest.

Its combination with minimalist lines and materials, such as white plastic or glossy surfaces made of MDF, 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 the new lands, but their journey lasted so long that they grew homesick for Europe.

They missed sitting in comfortable armchairs by the fireplace, strict proportions, and familiar forms. That's why colonial style always includes items of antiquity.

The blend of European classicism and exoticism is also seen in materials. Usually, rattan, rubber, or teak wood, ceramics, bronze, or stone are used for finishing. For example, this can be classic furniture in shape made from wood but decorated with ethnic carving.

Today, the colonial style in interior design is a combination of boldness, uniqueness, and eclecticism.

Implementation

Furniture

The centerpiece in a living room interior is the sofa. You can draw attention to it with an active color. In Hoff, for example, there is a rich palette of blue-green tones: from dusty blue to deep emerald.

Furniture pieces that live alongside a vibrant sofa should be, on the contrary, minimalist. This can be a table or buffet. Preference should be given to simple geometric forms without excesses. Such furniture must ensure comfort and ergonomics.

Furniture accessories are best 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 "Delait", 29,999 rubles, Hoff

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

Console table Linate, 8,399 rubles, Hoff

Chest "Oriental", 6,499 rubles, Hoff

Mirror in frame M801, 699 rubles, Hoff

Armchair "Ludwig", 9,999 rubles, Hoff

Rugs

A 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. It can be a simple meander or an aged design like from Marrakech.

Rug "Erin", 5,199 rubles, Hoff

Rug Inko, 5,999 rubles, Hoff

Rug Eko, 1,999 rubles, Hoff

Lighting

Lighting fixtures can also have simple forms but reflect all the splendor of colonial riches. This can be a minimalist shade, but with idols on a decorated base, or a chandelier made of glass geometric pendants with a bronze finish.

Special attention in the colonial interior was always given to candles. Today, it's easy to find a chandelier or wall sconce 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, it's definitely worth playing, but carefully. The key is not to overdo it. Complex shades of blue and green — cobalt blue, emerald, turquoise, malachite — will balance the palette of milky, gray, and beige tones. In addition to ethnic ornaments, use fabrics with animal hide patterns.

For wall decoration, it's appropriate to use reproductions of paintings with images of exotic vegetation and animals. These can also be found in Hoff. Pay special attention to framing. It should be minimalist but eye-catching, for example, a frame with a 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 "Noble 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 "Orient", 599 rubles, Hoff

Vegetation

The first colonists brought not only tomatoes, potatoes, and tobacco from their journeys home. Exotic decorative plants also thrived in the interior, reminding of humid tropical forests. If the microclimate of the apartment allows growing palms, vines, and other lush greenery, they will harmoniously complement the colonial interior.

As an alternative, large cacti and succulents can be used. They are less demanding but no less effective. Planters should be chosen accordingly: woven with rattan or painted 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 saturated blue. 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 mirror door.

The ethnic atmosphere of the interior is provided by an aged rug with a Marrakech-style pattern, an eastern chest, a round mirror in the shape of the sun, decorative eastern pillows, and a panel with an elephant.

The interior is supplemented by a painting of exotic flowers on a gold background with patina, eastern vases, and silk curtains.

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