The construction and arrangement of your own country house begins with the design stage and the choice of decoration of the building, which determines its appearance and interior. The decisions made at this stage are very important, because on their basis they will carry out construction work, and will make the purchase of interior items and perform interior decoration. All this will last for many years.
This review is devoted to the design of a house in a classic style, its characteristic features and features that you should pay attention to when building a country house. This direction is the most universal of all, it emphasizes the status of the owner and resembles the look of the estates of the 18th and 19th centuries. It never loses its relevance and is not afraid of fashion.
Now such buildings are erected according to the same canons as several centuries ago. In this case, not a pure style is often used, but an augmented copy. Balanced and serious people stop their choice in this artistic direction.
History of appearance
Classicism in architecture originated at the turn of the 17th century in Europe and was used in its original form until the end of the 19th century. It arose in the so-called Renaissance, when the art of medieval European civilization turned to the ancient ancient heritage. It originated almost simultaneously in France and England during the period of strengthening the monarchical system.
There are English, French and Russian classicism. The values of ancient Rome and Greece were perceived as an example of the harmony of man with nature and the best way to govern. This was reflected in architecture, simple, strict forms began to be widely used with decorative elements that were widely used in ancient architecture.
Houses built in the classical style are very beautiful. Therefore, this direction is widely used today in its pure form or with the use of stylizations. Let's take a closer look at the signs and features of this direction of architecture.
Characteristic features of classicism
The most recognizable element of this style is the use of columns - the so-called antique orders. They support the arch of the house and perform a decorative and constructive function. The proportions of an ancient structure in terms of its height and width always correspond to the rule of the golden section.
On large houses, the walls of the facades are divided into three horizontal parts. All building elements are symmetrical. It is present both in the whole building and in all its elements. The buildings are decorated with bas-reliefs, floral ornaments and statues on the roofs.
The entrance group is decorated with wide marble staircases and colonnades. In the Russian style, buildings are painted in light warm tones of yellow or sand. Thanks to these characteristic elements, you can recognize the classic style of a private house just by looking at its photo. He is recognizable at first sight.
Application in urban construction
This direction of architecture is relevant at the present time. With its use in the cities of Russia, many important buildings for cultural and social purposes were erected. Most of the historical part of St. Petersburg was built in this style. Buildings of the 20th century were organically added to the buildings of the 18-19th century.
As before, only the most important and majestic houses were built using it, emphasizing the status of the owner. The current architecture is rational and uses a minimum of decor. Therefore, now this design is most widely used in private individual construction.
Most often, country houses are built in the classical style. And often not the original style is used, but its replica.
When designing houses, style elements are used; no exact copying of buildings of past centuries is performed. This allows you to reduce the budget of the project without losing visual appeal. At the same time, despite the dissimilarity to the original buildings, harmony and balance are achieved in the external appearance of buildings.
Use in individual suburban construction
In Russia, historically, classicism was widely used in the construction of estates. No wonder this period is called the golden age of estates. The classic style of a private house is still relevant today. Thanks to him, harmonious forms are created that draw parallels with the past.
This direction of design is a win-win in terms of decoration compared to other artistic directions, but it is more expensive than rational flat forms that are widely used now, devoid of decoration elements.
The designed house does not have to be very large. Most often, as in the 19th century, small one- and two-story houses are created. All artistic developments of the past fit comfortably into our rational world.
Antique forms are used to decorate the facade and new building technologies that provide the necessary level of comfort and convenience.
Characteristic features of building facades
The facades of houses in the classical style always look very harmonious and set in a calm, measured way. Modern construction does not completely copy the past, but creates a stylization, while retaining all the characteristic features.
The facades of buildings demonstrate symmetry, geometry, rectangular shapes. The walls are finished with plaster. The Russian style is characterized by the yellow color of the wall decoration.
Old Russian estates were often finished exclusively with wood. Modern construction uses new wear-resistant materials: stone, brick, concrete, plaster.
Interior
The interior in an important part determines the overall design of buildings. It should be noted that the interior and exterior of buildings can be decorated in different styles that organically complement each other. If it is impossible to change the facade of the building, you can change the interior decoration of the premises, creating the interior of the house in a classic style.
The interior, as well as the facade of buildings, assumes the presence of symmetry, clear geometric shapes, the absence of unnecessary details and soft light colors. The ceiling in the rooms can be decorated with white stucco with a floral theme.
Wood is used to cover the floor: parquet or solid board painted in light colors. On the one hand, the walls are simple in decoration, but at the same time they are beautifully decorated with fabrics and fine wood veneer. They are painted in light and solid colors.
The premises are equipped with high-quality wooden furniture. It is allowed to use furniture of both dark and light colors. This will not be a violation of the composition. Rooms made in antique style are spacious, elegant and solemn.
Projects of houses in the classical style involve the appropriate arrangement of the landscape of the site. The artistic design of the backyard plot complements the style of the building. This role can be performed in a certain way by planted trees and shrubs, gazebos of the appropriate design, garden sculptures.
Depending on the wishes of the owner, you can choose various elements of landscape design that harmonize and complement the building.
Having made a choice on this design, among a wide variety of options, you can choose your individual project, suitable for the size of the site and for the means. You can also order an individual project from professional architects. A building built according to ancient canons will compare favorably with ordinary buildings.
Photos of houses in a classic style
The traditional architectural style - classicism, is widespread in urban planning. It is divided into several periods, and since its inception in the 17th century, interest in it has not faded. Today, classic-style house designs are one of the most sought after. What is special about these buildings?
Classics in architecture
Classicism replaced Rococo, obsessed with decor, and introduced monumentality and rigor of forms into architectural structures. The basis of this style was the antique order, with its brevity and symmetry, columns, pilasters, ornaments and statues. External decor serves to display the purpose of buildings:
- municipal buildings (courts, libraries) are decorated with statues-symbols of the direction of activity;
- country houses in the Baroque style and classicism with decor emphasize the status and occupation of the owners: sculptures, paintings and other elements.
The characteristic features of classicism are:
- axial symmetry of the building;
- geometry;
- restrained decor: columns, pilasters, attics, friezes, etc.;
- rectangular or arched openings;
- regular planning;
- light or contrasting colors.
Classicism is universal and can be used in estate architecture and for designing beautiful mansions. Buildings in this architectural style organically look outside the city and in urban landscapes with low-rise buildings. Such houses always become the center of the architectural ensemble. It is worth taking a look at the design project of the 19th century mansion in the classical style.
Examples of projects of houses in the classical style
Projects of classic two-story houses are monumental and spacious, and may include modest decor in the form of a bay window, columns and pilasters. Finishing materials used for such facades:
- decorative plaster;
- marble;
These buildings are well lit. Window openings have a traditional shape: rectangles and arches. The facade can be decorated with stucco and strict columns.
The classical style in the architecture of private houses is familiar to almost everyone. This is not at all surprising, because in any city you can find buildings built with elements of the classics. It attracts even the most sophisticated audience: it combines luxury and simplicity.
The characteristic features of this direction are as follows:
- Simplicity of design without frills (as opposed to the same Victorian style, which is more demonstrative);
- The severity of forms;
- Clear symmetry of the building (no detail can go unpaired, so as not to disturb the harmony);
- presence of columns.
Although the building does not strike the eye with an abundance of decor, it is very majestic and monumental.
The buildings of this direction are characterized by the clarity of volumetric form and the regularity of planning. The main feature can be called a reference to ancient architecture - in it the creators of the classics saw a model of simplicity, harmony, rigor and logical clarity. The aesthetics of the building consists of details:
- Columns should have both vertical and horizontal elements. They are usually located at the site of the main entrance, less often on the balcony.
- Symmetry should be not only in relation to the central axis: every element of the cottage obeys it, every wall. Perhaps because of this, the classic does not leave us for centuries. It is opposed to another style - baroque, where the laws of symmetry can be violated by pompous figures.
- Clear harmony of proportions. The length and width of structures is subject to the golden section.
- The presence of a Greek portico. Its ceiling rests on inimitable columns. This is also a sign of the traditional classic style for all time.
- Statues, bas-reliefs and marble. Decor elements are arranged harmoniously, without frills. They fit perfectly into the composition of the building.
Russian classics currently involves a departure from strict forms. But the American one has developed at the junction of a mixture of different styles: country, English, French and colonial. Usually houses in the classical manner are built two-story, but sometimes you can move away from this and make a cozy one-story house.
Window
These elements, made in a classic style, can be either pompous, with elements of luxury, or very modest and strict. The main thing is that the exterior decoration and glazing fit into the overall harmony of the project. Stained glass windows are also welcome.
Colors and materials
For a classic design, the use of artificial materials that only resemble the original from a distance is unacceptable. Even the most beautiful plastic fades against the background of natural marble or wood. Stone, granite, gypsum are usually used to decorate houses. The color scheme should be pastel, soft, delicate shades. No flashy finishes. Everything should be strict, but at the same time elegant and graceful.
There is a similarity with the Japanese style. It welcomes discreet, balanced tones, natural colors and restraint in the interior.
When decorating a mansion in a classic style, you need to give preference to high-quality natural materials. They are able to emphasize the luxury and elegance of forms. Colors are also chosen calm and strict. Brightness or a combination of catchy colors is not allowed.
For decoration, gilding, sculptures, crystal, paintings and stucco are used. But everything should be in moderation, complementing each other.
Lighting plays a significant role in creating harmony throughout architecture and design. The house uses large, richly decorated chandeliers. They must be with crystal or expensive glass. Bulbs can be made in the form of candles and look up or down.
Fixtures could be less pompous. Modest, but at the same time strict and complete. Products can repeat the shape of a candle or have an inconspicuous lampshade.
For the external arrangement of the building, the following elements can be applied:
- Columns. It is desirable that they be snow-white. A large balcony or a bay window will fit into any exterior of a building with a classic layout.
The pediments, made in antique style, will impress even the most sophisticated heart.
Windows can be decorated with protruding cornices.
Bas-reliefs can repeat well-known mythological scenes.
A modern classic house for living can be made without decorative elements. Usually these are small cottages covered with panels. The adjacent territory is covered with a lawn, often has a swimming pool, swings or even a small playground. Developers offer a wide range of various residential premises. A typical layout assumes the presence of a ground floor and an attic (sometimes a basement). On the floor are:
- canopy;
- Kitchen;
- Hall;
- Bedroom;
- Laundry room with boiler room;
- Lumber room;
- Garage;
- Bathroom.
- The attic may include:
- 2-3 bedrooms;
- Hall;
- dressing room;
- bathroom;
- Attic.
The layout and decoration of the house is thought out depending on the preferences of the owner. If the building has a plinth, then it is finished with natural stone, it looks very stylish.
If the future owner of the building wants to build not a house in the style of American classics, but erect a real mansion, it is better to seek help from designers who will think over the exterior of the building to the smallest detail.
In this case, you need to pay due attention to the interior. For example, in a classic dining room, an atmosphere of calm and silence should be maintained. For its decoration, only natural materials with a soft texture are used. It becomes not just a kitchen in the usual sense, but a real work of art.
If the owner decides to design an office, then it should be kept in a strict style: a desk made of expensive wood, noble gilding. Optionally, you can even install a fireplace (artificial or made of brick).
Facades of country houses in classical style
The facade decoration of the house, made in a strict classical style, is characterized by an order system. There must be strict symmetry here. Looking at the house, you need to distinguish between the central part, left and right sides. The center should be higher than the rest of the parts, it can be decorated with columns and bas-reliefs with sculptures.
Garage
The extension should be finished and concise, discreet. Made in soothing colors, the garage should combine elements of symmetry and harmony. It is allowed that the annex be combined with the main building or stand separately from it.
Terrace and veranda
Natural materials are used for interior design: silk, wood, satin, parquet, marble. Everything should be kept in calm colors.
The veranda of the house in a classic style will have to combine elegance and comfort at the same time. There may be elements reminiscent of antiquity: columns, symmetry, severity of lines. This space will never get boring.
A classic-style terrace should be made in soothing light colors, with a minimum of decoration, so that the impression is created that its interior is gradually merging with nature. It's beautiful and modern.
Playground in front of the house
It is done in harmony with the exterior of the home. Ornamental plants and a seating area should be elegant and discreet. The restraint of colors is also welcome.
The plot of land behind the house should organically fit into the composition of the entire courtyard. Classical columns are also appropriate here. The color scheme is muted light tones. Comfort reigns here, in harmony with the main building, and not interrupting it with its excesses.
Swimming pool
The shape of the artificial reservoir does not matter. The main thing is that it fits into the surrounding composition and is not too pretentious.
fencing
Wrought iron fence will give the house a noble and finished look. She looks strict, but at the same time luxurious and elegant.
Serious people will appreciate this style of interior design. Here it is also customary to use elements inherent in the classics: columns, statues, unique paintings, crystal. Solid wooden furniture and expensive fabrics will successfully complement the decor.
materials
Modern arrangement allows the use of budget substitutes. However, true classics do not accept artificial materials, which only from a distance resemble marble or wood. In this case, the entire composition will be broken.
Lovers of luxury and those who can afford, it is better to give preference to natural materials. They are not only more environmentally friendly, but they also last much longer.
Color palette
She should be calm and unobtrusive. The entire interior is done in pastel shades with the addition of dark noble accents (wood, stone, granite). Gilding may be present.
Furniture
If we talk about the classic style of the last century, then the furniture should be luxurious, decorated with patterns and monograms. Tables, chairs and sofas, made of expensive materials, should resemble the decoration of the palaces of past centuries. They can be made of wood and decorated with satin, silk or velvet.
The choice of materials must be approached very carefully. It is necessary to purchase only natural fabrics. Perfectly fit into the interior: chintz, cotton, linen, satin, silk and velvet.
Lighting in the house
Symmetry reigns in the room, so all lamps, except for the central one, should be duplicated at the same distance from each other. It is advisable to use lamps with a soft yellowish color. Harsh fluorescent lighting is unacceptable.
If you want to embody the classic style in the interior and exterior of the house, you should always pay attention to even the smallest details, because they create harmony in the room.
The classic style is the best suited for suburban construction of houses, reminiscent of the culture of noble Russian estates. Luxurious and discreet at the same time, such buildings offer special features in every detail, from roofing to interior decoration.
Traditionally, classical-style house projects are distinguished by a symmetrical facade shape, which affects the layout of the house, but this does not negate modern comfort at all. Projects of classical houses provide for the presence of all the rooms and premises necessary for the residence of household members, their relatives and guests. Due to the large rectangular or arched windows in such a house it is always light.
Houses in this style are easily distinguished by external features: they are decorated with columns, pediments, friezes, balconies and sometimes statues. Stucco molding in the form of bas-reliefs and medallions, as well as decorative carvings fit perfectly into the appearance of the building.
Roofing - tiles, slate, copper, lead or zinc-titanium sheet. Being engaged in exterior decoration, it is advisable to choose natural stone (limestone, granite, dolomite). several varieties of finishing materials at once, which together make up a real finishing decor.
Despite the external severity, the projects of classic houses provide unlimited scope for the construction of cottages of various compositions, areas, number of storeys and layouts.
Each decade has its own architectural style, but the trends are not cyclical, which is why certain styles return in a slightly modified form. The roots of classical architecture can be found in a rich past. These were houses that combined grandeur and simple details, usually warm and comfortable. In addition to a certain grandeur, in such buildings there is always a lot of light and space. As a rule: front, overlooking other rooms of the house. Thanks to this comfortable atmosphere, many clients choose such accommodation and never regret their choice. Shop-project professionals can create American classic house designs that look decent in the 21st century. The classic cottage usually adapts to the local style.
Characteristics of classical buildings
Since it is not so easy to describe, to synthesize the complexity of the classical style in one definition, some main characteristics of classical buildings can be distinguished:
- Symmetrical design, usually with the front door in the center;
- Porch with high classical columns;
- Gable on the porch or on the front of the roof, as well as above the front door;
- Decorative borders on doors or columns.
- Side or frontal portal;
- Entrance porch, crenellated cornice;
- Balustrade at roof level;
- Neutral colors are usually muted pastels.
For construction and exterior decoration, only high-quality natural materials are used, in particular brick, and are often complemented by wooden carpentry. Now, however, other materials seem to be adapting to the new building standards.
