Each of us, sooner or later, thinks about settling down somewhere outside the city, having our own plot and our own family nest. When planning our future place of residence, we involuntarily follow the famous proverb: “My home is my castle.” Typically, families want to live in homes that are large and forbidding on the outside, but elegant and cozy on the inside. It is these qualities that buildings in the English style meet.
Peculiarities
Traditional English architecture developed in the 17th century, when England occupied a dominant position among European countries. She personified, first of all, power and strength, but with the inherent restraint and conservatism of the British. It should also be noted that the British, three hundred years ago, tried to combine beauty and comfort in their homes.
Country buildings in the spirit old England often look like castles, the characteristic feature of which is a combination of brevity and luxury.
The following features of buildings in the English style can be distinguished:
- predominance of natural materials;
- windows are most often located at the bottom of the wall;
- panoramic windows to create a light-filled room;
- the roof is usually high, has a sharp shape and several slopes;
- use of awnings as architectural detail;
- simplicity of form, clear and restrained lines;
- the presence of small terraces and adjacent lawns.
Dimensions
A classic two-story castle in the spirit of the Tudor era is brutal and impressive; such a house can safely be called an impregnable fortress. The construction of Gregorian style houses is based on simplicity and sophistication. Small one-story buildings in a rustic spirit with a porch or terrace are common. The Victorian mansion can be distinguished from all the others by its impressive size and abundance of decor. Such a country house looks luxurious and pompous.
Exterior options
The exterior of the Tudor mansion has a rather gloomy appearance - thick and impregnable walls, lancet windows and majestic pediments and buttresses. There must be a chimney rising above the house. The windows are small, but there are many of them. The roof has steep slopes, so general view slightly asymmetrical.
Gregorian houses are symmetrical and there are many windows. elongated shape, decorated with arches. Brick is the main material for the construction of such houses. A mandatory detail is a pediment in the central part and pilasters on the sides.
Victorian country houses are richly decorated with carvings and corbels on the façade. The overall appearance is slightly asymmetrical, which is due to the large number of turrets and extensions, as well as the acutely angled, broken-shaped roof.
Particular attention should be paid to the general appearance of the house and the area adjacent to it. Little house V rustic style will perfectly complement a modest fence and a small garden in front of the house. A prerequisite is the observance of landscape traditions and the creation of the effect of nature untouched by man. Large country mansions will be perfectly complemented by flat paving slabs, built-in garage and neatly trimmed trees.
Facade
When building an English-style mansion, several types of materials are often used, for example, clinker brick and stone. A special highlight of a country house will be given by high gables and walls lined with uneven stone or hand-made bricks. Finished projects modern houses striking in their diversity, architects skillfully combine natural materials, traditional canons and new innovations in construction. This creates a functional and meaningful classic.
Gregorian-style buildings are devoid of decoration, but greenery and ivy twining brick facade at home, it saves the situation perfectly. The facade takes on a neat appearance thanks to its low foundation, subdued colors, and tiled roof. But an elegant chimney is usually made of stone; this contrast is an unsurpassed feature English architecture. As for color, preference is given to a dark gray roof and light gray walls. Would be a great addition wooden terrace around the house, which will offer a wonderful view of the lawn or pond. The buildings made of red brick look impressive, reminding us of the castles of fairy-tale heroes.
Roof
An intricate and eye-catching roof dominates the entire exterior of an English mansion. As a rule, it is unique in every home, and this is what makes it remarkable. Sharp inclinations are not at all a whim of the English aristocracy. First of all, such a layout was created based on the harsh natural conditions England, it is necessary to protect the facade of a private mansion from unfavorable humidity and dampness.
The roof takes up most of the building, but there are no attics, so it is quite common to find small attic-type spaces for old trinkets and tools.
Windows
An important point in the design are large panoramic windows. In addition to panoramic windows, multi-leaf windows with interlacing are often found. As a rule, traditional window openings are installed on the ground floor of the cottage; they are placed slightly lower than usual. If the project allows, then creating a second light would be an excellent architectural technique.
Interior decoration
English interior is rightfully considered one of the most complex and difficult to recreate. It's all because of this characteristic feature, as eclecticism, or, in other words, a mixture of styles. Traditional English interior is associated with the name of Queen Victoria. During this era, Asian motifs, romantic subjects, and reference to the details of the Baroque and Gothic periods were especially popular. Thanks to the thoughtful plans of the architects, all these contrasting elements merged perfectly into a solemn British interior.
To create an interior in the English style, you must use natural materials , while it is enough high quality. The English style is characterized by the presence large quantity tree. This includes doors made of dark wood, flooring, baseboards, cornices, as well as wall cladding wood panels, which goes perfectly with the wallpaper.
Modern technologies make it possible to use panels that imitate wood, which has a positive effect on the wallet.
Ceiling
The ceiling is usually painted white, with a cornice running along the edges. Walls and ceilings are often decorated with stucco. Ceiling painting is often very skillfully executed, which is a distinctive design technique English interior. In the kitchen and bedroom, wooden beams that imitate ancient ceilings would look appropriate. Sometimes plastic analogues are used instead of wooden beams.
Walls
In addition to wall cladding with panels, in interiors English houses Wallpaper is widespread. Winning options would be wallpaper with tartan colors and wallpaper with wide stripes. Preferred colors It is considered dark red and dark green. Don't forget about the rustic style. Wallpaper is perfect for decorating the kitchen and living room. small flower, with rosebuds or with simple ornaments - Indian motifs, birds, exotic flowers.
Quite often there is a combination of two favorite elements - wallpaper on top and wooden panels below.
Floor
The floor is covered with tiles light colors. Parquet flooring made from dark wood species is typical for offices and living rooms. You can often find carpets and small rugs; this detail creates the coziness and warmth of a home. The British pay much more attention to the cleanliness of the floor, but do not forget that flooring should fit into the interior and not spoil the overall appearance of the room and the whole house.
Furniture
It’s hard to imagine a traditional English interior without a sofa. English quilted sofas are produced according to special technology Chesterfield - this name is generally accepted for of this type sofas and is known all over the world. Also, it is impossible to imagine a British interior without a large fireplace in the living room. It is not only an important accent of the interior, but also a gathering place for all household members. Decorate the fireplace beautiful stone or valuable wood species.
It is worth noting that shelving will fit perfectly into an English-style interior, bookshelves, coffee table made of dark wood. A variety of books will perfectly complement the interior. It would be appropriate to place a couple of identical tables in the hall different sizes, hang pictures on the walls, which will create the atmosphere of an old salon.
Pay attention to details– many paintings in gilded frames, a soft footstool upholstered in velvet, a stand for fireplace appliances and umbrellas. All this will add elegance to your interior. Dilute the severity and richness with bright, heavy curtains or organize your winter garden on the windowsill by placing flowers in beautiful pots there.
When choosing a bed, you should pay attention to massive models with an unusual canopy. The bedroom decoration will be perfectly complemented by a round bedside table, several crystal lamps, as well as a simple wardrobe. A variety of curtains and decorative pillows will help you decorate your bedroom.
The kitchen interior is subordinated household appliances which is located there. But the main feature of an English-style kitchen is that the appliances must be hidden as much as possible from the view of those entering. This can be achieved by disguising the refrigerator or stove by covering it, and making the dishwasher and sink built-in. Particularly popular on modern market uses vintage household appliances.
Lighting
Decorative lighting in the British interior includes candles in candlesticks and candelabra, crystal candlesticks, table lamps and sconce. It is worth mentioning the large panoramic windows, which let in much more light than regular windows, so the rooms look much lighter and more spacious.
Our clients constantly talk about “English style” houses. And each of them means something different. It's time to deal with English houses. Let's clarify.
Let's get rid of excessive detailing of styles and historical vicissitudes. Let's cut off the majestic castles and huge residences. Fortunately, everything fits into a simple scheme. In a “classic” country house private architecture England can be distinguished into three periods in which three images emerged residential buildings. If we hear about an English-style house, we are most likely talking about one of these three images.
It should be noted here that all these once established styles are readily repeated by the modern generation of architects and are willingly bought by homeowners. They do not mix, because each has its own canons, which cannot be crossed without leaving the boundaries of style - English styles are very different.
Tudor style (1500-1600)
Rustic medieval english house from fairy tales. The style turned out to be persistent, despite the order architecture of the Italians, which penetrated everywhere into Britain.
Features of the English Tudor style are a brutal look. Very high gables on the main facade, often of different sizes. A huge pipe, next to the front door on the main facade or on the side. Arched entrance. Small dormers. Sometimes imitation thatched roof. In new versions of buildings, large bay windows are installed on the facades.
Features of the Tudor style
- Very high gables
- A steep roof, often with a broken edge.
- Dedicated pipe, often on the main façade
- Windows with small glazing
- Asymmetrical plan and general view
- Small dormers
- The main entrance is often paved with large stones
Examples of Tudor style houses in our facade database.
Georgian style 1700-1800
It can be said that this is a democratic version of the Palladian style, which was used in England at the same time in stately residences. The style is serious, sometimes even looks pompous, but at the same time it is quite simple.
These are the kind of houses London is made of. Georgian is the urban English style of modern Great Britain. The Georgian style can be traced even with its bold modifications. Most often, it is this style that our compatriots mean when they mention the English style.
Even if the facade is asymmetrical, in the old urban areas of London
Georgian style is still readable.
Examples of Georgian houses in our database of facades.
Features of the Georgian style
- Rectangular, symmetrical plan.
- Uniform distribution and size of all windows.
- Brick, sparsely decorated walls,
- Low-set entrance with portico or crown
- Roof slopes are medium in height.
- Minimum extension of the roof over the walls.
- Five windows on the main facade (in classic version)
- Paired pipes
- Pilasters on the sides of the door
- Doors with panels
Victorian 1800-1900
At this time, construction in England was not regulated by the state, as, for example, in France, so young English architects willingly practiced on private houses. Lots of practice led to free composition. The architects paid attention to the internal comfort of the house and the diversity social roles residents. Less attention attention began to be paid to the external attractiveness of the house, Palladian and generally Italian order canons began to be supplanted in favor of a convenient layout.
Industrial Revolution and mass production decorative elements made it possible to decorate even relatively poor possessions. Hence the general decorativeness of the facades. Most bright style Victorian era - Queen Anne style.
Victorian style features
- Steep roof
- Complex asymmetrical shape
- Gable (pediment) facing the main facade
- Veranda framing one or two sides of the house
- Turret (round or square)
- The walls are decorated with stone, half-timbered or siding)
- Ornamental patterns
- Bay windows
- Decorative consoles
View examples of Victorian houses in our elevation database.
If you know these three English styles, consider that you will recognize all the classic English architecture. Perhaps, to expand our cultural horizons, next time we’ll talk about
Classicism of English style for decoration country houses attracts both designers and ordinary people with its functionality, rigor and ability to well demonstrate the taste and character of its guests. Photos of English-style houses demonstrate the external roughness of unlined facades with low-lying window openings and a bright red tiled roof.
Distinctive elements outside English apartments are considered:
- wall surfaces made of natural stone elements or bricks;
- lack of carved parts;
- asymmetry in the location of the exterior composition;
- presence of columns;
- narrow color palette;
- gable roof;
- The area near the house is planted with a garden and flowers.
Types of English country buildings
The architecture of English buildings is recognizable all over the world. There are three main architectural and construction trends with their own characteristics and features.
Tudor house style. Visually, such buildings resemble fairy-tale village houses. However, the appearance is a little rough.
The main architectural features of this type are:
- the presence of high pediments on the main façade;
- roof with a steep slope and uneven edges;
- large chimney and miniature dormer windows;
- the general outlines of the building are asymmetrical;
- the entrance has an arched design.
Georgian architectural style. For modern English world This direction of development is the most popular. Georgian buildings look magnificent and simple at the same time.
The direction is characterized by the following features:
- symmetry;
- window openings same sizes, which have the same location;
- lack of various kinds of decorations;
- the main facade of the building is decorated with five windows;
- the entrance door is located very low;
- low roof.
Victorian direction. Different decorative cladding and contrasting color combinations.
Its features:
- asymmetrical arrangement;
- overall veranda area;
- decorative finishing of wall surfaces with stone or siding;
- ornamental and stucco elements.
The main feature of houses made in the English style is the construction of the building from red brick. Thanks to this material, which has a very reasonable cost, the life of the house increases.
Another advantage is high sound insulation qualities indoors.
An English apartment project is characterized by the presence of two full floors and, in some cases, an attic. The entrance to the room is located in the middle.
Architectural features
The foundation of a typical English residential building is very low, so the floor surface practically coincides with the ground plane. You won’t be able to find the usual basements and garages in the house, since the English style does not imply this.
Sometimes owners can equip a small cellar or storage room in their home. External facade they are not decorated or covered in any way, so it looks rather rough.
Window openings rectangular or square shape the first level are located low. The roof of the house is covered with red tiles, its shape is sharp, and the structure is very high. IN recent years The roofs of English houses are made of straw or reeds.
A porch is attached to a house only if the building is located on a site with a slope. But entrance doors and the windows are often framed by awnings.
The ivy climbing along the canopy brings special luxury to the design of an English-style house. It is customary to plant next to an English residential building small gardens and design picturesque flower beds.
Layout inside the house
The main living area of the first floor is represented by a spacious living room, which, as a rule, is combined with a dining room, corridor areas and a hall. The guest room must be made light, since there is a lot of light in the room. window openings. Another room on the first level is a study.
The second floor is considered the sleeping area. There are three bedrooms in total, one of which has a bathroom and wardrobe.
Interior composition of the house
The main conditions for creating an English interior for a private home are comfort and coziness. The living room is arranged in such a way that it is comfortable for all guests and household members to be here.
As finishing materials, typical for work in the English style, choose natural wood. The floor surfaces are covered with noble parquet covering.
The chosen direction is characterized by large spacious areas for the living room, however, with the help of design techniques and small rooms It is possible to create a project that is distinguished by its effectiveness and style.
Mandatory characteristic for English direction An element of the interior decoration is a fireplace. It acts as the center of the entire interior composition in the guest area.
You can cover the fireplace various materials in the form of marble, wood or lime panels. On the shelf above the fireplace it is customary to display clocks, bronze sculptures, flowerpots with flowers and snuff boxes with cigarette cases.
English stylistic direction Perfect for decorating a private country residence.
Photos of English style houses
A house in the English style would be quite appropriate to call it classic. Restraint and elegance are the main features that are inherent in these styles. The traditional English style still contains a certain aristocracy. IN modern world It is quite difficult to adhere to one style in the design of your home, but in our article we will still try to figure out how to skillfully combine the basic elements of the English style with functionality, while maintaining harmony. And the 33 photos that accompany the material perfectly illustrate the depth of the presented style visually.
Correct facade of a house in English style
The construction of a private house involves preliminary planning of external and internal work, in which the finishing of the facade plays a very important role. The facade of a house in the English style is, first of all, austerity and conservatism; it has many of its own features that should not be neglected. The facades of English-style houses are noticeably distinguished by the originality of finishing materials and special decorative elements.
The most popular varieties of English style:
- Gregorian
- Victorian
- Tudor
Gregorian style
In the Gregorian style, the motifs of ancient architecture are quite noticeable. As a rule, houses in this style are two-story. The first floor of the house has a high base and wall coverings in the form of cornices and moldings. The doors are made of wood, sometimes with small windows at the top.
The walls are most often made of red brick, visually a certain classic house made of brick in the English style, reminiscent of a fairy-tale construction from the Middle Ages. The presence of artificial or wild stone in the facade of the house is also a clear characteristic of the style. Facade cladding is often found using foam or polyurethane. These materials are light in weight and quite versatile, they can be easily painted to match natural materials.
Victorian style
This style is characterized by symmetry with the entrance at the center. The ceilings in Victorian houses are low, so the windows on the second floor are also located quite low. The windows themselves are round in shape. The roof of the house is covered with slate and symmetrical pipes, cone-shaped towers and cylindrical buildings are used as decorations. The facade of the house in the English style has such striking differences as: stained glass windows, mosaic masonry and figured forging. Direct finishing of the house is done using brickwork. Cornices, doors and window transitions are made in contrasting colors.
Tudor style
As in the previous two, the Tudor style facade uses brickwork. The masonry is done according to the castle type, and half-timbered walls are also used to fill the walls wooden frame brick or stone material.
In houses made in the Tudor style, the presence of a porch is not accepted; instead, a small canopy is built, which is decorated with climbing vegetation.
English style house: design features of the roof and foundation
In such houses there is practically no foundation; the floor is laid almost on the ground layer of earth. It is not customary to display a garage, so it is built in the middle of the site. It is also unacceptable to build separate sheds for the garage and make it adjacent to the wall of a residential building. The facade of English-style houses has a high roof. The most popular materials for roof construction are slate, tiles and even straw.
Previously, a roof made of natural materials spoke of decadence financial situation owners, and now such roofing is highly valued and considered environmentally friendly. Vivid features English style roofs are sharp and high.
Interior of an English-style house: key elements and characteristics of the style
Mahogany can easily be called an essential element of the interior of a house in the English style. Expensive and elegant material, perfect for furniture and interior decoration rooms. Plain walls Traditionally they are decorated with paintings or tapestries. Windows play a special role; they are always covered with rich multi-layer curtains, decorated with veils, draperies and lacing.
The interior of the English-style house is traditionally decorated in brown, gray, olive and white. There are several elements thanks to which an English-style house cannot be confused with anything else.
Fireplace - what would an English house be without a fireplace? In cold and damp weather conditions, it performs not only an aesthetic function, but also a practical one. The best option would be real fireplace, and not electric, but it all depends on the capabilities of the living space. Most often, the fireplace becomes the center of the room, starting from it the sofa, armchairs and other furniture will be placed.
Also, almost no English home is complete without a library. It could be a whole separate room, a rack or just a few shelves. A great addition to the library would be a few armchairs and a coffee table.
And the last obligatory element of the English style is the cage. This pattern is very often used in textiles. It is quite bright and stands out against the background of other interior elements.
Perhaps many will consider the interior of an English-style house too restrained and conservative, but not fans of the classics. If a book, a fireplace and a cup of tea are your ideal evening, then the English style is made for you.
English style house - classic, sophistication and beauty in 33 photos updated: September 14, 2017 by: Valeria Likhovaya
English houses are in great demand all over the world. Their designs are conservative, practical and sophisticated at the same time. At first glance, these features are completely incompatible, but visual designs of buildings prove the opposite.
England is a country with special climatic conditions. It was this factor that left a big imprint on the formation of the architectural style. All houses have a very low foundation, but you rarely see such a house with one floor; as a rule, preference is given to two or three. English house facades are most often plastered or bricked, and only classic masonry is used. Due to frequent rains, it became a tradition to build canopies around the entire perimeter. The roofs in such houses also have their own peculiarity, for example, a small angle of inclination, and this gives them additional height. Attic spaces It is not customary to use it functionally; attics are completely absent. Windows can be given special attention. Their frame consists of several sashes, which gives the building a medieval touch, and there are also dormer openings.
Highlights of English style houses
English houses are quite expressive; if you build such a structure on a hill, it will become a universal attraction. Their appearance massive, which will add a special sophistication to the building. The low set complements this feeling.
Taking into account, we must remember that they treat others with respect, are quite cultured and polite, but at the same time they try to be alone, they are characterized by restraint and even detachment. Based on this, prerequisite will be the construction of a fence. The best option - hedge. It will not only decorate the surrounding area, but will also hide the personal life of the owners behind the dense foliage. You can also plant a small garden in the yard, install a gazebo and have a tea party. This place will become the most beloved for all connoisseurs of English culture.
Standard English house design
Currently, there are projects of English houses built from different materials. The most common are brick ones. Such buildings have many advantages. First of all, they are very warm, strong, with good sound insulation. If English technology was followed exactly during construction, then such houses will have high level resistance to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Roofs are worth talking about separately. Studying projects, you can see the special features and forms that are created using complex configuration roofs. The attic is not used in such houses, so the geometry can be very diverse: bevels, sharp corners etc.
A striking feature of English architecture is the special location of the entrance. A place is allocated for it clearly in the center of the house. Of course, the doors must also fully correspond to the chosen style; it is better if they are massive and made in dark shades.
Sometimes they meet wooden houses With English theme. Such housing is considered elite, and therefore is not widely found. Its appearance is quite strict, but all its features betray luxury and wealth.
Exterior of English houses
In country houses, unlike standard high-rise buildings, due attention is paid to the exterior. For this they use certain details, for example panels, forged objects, pilasters. Also quite relevant natural stone. With its help you can not only place accents, but also add originality. Real flowers hanging from the walls will come in handy. Entrance staircase can be made of metal or stone. In the first case, preference is given to chased work, in the second - to balusters of a strict square shape.
English houses (photos presented in this article) may differ depending on the chosen era:
- Medieval-style buildings look like castles. Their facades are lined with stone, always with an untreated surface. The color is closer to natural gray shades. The roofs are decorated with towers; as a rule, there are at least four of them, and most often there are many more.
- The conservative direction stands out luxurious decor and pomp. There are many columns and other advantage given to the dark color scheme: gray, asphalt, marsh.
Country house interior: English traditions
The interior of English houses must fully correspond to the era in which the entire space was decorated. The living room deserves special attention. She is considered the most main room from the British. It needs to be arranged in the center of the house, since this is where the owners will receive distinguished guests. This space deserves special attention to all the details. First of all, this is the choice of finishing materials, furniture, and textiles. Ideally, the size of the living room should be very large, so placing antiques in it will not be difficult.
When decorating rooms, it is very important to remember that the British prefer rigor, restraint and comfort.
The main symbol of England is the fireplace
Frequent rains and dampness marked the beginning of a wonderful tradition. The fireplace is a symbol that represents the English home. It can be built either at the very beginning of the construction of the building or later. However, it must be real: laid out of brick with natural stone trim and openwork Electric models or false panels are not suitable for this interior. The peculiarity of an English fireplace is that guests and owners can enjoy a live fire and crackling wood. This atmosphere has a positive effect on psychological state a person, relaxing him, allowing him to restore spent energy.
IN modern houses fireplaces have not been used as the main heating system for a long time, but it is a kind of calling card of the English living room.
Tudor style
English houses of the 16th century resemble fairy tales. In the 1500s, Italian architecture persistently penetrated into Britain, but this did not influence the Tudor style. Surprisingly, the medieval design, brutality, and rustic notes appealed to the British.
Main features of the Tudor style:
- The entrance to the house was located clearly in the middle, framed natural stone and quite often could have an arched shape.
- The Tudor style is characterized by asymmetricity. It manifests itself in the appearance of the building: pediments and towers of different levels.
- Predominance dormer windows small size.
- The gables are very high, the roof is broken with a slight angle of inclination.
Georgian style
In the 18th century, democratic sentiments were often observed in England. It was they who fully influenced the creation of the Palladian style in a new presentation. Such houses are widely represented in London. This direction was to the taste of our compatriots, so most often, when mentioning an English-style house, they mean just such a design.
Main features of the Georgian style:
- symmetry of windows;
- clear proportionality;
- compliance with geometry;
- roof height is average;
- gables are minimal;
- lack of decor on the facade of the house.
Victorian English houses
In the 19th century, the government stopped regulating the development of architecture. Young masters could boldly introduce various innovations. It was in the 1800s that people gradually began to realize that the appearance of a building matters little. But interior decoration, on the contrary, from that time on they began to put it in the foreground. The basis was the convenience of planning.
Key points:
- complexity of forms, often asymmetrical;
- steep roofs with towers;
- facing facades with stone, siding and other materials;
- large verandas;
- thematic patterns.
An English-style house is not a dream, but a reality. However, such a desire must be fueled by a sufficient amount cash, since only natural materials should be used for arrangement.
