Greek style in the interior (25 photos) - from the past to the present
Ancient Greek culture left man a priceless legacy. And it is not only a matter of philosophy, myths or fragments of ancient amphoras. Today, its recognizable symbols are successfully used in many areas of human life. In particular, thanks to specialists in the world of design, the Greek style in the interior again began to enjoy enormous popularity. Colonnades, sculptures, wall paintings - all this served as an aid to create a modern decoration of the premises in an antique manner. Also, the source of inspiration for the embodiment of original ideas was the color scheme of the seven seas washing Greece. And the symbiosis of white and blue is now the hallmark of the style.
In the process of the development of the Greek ethnos and the formation of a great power, epochs were replaced, and with them various landmarks of architecture. Hardworking historians were able to identify several periods that directly affected architecture:
Archaic, unfortunately, did not leave for memory the elements of construction. However, the traditions of King Solomon can shed light on the rather crude structures of the time;
The early classical period was marked by the merger of the architectural traditions of the highly developed civilization of ancient Egypt and the nascent Greek culture;
The classic laid the foundations of public urban development and instilled in the Greeks a taste for noble materials. The use of natural stone, for example, marble, has become one of the sources of further success of national design. The heirs of Pythagoras began to build not just stable, stone houses, but to lay the foundations for truly beautiful buildings. The architects sought the ideal stone from the wild stone to emphasize the affiliation of wealthy house owners to a high family, their respected status. The golden mean was also observed in the design of interiors, the decoration of facades;
The Hellenic period became a symbol of idealistic ideas about man: when demigods with a perfect athletic physique and feminine faces were popular. At that time, pompous theaters were built for performances, temples influenced by culture from the East, and philosophical schools opened. Perhaps no other culture has given the world as many minds as Greece did at that time;
Greco-Roman, of course, enriched both countries, since the pathos of Roman greatness harmoniously reunited with the restrained design of Greek buildings.The ostentatious splendor has acquired practicality, and the fact that previously could be reckoned as decorative excesses became just a bright accent in the general ensemble of structures. The style has stood the test of luxury with dignity.
Main features
All these periods of history were invariably united by the theme of the struggle of man with Fatum, ancient Greek heroes and gods. What is reflected in the sculptural sculptures of temples, the arrangement of spectator amphitheaters and other elements of high architecture. When modern researchers began to study the features inherent in the interior of the Greek style, they revealed the following features.
The predominance of white, framed by natural shades of the area
The original Hellenic interior is unthinkable without the presence of white. Moreover, sometimes all surfaces are made in its gamut and only decor elements can stand out with a different color palette. Also, marine motifs are often used in the interior of the kitchen, since the glory of this people is firmly connected with shipbuilding, heroic campaigns. It can be straight blue lines, as on the national flag of Greece, or smooth lines of blue-black waves. Nevertheless, preference is given to colors fading in the bright sun: beige and sand, sky blue, olive green. These colors coexist harmoniously side by side.
Rough wall decoration
Deliberately rough whitewash is decorated with stucco molding or mythical frescoes. Also, uneven masonry is used to emphasize the contrast with perfect columns or arches. If the room allows, it provides a place for fountains with antique statues. The Greek style in the interior involves the use of exclusively pastel colors to emphasize the architectural elements. For example, such as carved columns or arches of milk shades with the effect of antiquity. Also, wallpaper on the walls can be decorated with natural stone or decorate a fireplace with natural material.
High ceilings
The high arches were intended for the celestials of Olympus and were designed accordingly. The rich ornament depicted the patrons of the titans, emphasizing their power with a pronounced relief. An indispensable condition was the height of the ceilings, the monotony of its white color, harmoniously combined with the same walls. Absolute perfection of style consists in a simple whitewashing of the surface without any intrusive decorations. Visually increasing the space, it is only occasionally covered with hand-painted or patterned stucco molding. Also, if the space of the room allows, it can be decorated with wooden partitions in the manner of shipbuilding.
Pronounced floor texture
There are no frills, the material for the floor should match the wall decoration. If the partition or beam is made in wood, then parquet is used as a floor covering. And if the walls are covered with rough plaster, it is recommended to use light tiles with a textured surface. Often with a mosaic pattern, since it is also a recognizable image of the Greek style. The floor should not fundamentally differ from the lining of the same walls. However, preference is given to natural materials - rough ship boards, sea pebbles. Ceramic tiles in the kitchen or wooden parquet completely cope with these tasks.
Using natural textiles
Solid canvas made of cotton or linen practically form the spacious premises of buildings. The restraint of the material is explained by a simple cut, as well as the absence of unnecessary drapery. Often decorated with a blue pattern of abstract waves. Covers for sofas or armchairs, milk curtains on the windows, coarse-knit fabric tracks on the floor - everything should emphasize the naturalness, authenticity of the design. The design in the Greek style in the interior of the kitchen also provides a snow-white tablecloth with a marine pattern.
Lighting of rooms without emphasis on lighting fixtures
Be it a chandelier or an ordinary lamp - it should not attract attention. As a rule, its geometric shape is simple, without elaborate details. The use of natural materials is encouraged. But, despite the fact that lighting was not an important component of the overall design for the ancient Hellenes, modern designers to their taste enrich the interior of the rooms with discreet lamps or candlesticks made of bronze / brass in the kitchen. It is important that the simplicity of the forms should not contrast with the rest of the design.
Decor with antique elements.
This is where designers can “tear themselves away” when decorating: here you can use everything we know about the ancient culture of famous Greeks. Amphoras, sculptures, ships, mythical artifacts. The list goes on and on. This is an opportunity for people of art to express their imagination, imbued with an understanding of the beauty that the ancient Greeks had. Here, large floor vases with flowers, fountains with gypsum deities and other various architectural elements - columns, pilasters, arched arches will be appropriate.
To decorate surfaces, typical drawings are applied to them:
Zigzag waves - often depicted on curtains, curtains, snow-white tablecloths;
Ornament familiar to local plants, shrubs, palm branches;
A circle inscribed in a square as a sign of the ideal achieved by the great thinkers of that time.
The basic rule: perfection can only be achieved by maintaining a balance of modest simplicity and recognizable design elements. Without achieving asceticism of forms, balanced minimalism in decorating, one cannot achieve a recognized style. Since this is an indicator of the right taste, sense of proportion with the owner.
Ancient Greek culture left man a priceless legacy. And it is not only a matter of philosophy, myths or fragments of ancient amphoras. Today, its recognizable symbols are successfully used in many areas of human life. In particular, thanks to specialists in the world of design, the Greek style in the interior again began to enjoy enormous popularity. Colonnades, sculptures, wall paintings - all this served as an aid to create a modern decoration of the premises in an antique manner. Also, the source of inspiration for the embodiment of original ideas was the color scheme of the seven seas washing Greece. And the symbiosis of white and blue is now the hallmark of the style.
Content
Periods of development of antique architecture
In the process of the development of the Greek ethnos and the formation of a great power, epochs were replaced, and with them various landmarks of architecture. Hardworking historians were able to identify several periods that directly affected architecture:
Main features
All these periods of history were invariably united by the theme of the struggle of man with Fatum, ancient Greek heroes and gods. What is reflected in the sculptural sculptures of temples, the arrangement of spectator amphitheaters and other elements of high architecture. When modern researchers began to study the features inherent in the interior of the Greek style, they revealed the following features.
The predominance of white, framed by natural shades of the area
The original Hellenic interior is unthinkable without the presence of white. Moreover, sometimes all surfaces are made in its gamut and only decor elements can stand out with a different color palette. Also, marine motifs are often used in the interior of the kitchen, since the glory of this people is firmly connected with shipbuilding, heroic campaigns. It can be straight blue lines, as on the national flag of Greece, or smooth lines of blue-black waves. Nevertheless, preference is given to colors fading in the bright sun: beige and sand, sky blue, olive green. These colors coexist harmoniously side by side.
Rough wall decoration
Deliberately rough whitewash is decorated with stucco molding or mythical frescoes. Also, uneven masonry is used to emphasize the contrast with perfect columns or arches. If the room allows, it provides a place for fountains with antique statues. The Greek style in the interior involves the use of exclusively pastel colors to emphasize the architectural elements. For example, such as carved columns or arches of milk shades with the effect of antiquity. Also, wallpaper on the walls can be decorated with natural stone or decorate a fireplace with natural material.
High ceilings
The high arches were intended for the celestials of Olympus and were designed accordingly. The rich ornament depicted the patrons of the titans, emphasizing their power with a pronounced relief. An indispensable condition was the height of the ceilings, the monotony of its white color, harmoniously combined with the same walls. Absolute perfection of style consists in a simple whitewashing of the surface without any intrusive decorations. Visually increasing the space, it is only occasionally covered with hand-painted or patterned stucco molding. Also, if the space of the room allows, it can be decorated with wooden partitions in the manner of shipbuilding.
Pronounced floor texture
There are no frills, the material for the floor should match the wall decoration. If the partition or beam is made in wood, then parquet is used as a floor covering. And if the walls are covered with rough plaster, it is recommended to use light tiles with a textured surface. Often with a mosaic pattern, since it is also a recognizable image of the Greek style.
The floor should not fundamentally differ from the lining of the same walls. However, preference is given to natural materials - rough ship boards, sea pebbles. Ceramic tiles in the kitchen or wooden parquet completely cope with these tasks.
Using natural textiles
Solid canvas made of cotton or linen practically form the spacious premises of buildings. The restraint of the material is explained by a simple cut, as well as the absence of unnecessary drapery. Often decorated with a blue pattern of abstract waves. Covers for sofas or armchairs, milk curtains on the windows, coarse-knit fabric tracks on the floor - everything should emphasize the naturalness, authenticity of the design. The design in the Greek style in the interior of the kitchen also provides a snow-white tablecloth with a marine pattern.
Lighting of rooms without emphasis on lighting fixtures
Be it a chandelier or an ordinary lamp - it should not attract attention. As a rule, its geometric shape is simple, without elaborate details. The use of natural materials is encouraged. But, despite the fact that lighting was not an important component of the overall design for the ancient Hellenes, modern designers to their taste enrich the interior of the rooms with discreet lamps or candlesticks made of bronze / brass in the kitchen. It is important that the simplicity of the forms should not contrast with the rest of the design.
Decor with antique elements.
This is where designers can “tear themselves away” when decorating: here you can use everything we know about the ancient culture of famous Greeks. Amphoras, sculptures, ships, mythical artifacts. The list goes on and on. This is an opportunity for people of art to express their imagination, imbued with an understanding of the beauty that the ancient Greeks had. Here, large floor vases with flowers, fountains with gypsum deities and other various architectural elements - columns, pilasters, arched arches will be appropriate.
To decorate surfaces, typical drawings are applied to them:
The basic rule: perfection can only be achieved by maintaining a balance of modest simplicity and recognizable design elements. Without achieving asceticism of forms, balanced minimalism in decorating, one cannot achieve a recognized style. Since this is an indicator of the right taste, sense of proportion with the owner.