Ancient Greek culture has left a priceless heritage to man. And it is not only in philosophy, myths or fragments of ancient amphorae. Its recognizable symbolism today is successfully used in many areas of human activity. In particular, thanks to specialists in the design world, the Greek style in the interior has again begun to enjoy enormous popularity. Colonnades, sculptures, murals on the walls - all this helped to create a modern interior design in an antique manner. Also, the source of inspiration for the embodiment of original ideas was the color gamut of the seven seas around Greece. A symbiosis of white and blue now serves as a business card style.
Periods of development of ancient architecture
In the process of development of the Greek ethnos and the formation of a great power, epochs alternated, and with them various landmarks of architecture. Hardworking historians have been able to identify several periods that directly affected the architecture:
- Archaic, unfortunately, did not leave as a memory the construction elements. However, legends about King Solomon can shed light on the rather coarse structures of the time;
- The early non-classical period was marked by the merging of the architectural traditions of the highly developed civilization of ancient Egypt and the nascent Greek culture;
- 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 for the continued success of national design. The heirs of Pythagoras began to build not only sustainable, stone houses, but to lay the foundations for truly beautiful buildings. The architects sought from the wild stone of the ideal form to emphasize the affiliation of wealthy homeowners to a high clan, their esteemed status. The golden mean was also observed in the design of interiors and facades;
- The Hellenic period became a symbol of idealistic ideas about man: when the demigods with a perfect athletic build and feminine faces were popular. At the same time pompous theaters were built for performances, temples influenced by culture from the East, and philosophical schools were 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 magnificence acquired the features of practicality, and the fact that earlier it was possible to rank it as decorative excesses became just a bright accent in the general ensemble of structures. Style worthy of the test of luxury.
Main features
All these periods of history invariably united the themes of the struggle of man with the fate, ancient Greek heroes and gods. What is reflected in the sculptural modeling of temples, arrangement of spectator amphitheaters and other elements of high architecture. When modern researchers took up the study of the features inherent in the interior of the Greek style, they identified 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 range and only the elements of the decor can stand out by another palette of colors. Also, marine motifs are often used in the interior of the kitchen, since the glory of this people is strongly associated with shipbuilding, heroes' campaigns. These can be straight blue lines, like on the national flag of Greece, or smooth lines of blue-black waves. However, preference is given to colors that fade in the bright sun: beige-sand, sky-blue, olive-green. These colors harmoniously coexist alongside.
Rough wall decoration
Deliberately rough whitewash decorated with stucco or mythical frescoes. Also, uneven stonework is used to emphasize the contrast with perfect columns or arches. If the room allows, it provides a place for fountains with antique statues. Greek style in the interior involves the use of exclusively pastel colors to focus on architectural elements. For example, such as carved columns or arches milky shades with the effect of antiquity. Also, the wallpaper on the walls can be decorated with natural stone or decorated with a natural material fireplace.
High ceilings
The high arches were intended for the gods of Olympus and were decorated accordingly. The rich ornament portrayed the patrons of the titans, emphasizing their power in the 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 lies in the simple whitewashing of the surface without any intrusive decorations. Visually increasing the space, it is only occasionally covered with hand-painted or patterned stucco. Also, if the space of the room allows, it can be decorated with wooden partitions in the manner of shipbuilding.
Pronounced floor texture
Here, no frills, the material for the floor must match the finish of the walls. 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, then it is recommended to use light-colored 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 be radically different from the lining of the same walls. However, preference is given to natural materials - rough shipboard, sea pebbles. Ceramic tiles in the kitchen or wood flooring quite cope with these tasks.
Use of natural textiles
Plain linen made of cotton or flax practical make out the spacious rooms 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, coarsely knitted tracks on the floor should emphasize the naturalness and authenticity of the design. The design in the Greek style in the interior of the kitchen also provides for a white tablecloth with a marine pattern.
Lighting rooms without lighting fixtures
Whether it is a chandelier or an ordinary lamp - it should not attract attention to itself. As a rule, its geometric shape is simple, without elaborate details. The use of natural materials is encouraged. But, despite the fact that the lighting was not an important component of the overall design for the ancient Greeks, modern designers to their taste enrich the interior of rooms with discreet lamps or bronze / brass candlesticks 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 “come off”, so this is when decorating: here you can use everything that we know about the ancient culture of the famous Greeks. Amphoras, sculptures, ships, mythical artifacts. The list can be continued indefinitely. This is an opportunity for people of art to express their imagination, imbued with an understanding of the beauty that the ancient Greeks had. Large floor vases with flowers, fountains with plaster deities and other various architectural elements such as columns, pilasters, arched vaults will be appropriate here.
For decorating surfaces, they are applied typical drawings:
- Zigzag waves - often depicted on curtains, curtains, white tablecloths;
- Ornament habitual for local plants, bushes, palm branches;
- The circle is inscribed in a square, as a sign of the ideal achieved by the great thinkers of the time.
The basic rule: perfection can be achieved only by observing the balance of modest simplicity and recognizable design elements. Without achieving the austerity of forms, balanced minimalism in decorating the decor - all of the recognized style is not achieved. Since this is an indicator of the right taste, sense of proportion with the owner.
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