Chalet features
Chalets are wooden houses in the mountainous regions of the Alps, which gave rise to the direction of the same name in design. Chalet style can be recognized by a number of characteristics:
- Natural materials... The main role in finishing is played by wood and stone: their natural combination allows you to achieve a unique mountain charm.
- Geometry... The features of Alpine houses are very simple: straight lines, strict forms, consistent angles, symmetry.
- Simplicity... The atmosphere of coziness is achieved by rejecting deliberately new and luxurious things. The interior design is as simple as possible, many things have history and character.
- Brutality... The style of the chalet is rather rude - it attracts some, it repels others. But the fact remains. The texture of burnt wood, large stone, brick, beams, animal skins are distinctive features of the interior.
Which finish to choose?
You don't need to be a connoisseur or a designer to figure out - chalet-style kitchen finishes are mostly made of wood. And this wooden expansion begins from the walls, ceiling... In a wooden house, it is advisable to leave the walls as they are, because it is impossible to come up with something better than the natural relief.
But if the country house is blocky or the condition of the walls leaves much to be desired, cover them with panels, solid wood clapboard, raised beam or block house.
Kitchen ceiling decoration assumes the obligatory presence of massive beams: they can be located on top of a wooden or ordinary plastered, painted base.
Advice! If the ceilings in a house or city apartment are low (up to 3 meters), it is recommended to make the ceiling light, so the kitchen will seem larger.
Wall decoration may not be 100% wood: in modern kitchen interiors, wood elements are combined with paint, ceramic tiles, panels made of natural or artificial stone (used in the work area instead of an apron).
Important! The wood used must be treated before mounting on the wall. The impregnation must protect the material from rot, fire and insects.
Chalet-style kitchen interior limits choice of flooring... In fact, an authentic floor can be either planks or tiles or porcelain stoneware (preferably dark). But the recommendation is more desirable than mandatory: imitation can be used to increase the practicality of the kitchen. For example, laminate or parquet flooring.
What furniture and equipment to choose?
The main component of the chalet-style kitchen interior is the set. The perception of the room, functionality, aesthetics depends on the choice of furniture. The theme of wood can be traced in this case as well - often cabinets are made to match the walls from the same or similar wood.
Since the chalet is often designed according to the principle open space, while the dining area is taken out into the living room, on the very make a bar in the kitchen or an island.A tall table top with matching chairs is used for quick snacks such as breakfast or tea breaks when lay the table the dining area makes no sense.
There is a lot of wood in the chalet style, but so that it does not look redundant, the texture needs to be diluted with color accents. For example, making the countertop or part of the facades black or gray.
In pursuit of rustic authenticity, do not forget about technology: if some objects can be hidden or embedded, do it! See for yourself: in the lower photos of the kitchens behind the wooden facades, you can hardly see the refrigerator and dishwasher. The stove can be left in plain sight, but supplemented with a "fireplace" type hood (expanding towards the bottom).
Last but not least, furniture doesn't have to be wooden or monochrome! The headset can be colored, but always matte. When using other colors (red, blue, green), remember that the main gamut is dark, muted. Therefore, too light or bright shades are inappropriate. Give preference to complex interesting shades: cobalt, thunderstorm, coniferous, sea wave.
We select the right textiles and decor
The chalet does not only acquire its charm through the furnishings and kitchen furniture. This decorative style requires an abundance of embellishments.
Functional accessories are suitable for the kitchen: for example, dishes on open shelves or hooks, jars of spices, bottles of wine in the bar cabinet. Also, natural elements are often used as decor: just look at this lamp and a candlestick made of branches!
An integral part of the jewelry is textile: tablecloths, curtains, runners, napkins, towels - this is not a complete list of what can be used to decorate the kitchen. On chairs or benches in the dining room, natural or artificial skins are appropriate, they can also be laid on the floor near the cooking area.
note on a color palette: wood is harmoniously complemented by dark blue, burgundy, white, gray. Beige and brown also work, but can get lost in the woods.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Chalet style is still more about a country vacation. If your kitchen has a window with a beautiful view, try to install a sink underneath to admire the nature while washing dishes or vegetables.
Since the spaces of houses are usually large, the upper row of cabinets can be safely abandoned by choosing a one-story kitchen instead of a two-tier kitchen, but u-shaped. Storage space the bottom will be enough, and above the countertop there will be space for open shelves and beautiful dishes.
Don't forget about lighting! Think over different scenarios and use the lamps to your advantage. For example, in working area the light should be bright. And above the dining table or bar - warm and muted.
Decorating a kitchen under a chalet is not an easy, but very interesting task. When creating an interior yourself, rely on the main style features - this way you can recreate the atmosphere without the need to implement complex solutions.