For chocolate, you should thank the inhabitants of South America. They made a cold drink from cocoa beans, which they called "bitter water." In the Aztec language, the name sounded more succinctly "chocoatl" or "chocolatl". We still use an adapted version of this word: its meaning has remained unchanged. Grated cocoa beans were mixed with water with the addition of chili peppers and aromatic herbs. The drink was poured numerously from one vessel to another, so that it acquired a characteristic foam, which was considered the most valuable in it. As for the taste, chocoatl did not much resemble modern chocolates. They drank bitter water during the rituals. Shamans with her help tried to achieve a state of trance. Generously treated to chocoatl and the future victim - the central character of the bloody rite. For Europe, chocolate was the first to be discovered by Christopher Columbus, the one who mixed South America with India.Together with potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco leaves, he brought on the ship and cocoa beans. However, the overseas seeds of the unlucky traveler were not interested in anyone at the court, and the discovery of chocolate in the Old World was postponed for almost a hundred years.
The second "defendant" in the case of cocoa beans was the Spaniard Hernan Cortes. He massacred the Aztecs and turned their civilization into ruins. The conqueror first of all took the gold from the locals, when it ended, he began to be interested in less brilliant wealth. The Aztecs did not have money, but there was an analogue of them - cocoa beans. The Spanish hidalgo tasted the fine lines of the chocoatl's taste and appreciated its invigorating effect. Seeds of cocoa trees were again exported to Europe. Cortes was a merchant at heart, so he presented his goods at the court of the Spanish monarch in the best traditions of "selling" advertising. Chocolate was an unprecedented success. Cortes once again enriched himself. They began to drink the drink in all the cereal establishments where the high society gathered. Chocoatl was not accessible to mere mortals because of the frantic cost of raw materials: for one hundred grains one slave was given.
Then the drink recipe was obtained by the monks, who improved and brought it closer to the version of chocolate that is now drunk in coffee houses. Pepper was removed from the composition, it was replaced with honey and added nuts, vanilla, cinnamon. And so that the potpourri mixed better, the drink began to be warmed up. Hot chocolate turned out to be tastier at times. The recipe from Spain migrated to Austria, France, Italy. England was the last to submit. Since the 1620s, the sea trade "Octopus" - the West India Company has established the transportation and sale of "counterfeit" cocoa beans from South America and the product has become available to everyone. Then the hydraulic press was invented, the first “machine” for the mass production of bar chocolate, which was sold for an amount equivalent to the cost of 500 kg of gold. Afterwards, treats began to be made in every country.That's how chocolate captured the hearts of the sweet tooth around the world.
Interestingly, the raw cocoa tree seeds have a very unsightly grayish tint, which is completely unlike the luxurious tones of the delicacy prepared from it. Chocolate is considered a more noble, deep shade of brown. Although sweetness can have a lot of tones, the name more often means the classic color of a black (grade) tile without milk. The hue became fashionable in the last century, it began to be used first in clothes, and then in interior design of houses and city apartments. Modern styles picked up the idea and began to beat the tone in various combinations. The chocolate color in the interior is ideal for decoration, both accent areas and background. Its luxurious rich shades are distinguished by discreet depth and natural elegance, which was inherent in the “chocoatl”. Let's talk in more detail about the features of this color and the options for its use in the interior of the house.
Characterization of color and its psychological perception
Everyone knows the expression "life in chocolate", that is, to be fully provided in every way, to find your personal happiness. No one would have thought half a century ago that this phraseology would be interpreted literally: to live in a "sweet" interior. Why do many people choose this color to decorate their apartments? It turns out that chocolate, like many shades of brown, has a special “magic”, a magnetic attraction that captivates and hypnotizes a person. In the decoration and decoration of the room, which is decorated in "sweet" motives, it’s easy to relax, tune in a positive mood, have a calm, frank conversation, and throw off the accumulated burden of everyday problems. Chocolate color is more likely to be calming, neutral shades.He is preferred by conservatives in the soul who do not need bright, catchy innovations and outrageous. These people are confident in their abilities and know their worth. They don’t need to rush into fashion in order to keep up with the times, or rush into the pool with their heads in order to achieve what they want. Chocolate is the color of successful people; we can say that this is a “shade of status. However, you should not think that the tone is suitable only for the interiors of apartments where people of age live. Together with mischievous shades (orange, pink, mint, lime, turquoise), chocolate will open on the other hand, as a trendy and active color. It is as if it will throw off the pretense of importance and transfer from elegance to moderate levity. This is the main feature of the chocolate color: its role in the interior depends on the overall stylistic picture and the tone palette of the decor, this shade is universal and a chameleon.
Main advantages and disadvantages
Like any other shade, chocolate has its pros and cons when used in the interior. The main advantages of color include:
The ability to "not bother." If the interior is moderately “saturated” with sweetness, then for many years it will retain freshness. Fashion will change, time will run, and the situation will remain relevant.
Age-related versatility. Chocolate is chosen by both the younger generation and the elderly.
Pleasant associations with desserts and a “sweet” life. Chocolate walls, curtains or a sofa, of course, will not provoke the production of the “happiest” hormone (serotonin), like the dainty tiles do, but subconscious parallels with it will be drawn.
Dominance in any combination.
Among the few flaws in color can be noted:
Not suitable for losing weight. It will sound strange, but subconscious associations with desserts can play a wicked thing with those who are on diets.Food restrictions are usually associated with irritability, and the chocolate room will unobtrusively stimulate appetite, and at the same time aggression.
In small rooms color prevalence is unacceptable. He will make the room even smaller. With proper use, the shades of chocolate are free from flaws.
What to combine with
As mentioned above, chocolate is classified as universal flowers, which can be combined with almost any option. He is often confused with brown, the closest spectral relative, but the shades are different. This is especially noticeable in combinations. Traditional brown does not have such a rich tonal range and depth. The combination of chocolate with white has a light refreshing effect. Any light shades restrain the dominant colors and allow you to find balance in the palette. Against the background of white wallpaper, the turquoise-chocolate “filling” of the room looks great. The “sweet” color with peach, pink, blue, olive, lilac and fresh (mint, turquoise) shades of green harmonizes. Good relations develop in tone with other relatives of brown: sand, nut, chestnut, gold. Beige and chocolate interiors are combined with a snow-white finish. In spacious apartments (more than 25 square meters), various “overflows” of surfaces create a unique cosiness, which is sometimes difficult to achieve because of the large area of the room.
To visually appreciate the merits of color, try resorting to comparisons. The beige-brown interior will look much poorer. Add a fraction of the shade of milk tiles and the colors will sparkle with renewed vigor. The design of the room in white and brown tones will seem boring. It will seem that serious people deprived of imagination live in the apartment. Add to the palette of "sweet" shades and there will be a highlight, a slight mischief. The turquoise-brown interior with a stretch can be attributed to elegant, but not fashionable solutions.But chocolate overflows in combination with a bright "neighbor" will help create a luxurious atmosphere.
Walls, floors, ceilings or furniture?
What parts of the room are preferable to decorate in shades of chocolate? The ceilings are finished in dark colors only in rooms that can boast extra meters. If the room is small, then the only exception may be a light shade of milk chocolate. The walls are covered with paint or wallpaper with “sweet” motifs, but the furniture against such a background should be either pastel or with cool shades (turquoise, blue, blue). The atmosphere will look original in olive, pale yellow and wine colors against the dark chocolate "box" of a spacious room. For cramped rooms, it is important to use light finishes and "mischievous" furniture. Its upholstery can be made of textile with turquoise, orange, pink stripes on a dark chocolate background. The floors in traditional versions are covered with a laminate, linoleum or parquet board in brown, gray, black. To make the coating look more elegant and “richer”, use a rich shade of chocolate with gold splashes. It is best to implement a tonal solution on a smooth, glossy surface of the bulk floor. A spectacular addition in a studio apartment or a combined room will be the design of partitions or other zoning elements with chocolate motifs.
The actual solution for one-room apartments and studios will be interior design within the same palette. In different zones it is beaten differently and a single picture is created, consisting of elements that are not devoid of individuality.
What styles are applied
In modernity, chocolate is considered one of the color "pillars" of the style. It is used in rooms of any type in various variations. An ornate floral ornament that classic loves so much looks impressive against a dark background.Reception is used not only in wallpaper, but also in textile curtains, tablecloths and furniture upholstery. This color allows you to achieve the effect of the same "heavy" luxury, which has become the hallmark of the direction. Loved the shades of chocolate and modern styles. Brickwork or a slate wall made in this color looks great in combination with the rest of the decoration of an industrial loft. Fascinating with its sophistication, Art Nouveau makes extensive use of chocolate wood to create an interior for connoisseurs of beauty. A little less often, color is used in high-tech, as it worked well together with the proprietary “technological” tone - gray. In many authoring design projects for luxury apartments, shades of chocolate are played out. In combination with various surface textures, a unique “truffle box” effect is created, where each element inspires dessert associations and becomes visually “tasty”.
Interior Features
Each room in the house performs specific functions. The color scheme should emphasize the purpose of the room and in no case should it interfere with its main tasks. When decorating different rooms, the “sweet” interior will have its own nuances, which must be taken into account at the design project development stage. Perhaps the main plus of chocolate color is that it is considered natural for some types of wood, so it will not be so difficult to select materials.
Living room
In the living room “mischief” is allowed in shades, a game of color combinations. For example, the reading area can be decorated in dark chocolate tones. What could be better for a relaxing holiday reading a book in a peaceful environment? Chocolate furniture with elements of olive, orange, turquoise decor looks good on a "milky" background. If the walls of the hall are decorated in dark colors, then use sofas, chairs with soft, light upholstery. Plain textile is suitable for creating strict interiors.If you want to add a “cherry” to the cake, then get an element of an unusual shape. For example, it can be a “hollow” chair inside, a set of book shelves and a “wavy” couch between them, a hinged shelf consisting of concentric circles.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, avoid using dark chocolate tones. They can only be decorated with an accent wall at the head of the bed, but it is better to dilute it with an ornament or a small pattern. It can also be repeated on the etched glass of the cabinet facade. The bedroom should have a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. You can create it by applying combinations of different shades of color on soft, silk surfaces. The result is an effect of multilayer depth, causing the desire to "wrap up and drown." It is such an atmosphere that will set you up for relaxation and give you a good sleep.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, it is recommended to resort to the “dessert” color either in furniture or in the decoration of the room. Against the background of gray, beige, white walls, a chocolate set looks very solid. A light set of kitchen furniture will look stylish in combination with a rich "sweet" finish. To add a room of “taste” to the decor, use paintings or collages with photographs of pastries and coffee cups. Motives are relevant for the kitchen and will look organic in its interior. An accent zone can be made of an apron made of tiles of rich chocolate color with gold. The main thing is not to overdo it with a dominant shade, so that there is no feeling of sugaryness.
Bathroom
In typical apartments, bathrooms are usually small. In order to competently beat the color scheme of a room of such an area, you need to carefully "dispense" dark shades. They are recommended to be used only in accents: cabinet facades, shower curtains, rugs or cabinets under the sinks. The tile laid by a mosaic method elegantly looks.Shades of chocolate color are combined on glossy surfaces that effectively “shimmer” in the rays of artificial color. To visually expand the space, use a light finish with dark horizontal stripes.
Hallway
In the hallway, chocolate color is usually used in the facades of cabinets and door sets. A similar solution looks good against the background of a soft “creamy” finish. Corridors are usually long and narrow. To increase their width, add notes of beige on the floor, white on the ceiling and horizontal stripes or chocolate-colored ornament in light wallpaper on the walls. In more spacious hallways, it is permissible to use a contrasting combination of snow-white and dark tones of a "sweet" color. Plinths, door platbands and extras, decoration elements make light. Dark chocolate decorate the smooth surface of the walls.
Conclusion
Chocolate - the main inspirer of color, has a rich history, shrouded in secrets and legends. The difficult path that dessert went through was full of adventure, in the best traditions of the literary genre of the same name. Chocolate has a very specific taste. It is amazing how in fact the bitter ingredient could become the king in the world of confectionery. Perhaps this eccentricity and contrast are reflected in deep tints of color. Be that as it may, the chocolate tone showed that it was timeless; the fickle fashion could not force it out of the interiors of the houses. Designers began to beat him differently, but could not refuse completely. Perhaps this is the magic of chocolate color.
For chocolate, you should thank the inhabitants of South America. They made a cold drink from cocoa beans, which they called "bitter water." In the Aztec language, the name sounded more succinctly "chocoatl" or "chocolatl". We still use an adapted version of this word: its meaning has remained unchanged. Grated cocoa beans were mixed with water with the addition of chili peppers and aromatic herbs. The drink was poured numerously from one vessel to another, so that it acquired a characteristic foam, which was considered the most valuable in it. As for the taste, chocoatl did not much resemble modern chocolates. They drank bitter water during the rituals. Shamans with her help tried to achieve a state of trance. Generously treated to chocoatl and the future victim - the central character of the bloody rite. For Europe, chocolate was the first to be discovered by Christopher Columbus, the one who mixed South America with India.Together with potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco leaves, he brought on the ship and cocoa beans. However, the overseas seeds of the unlucky traveler were not interested in anyone at the court, and the discovery of chocolate in the Old World was postponed for almost a hundred years.
The second "defendant" in the case of cocoa beans was the Spaniard Hernan Cortes. He massacred the Aztecs and turned their civilization into ruins. The conqueror first of all took the gold from the locals, when it ended, he began to be interested in less brilliant wealth. The Aztecs did not have money, but there was an analogue of them - cocoa beans. The Spanish hidalgo tasted the fine lines of the chocoatl's taste and appreciated its invigorating effect. Seeds of cocoa trees were again exported to Europe. Cortes was a merchant at heart, so he presented his goods at the court of the Spanish monarch in the best traditions of "selling" advertising. Chocolate was an unprecedented success. Cortes once again enriched himself. They began to drink the drink in all the cereal establishments where the high society gathered. Chocoatl was not accessible to mere mortals because of the frantic cost of raw materials: for one hundred grains one slave was given.
Then the drink recipe was obtained by the monks, who improved and brought it closer to the version of chocolate that is now drunk in coffee houses. Pepper was removed from the composition, it was replaced with honey and added nuts, vanilla, cinnamon. And so that the potpourri mixed better, the drink began to be warmed up. Hot chocolate turned out to be tastier at times. The recipe from Spain migrated to Austria, France, Italy. England was the last to submit. Since the 1620s, the sea trade "Octopus" - the West India Company has established the transportation and sale of "counterfeit" cocoa beans from South America and the product has become available to everyone. Then the hydraulic press was invented, the first “machine” for the mass production of bar chocolate, which was sold for an amount equivalent to the cost of 500 kg of gold. Afterwards, treats began to be made in every country.That's how chocolate captured the hearts of the sweet tooth around the world.
Interestingly, the raw cocoa tree seeds have a very unsightly grayish tint, which is completely unlike the luxurious tones of the delicacy prepared from it. Chocolate is considered a more noble, deep shade of brown. Although sweetness can have a lot of tones, the name more often means the classic color of a black (grade) tile without milk. The hue became fashionable in the last century, it began to be used first in clothes, and then in interior design of houses and city apartments. Modern styles picked up the idea and began to beat the tone in various combinations. The chocolate color in the interior is ideal for decoration, both accent areas and background. Its luxurious rich shades are distinguished by discreet depth and natural elegance, which was inherent in the “chocoatl”. Let's talk in more detail about the features of this color and the options for its use in the interior of the house.
Content
Characterization of color and its psychological perception
Everyone knows the expression "life in chocolate", that is, to be fully provided in every way, to find your personal happiness. No one would have thought half a century ago that this phraseology would be interpreted literally: to live in a "sweet" interior. Why do many people choose this color to decorate their apartments? It turns out that chocolate, like many shades of brown, has a special “magic”, a magnetic attraction that captivates and hypnotizes a person. In the decoration and decoration of the room, which is decorated in "sweet" motives, it’s easy to relax, tune in a positive mood, have a calm, frank conversation, and throw off the accumulated burden of everyday problems. Chocolate color is more likely to be calming, neutral shades.He is preferred by conservatives in the soul who do not need bright, catchy innovations and outrageous. These people are confident in their abilities and know their worth. They don’t need to rush into fashion in order to keep up with the times, or rush into the pool with their heads in order to achieve what they want. Chocolate is the color of successful people; we can say that this is a “shade of status. However, you should not think that the tone is suitable only for the interiors of apartments where people of age live. Together with mischievous shades (orange, pink, mint, lime, turquoise), chocolate will open on the other hand, as a trendy and active color. It is as if it will throw off the pretense of importance and transfer from elegance to moderate levity. This is the main feature of the chocolate color: its role in the interior depends on the overall stylistic picture and the tone palette of the decor, this shade is universal and a chameleon.
Main advantages and disadvantages
Like any other shade, chocolate has its pros and cons when used in the interior. The main advantages of color include:
Among the few flaws in color can be noted:
With proper use, the shades of chocolate are free from flaws.
What to combine with
As mentioned above, chocolate is classified as universal flowers, which can be combined with almost any option. He is often confused with brown, the closest spectral relative, but the shades are different. This is especially noticeable in combinations. Traditional brown does not have such a rich tonal range and depth. The combination of chocolate with white has a light refreshing effect. Any light shades restrain the dominant colors and allow you to find balance in the palette. Against the background of white wallpaper, the turquoise-chocolate “filling” of the room looks great. The “sweet” color with peach, pink, blue, olive, lilac and fresh (mint, turquoise) shades of green harmonizes. Good relations develop in tone with other relatives of brown: sand, nut, chestnut, gold. Beige and chocolate interiors are combined with a snow-white finish. In spacious apartments (more than 25 square meters), various “overflows” of surfaces create a unique cosiness, which is sometimes difficult to achieve because of the large area of the room.
Walls, floors, ceilings or furniture?
What parts of the room are preferable to decorate in shades of chocolate? The ceilings are finished in dark colors only in rooms that can boast extra meters. If the room is small, then the only exception may be a light shade of milk chocolate. The walls are covered with paint or wallpaper with “sweet” motifs, but the furniture against such a background should be either pastel or with cool shades (turquoise, blue, blue). The atmosphere will look original in olive, pale yellow and wine colors against the dark chocolate "box" of a spacious room. For cramped rooms, it is important to use light finishes and "mischievous" furniture. Its upholstery can be made of textile with turquoise, orange, pink stripes on a dark chocolate background. The floors in traditional versions are covered with a laminate, linoleum or parquet board in brown, gray, black. To make the coating look more elegant and “richer”, use a rich shade of chocolate with gold splashes. It is best to implement a tonal solution on a smooth, glossy surface of the bulk floor. A spectacular addition in a studio apartment or a combined room will be the design of partitions or other zoning elements with chocolate motifs.
What styles are applied
In modernity, chocolate is considered one of the color "pillars" of the style. It is used in rooms of any type in various variations. An ornate floral ornament that classic loves so much looks impressive against a dark background.Reception is used not only in wallpaper, but also in textile curtains, tablecloths and furniture upholstery. This color allows you to achieve the effect of the same "heavy" luxury, which has become the hallmark of the direction. Loved the shades of chocolate and modern styles. Brickwork or a slate wall made in this color looks great in combination with the rest of the decoration of an industrial loft. Fascinating with its sophistication, Art Nouveau makes extensive use of chocolate wood to create an interior for connoisseurs of beauty. A little less often, color is used in high-tech, as it worked well together with the proprietary “technological” tone - gray. In many authoring design projects for luxury apartments, shades of chocolate are played out. In combination with various surface textures, a unique “truffle box” effect is created, where each element inspires dessert associations and becomes visually “tasty”.
Interior Features
Each room in the house performs specific functions. The color scheme should emphasize the purpose of the room and in no case should it interfere with its main tasks. When decorating different rooms, the “sweet” interior will have its own nuances, which must be taken into account at the design project development stage. Perhaps the main plus of chocolate color is that it is considered natural for some types of wood, so it will not be so difficult to select materials.
Living room
In the living room “mischief” is allowed in shades, a game of color combinations. For example, the reading area can be decorated in dark chocolate tones. What could be better for a relaxing holiday reading a book in a peaceful environment? Chocolate furniture with elements of olive, orange, turquoise decor looks good on a "milky" background. If the walls of the hall are decorated in dark colors, then use sofas, chairs with soft, light upholstery. Plain textile is suitable for creating strict interiors.If you want to add a “cherry” to the cake, then get an element of an unusual shape. For example, it can be a “hollow” chair inside, a set of book shelves and a “wavy” couch between them, a hinged shelf consisting of concentric circles.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, avoid using dark chocolate tones. They can only be decorated with an accent wall at the head of the bed, but it is better to dilute it with an ornament or a small pattern. It can also be repeated on the etched glass of the cabinet facade. The bedroom should have a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. You can create it by applying combinations of different shades of color on soft, silk surfaces. The result is an effect of multilayer depth, causing the desire to "wrap up and drown." It is such an atmosphere that will set you up for relaxation and give you a good sleep.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, it is recommended to resort to the “dessert” color either in furniture or in the decoration of the room. Against the background of gray, beige, white walls, a chocolate set looks very solid. A light set of kitchen furniture will look stylish in combination with a rich "sweet" finish. To add a room of “taste” to the decor, use paintings or collages with photographs of pastries and coffee cups. Motives are relevant for the kitchen and will look organic in its interior. An accent zone can be made of an apron made of tiles of rich chocolate color with gold. The main thing is not to overdo it with a dominant shade, so that there is no feeling of sugaryness.
Bathroom
In typical apartments, bathrooms are usually small. In order to competently beat the color scheme of a room of such an area, you need to carefully "dispense" dark shades. They are recommended to be used only in accents: cabinet facades, shower curtains, rugs or cabinets under the sinks. The tile laid by a mosaic method elegantly looks.Shades of chocolate color are combined on glossy surfaces that effectively “shimmer” in the rays of artificial color. To visually expand the space, use a light finish with dark horizontal stripes.
Hallway
In the hallway, chocolate color is usually used in the facades of cabinets and door sets. A similar solution looks good against the background of a soft “creamy” finish. Corridors are usually long and narrow. To increase their width, add notes of beige on the floor, white on the ceiling and horizontal stripes or chocolate-colored ornament in light wallpaper on the walls. In more spacious hallways, it is permissible to use a contrasting combination of snow-white and dark tones of a "sweet" color. Plinths, door platbands and extras, decoration elements make light. Dark chocolate decorate the smooth surface of the walls.
Conclusion
Chocolate - the main inspirer of color, has a rich history, shrouded in secrets and legends. The difficult path that dessert went through was full of adventure, in the best traditions of the literary genre of the same name. Chocolate has a very specific taste. It is amazing how in fact the bitter ingredient could become the king in the world of confectionery. Perhaps this eccentricity and contrast are reflected in deep tints of color. Be that as it may, the chocolate tone showed that it was timeless; the fickle fashion could not force it out of the interiors of the houses. Designers began to beat him differently, but could not refuse completely. Perhaps this is the magic of chocolate color.