ECO STYLE (Greek eikos - house, habitat) - an interior made of natural materials, giving a feeling of unity with nature. One of the most popular styles at the moment.
General characteristics of ECO STYLE
ECO STYLE is a combination natural materials, colors and shapes using modern processing technologies.Ecological design is the desire to recreate the natural environment indoors. Only in an ecological space can a person truly take a break from the city and at the same time feel all the benefits of natural materials.
Basic elements of ECO STYLE:
Feeling close to nature, lots of light,
The main materials used are wood, stone, clay, glass, fabrics made from natural materials,
The main colors used are white, beige, brown, delicate pastel colors, pale
green, pale blue, the color of soil, wood, grass, water, stone.
History of ECO STYLE
ECO STYLE borrowed methods and forms from other styles, so this style does not have a turbulent history of development and famous architectural monuments.
ECO STYLE appeared at the end of the 20th century, when people were tired of environmental problems and decided to create their own ecological world in the house. The design of ECO STYLE is dictated by nature itself. People strive to preserve nature and reproduce it.
An appeal to nature was found earlier in other styles. It was expressed in painting, murals, textures, architectural elements and sculptures. The natural theme was most clearly reflected in Art Nouveau, but Art Nouveau borrowed elements from classical styles. ECO STYLE is based on modern styles using technology and electronics.
The founders of ECO STYLE are considered Scandinavian designers, who combined the naturalness of the material and innovative forms.
ECO STYLE carries positive energy and promotes relaxation - therefore it is very popular in the design of residential premises.
Nowadays, you can quite often find interior stylization (mixing ECO STYLE with other styles).
Features of ECO STYLE
When creating an interior in EKOSTILE, you can use only natural and harmless materials. The created interior can reflect everything - character, habits, and age. At the same time, the interior’s belonging to ECO DESIGN will be obvious.
The main principle of ECO STYLE is naturalness in everything. Consequently, chipboard, plastic and chromed metal are not used in furniture and decorative items.
A very important advantage of ECO STYLE is the opportunity to realize any fantasies. When creating an interior in ECO STYLE, you can use any natural materials of various colors in decoration and furniture. Natural materials such as reed or other leafy wallpaper, river stones, which can be used as wall cladding, are perfect.
ECO STYLE helps to appreciate the beauty of wood, stone, wicker, cotton, flax, wool, baked clay. And you should not overload the natural texture of natural materials with patterns, bright colors and reliefs. Everything should be simple and natural.
When designing ECO STYLE walls, wooden panels, cork, simple paper wallpaper with a barely noticeable plant pattern (preferably without a pattern), wallpaper made from natural plant materials, ceramic tiles (plain or with a plant pattern), finishing stone, and white plaster are used.
A good solution for an ECO STYLE ceiling is wooden panels or a combination of a light ceiling (stretched, whitewashed) with wooden beams.
The floor in ECO STYLE is laid out from terracotta tiles in a natural shade or from stone. Wooden parquet is also in demand in ECO STYLE - both from European species and from cork and bamboo. It is possible to combine dark and light wood.
ECO STYLE furniture is always made only from natural wood, preferably solid wood (solid wood without joints). Tables and stools are made from solid wood trunks and saw cuts, countertops are made from natural stone or marble. There should be little carving - in a modern interior the figures are simple, the shapes are rectilinear. Rattan furniture will make the array lighter. Of course, furniture in ECO STYLE is expensive. Scandinavian-style furniture can be a budget alternative.
For doorways, lightweight solid doors or doors covered with wood veneer are best suited. Interior doors can be glass in a wooden frame, you can use curtains made of shells and bamboo sticks.
For curtains and fabric finishing of furniture in ECO STYLE, chintz, linen, canvas, and matting are used, which symbolize rural life. Curtains made of matting and matting are considered the height of sophistication. For decorating an ecological interior, gray unbleached canvas, which can be purchased at an inexpensive price in an art salon, will be very effective. Wicker blinds-mats are suitable for window decoration. Those who prefer an ecological style claim that natural, undyed fabrics have positive energy.
Decor items in ECO STYLE - vases made of clay or glass, fresh flowers, wicker baskets, chests, tree branches, linen and cotton products, decorative fountains, wooden and straw salt shakers and fruit vases. Bunches of dried herbs and bunches of onions add a special coziness to the kitchen. Absolutely every item in an ECO STYLE interior should bring you closer to nature.
Dishes in ECO STYLE - simple, plain, muted colors, without complex patterns (in extreme cases, a pattern in an ethnic style is possible). The dishes should be made of ceramics or colored glass. You can use wooden utensils and cotton napkins.
The interior in ECO STYLE can be diversified with an aquarium. ECO STYLE implies not only the presence of flowers in pots, which brings us closer to nature, but also the creation of a winter garden (which can be decorated with stones).
The lighting in the room should be good; for this you can use fluorescent lamps, which, in addition to performing their main function (lighting), will also save energy.
In order to decorate a house in an ecological style, it is not necessary to cover the entire apartment with wood. You can make at least one thing out of wood - the floor, walls, doors or windows. Or you can work with wood yourself, purchased inexpensively in its unprocessed form - this is also a kind of communication with nature.
Do not confuse ECO STYLE with country style. In country style there is a large amount of lace, painting, and carving. ECO STYLE reflects the modern interior, its minimalism, functionality and simplicity.
The best source of inspiration for creating an interior design in ECO STYLE is, of course, nature itself. ECO STYLE is the embodiment of nature and peace, a kind of protest against environmental pollution.
Eco-style is a rapidly developing trend in interior design. Natural motifs, an abundance of wood, plants, water-based paints and varnishes are relevant here. By implementing the principles of eco-design, you can create a comfortable, energizing interior that looks fresh and harmonious.
In this article we will look at the basics and distinctive features of eco-style, where it is used and who it is suitable for. You will also find tips on decorating modern housing in a natural style and examples of implementing original ideas.
Eco-style is suitable not only for country housing, it looks good in city apartments, hotels, hostels, cafes, offices, and creative spaces. Interestingly, eco design easily combines with the features of loft, Scandinavian, marine, tropical, ethno, hi-tech or minimalism styles.
It is important to understand that eco-style is not just interior design, it is a whole philosophy, a way of life, an integrated approach to home improvement. It is chosen by those who value unity with nature, an eco-friendly lifestyle, and strive to minimize the negative impact on the environment. In an era of densely populated cities and an accelerated pace of life, this style is at the peak of popularity. Like the classics, eco-design will always be relevant, because it reflects the natural origin of all living things.
Why choose ecostyle
Eco-friendly design has a number of benefits that make it so popular:
Positive energy and a cozy atmosphere: in such an environment a person feels peace and tunes in to a positive wave.
Natural aesthetics: laconic forms, calm soft shades, attractive wood texture look noble and harmonious.
Possibility of realizing creative ideas: due to the absence of strict boundaries, this direction provides greater freedom of creativity. Designers constantly surprise with new ideas, embodying a fresh look at familiar things.
Safety of materials: by giving preference to materials that do not contain harmful substances, you do not have to worry about the health of your loved ones.
Functionality and practicality: furniture factories today present modular multifunctional designs and transformable items. By experimenting with the base, you can change the interior to suit your current needs.
The interior can also incorporate psychodesign that reflects the individuality of the residents. Design in eco style has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state , which is especially important in conditions of an accelerated pace of life and nervous overload.
Characteristics of sustainable design
So, what is eco-style expressed in?
The main idea here is the harmony of the interior with the environment. The main materials used: roughly processed wood, cork, bamboo, rattan, ceramics, stone, natural fabrics, glass, eco-leather. The emphasis is on the natural texture of the material; artificially aged surfaces fit organically. Scandinavian and Japanese designers were the first to pay attention to the beauty of natural raw materials.
Woody, pastel tones, shades of green, water, and stone are preferred in the color scheme. White, milky, sand, gradations of gray, dusty blue, light blue are suitable as a base. Light natural shades soothe and create a harmonious atmosphere. Bright accents and dark colors look impressive against the background of calm finishing tones.
When combining shades, focus on natural landscapes. Just look at what colors are combined in the surrounding landscapes. You can choose the theme of a forest, tropical jungle, sea coast, birch grove.
This style pays Special attention environmental protection. By this we mean accounting for the origin of raw materials, rational use of resources, conditions for manufacturing goods, the possibility of recycling.
Most Italian factories have switched to environmentally friendly production : manufacturers use materials from sources responsible for environmental management , implement a closed recycling cycle, paint furniture only with harmless compounds.
Materials must be safe for health , hypoallergenic. Welcome products from recycled materials and energy-saving technologies. In private homes, solar panels, wind generators, and containers for separate waste collection are often installed. A good example of saving energy is a window in a bathroom or toilet. This solution looks aesthetically pleasing and fresh. In order to save energy, you can install motion sensors for lamps, floor heating controls, LED or energy-saving lamps.
For bathrooms and kitchens, plumbing manufacturers offer touch-sensitive faucets, aerators for faucets or showers, and mirrors with visible messages indicating excessive water consumption. A sink in the form of a bowl made of stone, wood, colored ceramics or glass will organically fit into the ecological interior of the bathroom.
Ecodesign involves minimalism, refusal of excesses, cluttering of space. Eco-style designers call for freeing homes from unnecessary things, stopping the process of thoughtless consumption, and restoring connection with nature. The whole atmosphere in such an interior sets the mood for meditation, contemplation, and relaxation. Therefore, elements characteristic of Zen style are often added to the design: bamboo flooring, pebbles, Japanese tatami.
Another important point is the abundance of greenery or phytodesign of the premises. Living plants in the house give a feeling of closeness to nature, purify the air, and create a healthy microclimate. The rooms are decorated with flowers in pots, cache-pots or boxes, florariums, and flower arrangements. Green walls with flowers in pots, boxes or from moss and climbing plants look impressive. This type of decor can be implemented in a cafe, office, beauty salon, fitness center, apartment. To do this, it is necessary to equip drainage, planting containers, irrigation and lighting systems. In the kitchen or loggia you can plant edible herbs for salads and making tea.
The theme of water is no less popular. Indoors you can install indoor waterfalls, aquariums, lamps with wave projection, and water walls. By the way, the philosophy of Feng Shui speaks about the same thing.
Natural motifs are relevant in the design. On the walls, furniture, and textiles you can see floral and animal prints; posters, paintings of botanical themes, and herbariums are popular. Often there are pieces of furniture, decor, and dishes in the form of natural images: tree branches, honeycombs, silhouettes of animals, nests, leaves, snags. Ceramic flower pots, wicker flowerpots, and decor made from natural materials fit well into the decor.
How did eco-style appear?
For the first time, the ideas of combining the design of a residential environment with natural forms in a conscious way, as a directed step, appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. The result was the birth of the Art Nouveau architectural style, which was continued in interior solutions. This was not yet eco-design in its modern sense. Then the task was not to use renewable materials that would not harm the environment and the people living in this interior. But the idea of synthesizing natural lines with architectural forms that give harmony and preserve the natural beauty of space is already firmly rooted in the minds of artists, architects and consumers. It’s nice that modern customers are happy to build their interiors and houses in the Art Nouveau style using modern technologically advanced and safe materials. And who can say that this is not one of the modern manifestations of eco-design.
The foundations of modern eco-design originated at the end of the 20th century. At this time, environmental problems and excessive consumption were acutely felt, and people sought to recreate a corner of nature in their home. After the “plastic boom” and bright acid colors, designers again turned to natural materials and shades. The origins of the style should be sought in architecture.
The French architect Le Corbusier was the first to speak about the environmental safety of living space. His principles of open architecture with “free facades” that are visible through, open layouts of interior spaces, “roof gardens” were innovative. Now we consider such decisions as a matter of course.
Another ideologist of the emerging eco-style, in our understanding, was the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who created his famous House over the Waterfall back in the mid-30s of the 20th century. This project, along with Wright's own home, called the Taliesin Residence, became the "first signs" of the style of Organic architecture he created.
Eco-design borrows certain methods and solutions from other styles, so it can hardly be called unique. Similar principles can be found in Loft: natural materials are also used here, but this style is based on minimalism.
Natural materials are also typical for country, but these styles should not be confused. Eco-design perfectly combines natural materials and innovative household appliances, electronics, and the latest technological solutions. Whereas in country or, for example, rustic style we see a simplification of technology and life itself. Therefore, it is not entirely customary to refer such decisions specifically to ecodesign.
Features of decorating a house in eco-style
Eco-design can be implemented in any room: bedroom, living room, nursery, hallway. It looks especially impressive in kitchens and bathrooms.
Layout
It is important to leave free space in the rooms so that natural light easily penetrates the house. In such a room you can easily breathe and dream; here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.
The most successful layout taking into account insolation should be chosen at the design stage. The ideal option is rooms with high ceilings, panoramic windows with wooden frames. You can create a cozy corner for reading or working by the window by expanding the window sill.
In living rooms and dining rooms, open layouts and wide openings are preferred. Rooms are often combined and functional areas are separated. Sliding doors, wardrobes, stained glass windows, arches, shelving, and decorative partitions are used to separate rooms.
Finishing
The combination of materials with a uniform surface and objects with a pronounced texture looks attractive. The walls can be covered with wooden panels, cork, fabric wallpaper, finishing stone, plaster or water-based paint. Photo wallpapers, inserts made of stone, pebbles, wood panels, and frescoes are welcome. White walls can be safely combined with dark shades of wood, black, and bright greens. By decorating part of the wall with the same boards as the floor, you will create a single harmonious space.
A popular design technique is barn board laid out on the wall in horizontal rows and decorated in different colors.
It is permissible to use artificial materials with a minimum content of harmful substances. This approach allows us to preserve wildlife, which is especially important now.
For the floor, natural solid wood, parquet, engineered wood, stone, and ceramic tiles in natural shades are used. Mats, matting, carpets with fluffy pile, and fabric rugs in ethnic style fit perfectly into the interior. I want to walk on this floor barefoot.
A good idea for an eco-friendly interior is to focus attention on the canvas. For finishing, you can use wooden panels, beams, or simple painting in matte white or a light shade is also suitable. Tensile and multi-level structures should be abandoned.
Suitable interior doors made of solid wood, lined with veneer; glass partitions are also appropriate. Instead of doors in the opening, you can hang thread curtains, original curtains made of shells, beads, bamboo or other materials.
Textile
Natural fabrics are suitable for home decoration: linen, cotton, matting, wool, canvas. Most often, undyed or hand-decorated textiles are used.
For windows, you can buy Roman or roller blinds. The fabric should be natural light shades and can be decorated with light patterns or stamps. Heavy thick curtains, lambrequins and ruffles are not suitable.
Lighting
When designing housing in an eco-style, the maximum amount of natural light is used. For additional lighting, spot or hidden lighting implemented on LED components is well suited. The interior will be decorated with original lamps and floor lamps made of wood, metal, fabric, rice paper; lava lamps and salt lamps are also suitable.
Furniture
The main rule in furniture is minimalism and functionality. Eco-style furniture is characterized by simplicity, regularity of shape and ergonomics. It is characterized by the absence of relief decoration, complex designs, and carvings.
Designs made from natural wood in light colors are preferred. Countertops and tables can be made from saw cuts, solid wood, marble, stone, with or without processing. An original element of eco-interior are tree branches and whole trunks. They are used to make vertical and horizontal hangers, the base of lamps, and headboards of beds.
Products of simple, rough shapes with a natural or minimally processed surface are suitable. Another option is furniture with smooth silhouettes found in nature. For such products, careful processing and polishing is acceptable. The color and shape of the furniture are selected to match the overall coloristic and style concept. Individual interior items with expressive texture can also become a color accent.
Upholstered furniture is often equipped with wooden armrests. The upholstery is also dominated by fabrics of natural or semi-natural origin. The sofa or armchairs will be enlivened by pillows with bright covers.
Wicker furniture is relevant for terraces, verandas, gardens, and kitchens. Rocking chairs and hanging models fit perfectly into the decor. The country interior will be complemented by real and bio-fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and woodpiles.
Old wine boxes and pallets are used to make cabinets, tables, racks, shelves and even bed frames.
In addition to wood, furniture is made from environmentally friendly artificial materials and recycled materials. It can be stylized as a natural object or imitate the surface of wood, stone, grass. Production from recycled materials allows us to minimize the impact on the environment and save natural resources, which fully reflects the concept of style. In the catalog of European manufacturers you can find children's furniture that “grows” with the child. A striking example of the eco-friendly approach is Caroti furniture, made from 100% solid wood. Here the child not only comes into tactile contact with natural materials. but is also surrounded by environmentally safe furniture.
The Honey chest of drawers from the Italian factory Tonin Casa illustrates a striking example when a thing is made in eco style, but from modern materials. The fronts of the chest of drawers are made in the form of a honeycomb. This product uses both natural materials: solid wood, veneer, and modern ones: MDF, glass, metal.
The factory's catalog also presents original models of tables, coffee tables, and interior items that will complement eco-style interiors.
Here are some more inspiring examples of eco-style furniture made from technological materials:
Shelf in the shape of a teardrop made of stainless steel from Cattelan Italia. You can place books, drinks, and decorative items on the shelves.
Wall mirrors have an interesting streamlined shape, reminiscent of drops or stones.
Amazing Orion wardrobe with voluminous decor. The pattern on the surface resembles the veins of a leaf, as well as the constellation Orion.
- Koi with brass fish scale base.
Another example from the Brabbu factory catalog is the Sequoia coffee table covered with natural veneer and brass trim.
Floor metal hanger Alga from the Tonin Casa factory in the form of sprouts or algae.
Original Spiga hanger in the shape of a stem from Angelo Tomaiuolo, Tonin Casa factory.
Wave dining table with wave base and glass top. The table support is made of technological material Baydur - polyurethane pressed under high pressure.
As can be seen from the examples, the interior of this theme does not have to be made only from natural materials. These options will appeal to those who love fresh ideas and are ready to experiment.
Accessories
Eco-style decor is discreet, functional, yet light and attractive. To decorate the premises, use glass or ceramic vases, indoor and cut flowers, compositions of dried flowers, mirrors and photo frames in decorative frames. Tree cuts, moss, and branches are often used as decoration.
A stylish design element is wicker baskets, flower pots, made of natural fibers: jute, hemp, wicker, burlap decor, twine. You can place storage baskets in the bedroom, nursery, bathroom, dressing room. It is both a functional and decorative item.
For dishes, soft colors and simple patterns are also used. Cups, bowls, ladles, and cooking utensils are placed on open shelves and hooks as part of the design.
You can decorate the house yourself; there are many options for expressing your creative abilities: embroidery, macrame, printing on fabric for curtains, napkins, tablecloths, towels, decorating wooden surfaces, growing plants.
In the kitchen, wooden boards, trays, wicker fruit vases, and handmade ceramic dishes look attractive.
The photo shows a Maya wall panel from the creative workshop OSEVER (St. Petersburg).
Eco-design in Italian furniture
The Italian furniture industry, as one of the leaders in the global market, pays significant attention not only to eco-design as such, but also treats the environmental safety of its products with special care. Of course, issues of reasonable and rational use are not ignored. natural resources. In the offers of most of the largest Italian factories we will find furniture for creating an interior in eco-style. In this row there are manufacturers of luxury furniture, factories with mass production and small family workshops with affordable prices. We invite you to familiarize yourself with some popular collections of Italian factories in eco-style:
Stilema Zen: chests of drawers, beds, and cabinets in this series are characterized by slanted, tapering legs in the spirit of the 60s. The facades are decorated with relief patterns in the shape of a wave.
Volpi Sunrise: a modern collection in a warm wood tone.
Dining tables with a wooden top are one of the simple and practical ways to add the desired intonation to an interior in a high-tech or classic style. Factory Cattelan Italia one of the leaders in this field.
Factory MIDJ shows us an example of how environmental objects can be created using modern structural materials.
Completely wooden structures offers Alta Corte factory:
Their EcoLab collection balances on the verge of loft, eco-style and minimalism
Volpi Factory In addition to furniture for the home, I came up with an original executive office in eco-style. Elegant, discreet, but at the same time challenging, this is what real leaders often want to see in their office.
Bedroom collections Accademia del factoriesMobile in an elegant style and entirely made of wood:
If you think that eco-furniture, especially from Italy, is insanely expensive, then this is not so. A striking example is the series for the daytime zone from factoriesMaronese. The collection is called Scuderia, which means stable, and its price is quite competitive with domestic manufacturers, surpassing in quality.
Some factories offer unusual furniture made from aged wood. For its production, wood is used from ancient building structures: houses, warehouses, stables. In the warm, dry Italian climate, such wood ages beautifully naturally, retaining the energy of ancient village buildings. One of these manufacturers: Naturedesign factory. You could already see the bed they produced above, and here you can admire the natural antique wood texture in the ILL TAVOLO dining table.
Sometimes eco-design ideas find an organic continuation in classic furniture. The main technique of such stylization is finishing the furniture surface with natural wood with the so-called “open pore” and coating with water-based varnishes, which emphasize the natural structure of the wood. Patination is traditionally added, giving the furniture an antique look.
In conclusion, I would like to note with joy that the fashion for eco-friendly interior design continues to gain momentum. This desire of more and more people to live in harmony with nature allows us to look with hope at the future of our planet.
In the modern world, in large cities and metropolitan areas, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find islands of wildlife. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ecological style in the interior is experiencing a peak in popularity today.
Designers offer universal techniques that allow you to create real oases and protected corners in an ordinary city apartment that give a feeling of peace and harmony. Today’s material is about how to bring nature closer to yourself and create an eco-style in the interior of a bedroom, living room or kitchen.
Ecostyle today is characterized by maximum harmony and closeness to the surrounding nature. At the same time, a natural living space is formed, convenient and comfortable, in which human life processes have minimal negative impact on the environment. This can be emphasized with the help of furnishings made from previously used materials - beds, tables, sofas made from pallets.
The atmosphere in a natural interior is natural, light, filled with freedom and spaciousness.
The advantages of this style include the following:
- Use of natural materials. Refusal of synthetic, plastic products and other artificial products;
- Formation of a healthy microclimate beneficial for human health, the creation of which is largely facilitated by a large number of living plants;
- Freedom of creativity and self-expression;
- Creating an anti-stress atmosphere;
- Conceptual design of living space.
Color spectrum
Nature itself suggests shades that can be used in an ecological style. Unnatural, “acid” colors and harsh combinations are excluded.
The most common natural shades include the following:
- Green. The entire palette of herbaceous tones is used;
- Blue– all possible shades of the sky that fill the interior with cleanliness and freshness. Such shades are used to decorate the upper part of the walls and ceiling, since the shade is quite cool;
- Terracotta– natural clay, brick, ocher color is the hallmark of eco-style;
- Brown– earthy, earthy and woody shade, giving a feeling of confidence and security;
- Beige– warm sand and straw shades, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the interior;
- Yellow. Natural, natural tones are used, often warm;
- White color. It has many natural shades - from the frosty freshness of snow cover to the warm color of fresh milk. Used as a background for living plants and natural textures;
- Gray is the color of stones. In the interior, accent surfaces are created from pebbles and other stones, the color palette of which is limitless.
Note! It is recommended to exclude black color in its pure form, since it is not typical for natural conditions.
Interiors in a natural style are often thematic in nature, taking into account the characteristics of a particular natural landscape: forest, jungle, birch grove, ocean.
What to consider when finishing surfaces
To decorate the walls, you can use materials of different prices:
- Pasting with paper plain wallpaper or with floral patterns, as well as photo wallpaper with a natural theme;
- Painting with water-based paint;
- Facing with tiles imitating natural stone;
- Plastering;
- Finishing with cork and wood panels;
- Facing with stone slabs and other natural materials, for example, wood cuts;
- Pasting with natural wallpaper - sisal, bamboo, jute.
Note! To achieve the best decorative effect, it is recommended to use a combination of several finishing materials.
A budget-friendly way to emphasize natural interior design is to use large-format photo wallpaper with macro photography - this could be a leaf, flower, stone or butterfly wing. Such photo wallpapers are made from environmentally friendly materials and do not form joints when glued.
Important! The interior should not contain geometric patterns or straight lines. If the wallpaper has a pattern, then it should be made in the form of smooth vertical lines in the form of stems and leaves.
In small rooms, the ceiling should have a simple design - use whitewash, paintable wallpaper or matte stretch fabric. If the height of the ceiling allows, then wooden panels and beams are used to decorate its surface, and multi-level and dome structures are created.
It is acceptable to use wooden coffered ceilings. With the help of a stretch ceiling, they create the illusion of an open, clear or starry sky.
The flooring in a natural interior is made of parquet, solid wood, parquet board or cork covering. In rooms with high humidity, stone slabs or their imitation in the form of ceramic slabs are used.
Additional decoration is provided by mats and mats on the floor and walls made of straw, hemp, bamboo or coconut. You can purchase a soft rug that imitates a green lawn.
Choosing furniture
A number of requirements are put forward for the choice of furniture when creating an eco-style, which are not recommended to be ignored:
- The manufacturing material must be natural, so the furniture can be made of solid wood or wicker from wicker, bamboo or rattan;
- In shape, furnishings should have simple, clear geometric lines, or convey natural natural curves;
- The size of the furniture should be quite massive;
- The texture should have minimal traces of processing and polishing.
Note! In a small room you can use an elegant wicker furniture set.
Equally important is furniture upholstery, which should be made from natural dense fabric - chintz, wool, linen, satin. Metal and plastic furniture are not used in natural interiors.
You can emphasize the natural style in the interior using furniture in the following ways:
- The simplest one is to put linen covers on chairs, sofas or armchairs;
- You can use plastic transparent furniture as an exception, which will support the concept of open space;
- The table top can be made of tempered glass;
- Classic wardrobes are replaced with low furniture - chests of drawers, baskets, chests;
- White furniture and cabinets with mirrored doors located opposite the window are welcome.
The role of lighting
Natural lighting plays a leading role in creating an eco-style in the interior, so panoramic glazing is used whenever possible. In an ordinary apartment, this can be done by combining a room with a balcony.
To ensure that as much light as possible penetrates into the apartment, pay attention to the design of the window frame - modern aluminum profiles differ from PVC frames in their smaller width. A white window will fill the room with light, but an imitation of a wooden surface is possible, only of high quality.
Ideally, the window frame should be wooden, but modern solid wood profiles are quite expensive.
If there is little natural light, it is necessary to carefully consider artificial lighting, which should be as hidden as possible in the form of built-in lamps or halogen lighting. The lamps are decorated with lampshades made of natural materials – rice paper, textiles, wicker.
The lighting spectrum is selected to be soft and warm. You can increase the amount of light in a room by using light floors, walls and ceilings, as well as reflective surfaces. The windows are decorated with functional blinds with wooden slats, bamboo roller shutters, and roller blinds made of natural fabrics.
Features of decorating space
Properly selected decor will help complete the interior in a natural style. If we turn to nature in its natural manifestation, it will be clear that there is nothing superfluous in it, therefore, when decorating a room, it is necessary to adhere to a minimalist concept.
Decoration of the room occurs using the following techniques:
- Convenient storage areas are organized using wicker baskets and chests;
- You can insulate the floor using homespun rugs;
- An expressive ecological composition can be made up of original paintings made of stone, wood, wicker vases with fruit, pebbles in glassware on the table;
- Using textile pillows made from natural fabrics, you can soften the interior;
- To zone the space, use light partitions and screens made of natural materials - fabrics, bamboo, wood;
- Dishes and vases used as decorative details should have a simple shape. The manufacturing material is ceramics, glass or clay. You can supplement them with dried flowers;
- A distinctive feature of this style is that many decorative elements can be made from available natural materials without spending a penny. These can be panels made of shells, lamps made of branches. Sea pebbles are used to decorate shelves and niches;
- A fireplace would be appropriate in such an interior. In an ordinary apartment, you can make a structure from plasterboard, which in appearance can be indistinguishable from a real fireplace with proper finishing. You can decorate the inside with candles, a woodpile, or wooden cuts;
- Using wooden cuts, you can create not only decorative elements, but also furnishings;
- You can support the marine theme with the help of an aquarium. You can play up its design with strands of hemp to imitate ship ropes, shells, and seashells.
Increasingly, the inscriptions “bio” and “organic” are found on food products, household chemicals, clothes. “Green” and natural are a trend in modern life. Why not take a step forward to nature - create an eco-style in the interior of your home. As a result, you get a real oasis, a personal reserved corner where you can relax, calm down, and feel inner harmony. The design is ideal for city dwellers, creative individuals, lovers of living plants, and simply those who are not indifferent to environmental problems, especially since it is possible to find a solution for any budget.
Peculiarities
Modern eco-style is maximum harmony with the surrounding nature, preserving convenience, human comfort, and the ability to reduce the harm caused by human activity. Natural style can be recreated from previously used items: furniture made from pallets. Visually, the eco interior creates a feeling of naturalness, lightness, freedom, and spaciousness.
Advantages:
- Natural materials. No synthetics, plastics, chemical products;
- Healthy microclimate. Live plants will help;
- Creative freedom;
- Opportunity for self-expression;
- Anti-stress atmosphere;
- Conceptual interior.
Color version
The choice of colors used is prompted by nature itself. Sharp color combinations and “acid” shades are excluded.
Primary colors:
- Green. Each shade resembles the plant world: grass, tree crowns.
- Blue. The color of a cloudless sky will fill you with freshness. Best used in the upper part of the room, accents - this is a cool tone.
- Terracotta. The original, rich color includes natural shades of red-brown. The use of a palette is an absolute indicator of style.
- Brown is the color of earth, wood texture.
- Beige – shades of sand and straw create a background space.
- Yellow – sunbeams that create accents.
- White is an analogue of the first snow, of special purity, an excellent background for plants.
Eliminate the color black - it does not exist in nature in its pure form.
Thematic design based on a specific landscape is popular: forest, jungle, birch grove, ocean. White color, modifications (milky shades, ivory, sea foam) are often taken as the basis, diluting, for example, green, brown (forest theme).
Surface finishing
The walls are decorated with natural materials of different price categories:
- Paper wallpaper (plain; floral motifs);
- Water-based paint;
- Tiles - imitation of natural stone;
- Plaster;
- Cork, wood panels;
- Stone slabs;
- Wallpaper: sisal, jute, bamboo.
The best effect is achieved by a harmonious combination of several types of finishes. Photo wallpaper with images of nature is an effective way to design on a budget. Pros: no joints when gluing, environmentally friendly raw materials. The collages are particularly original: macro photographs of foliage, a flower, a stone, a butterfly wing. As for the ornaments - smooth vertical lines reminiscent of stems and leaves. Eliminate straight lines and geometric patterns.
For small rooms, the simplicity of the ceiling, made with whitewash, paintable wallpaper, and matte tension structures, is optimal. The ceiling is quite high, the area of the room is significant - finishing with wooden panels, beams, playing levels, creating a dome is allowed. The coffered ceiling with characteristic cells - recesses made of wood looks environmentally friendly, but at the same time respectable. The style direction will be set by ceiling coverings using photo printing techniques: clouds, starry sky, most importantly, in moderation.
The correct floor covering a la naturel is made of wood: parquet, solid wood of various species. The popular cork covering will add additional coziness and comfort. It is possible to use stone slabs, a budget option– ceramic tiles. The final touches will be a carpet imitating a green lawn, mats, matting made from natural ingredients: straw, hemp, bamboo, the softest coconut mats.
Furniture
For furniture, eco-design has fairly clear requirements:
For small rooms - elegant wicker furniture, for example an original dining set. Bold design solutions emphasize abrasions, faded parts, scratches, and other signs of reuse. Upholstered furniture should be covered with natural fabric upholstery: wool, chintz, linen, satin.
Current trend: a bed or sitting area made of rounded timber, complemented by mattresses and textile accessories necessary for comfort.
Ecostyle does not allow the use of plastic or metal furniture. Method: put linen canvas covers on chairs. Transparent plastic is acceptable (chairs, tables). “Disappearing” furniture will disappear and will not disrupt the concept of open space. Glass is also widely used, in particular tabletops.
Low furniture for storing things will help to achieve the necessary space: replace classic cabinets with chests of drawers, leaving the upper part of the room open; choose furniture with a mirrored, white front wall; location - opposite the window.
The importance of windows in lighting
Natural lighting is important for eco style. Often designers propose including a window space into the created interior, especially when planning individual houses. Use every opportunity to make the largest panoramic windows possible, for example by adding a loggia, emphasizing the eco-style of the apartment’s interior. Minimize the number of partitions in the window frame structure. The optimal material is wood, a good plastic imitation.
When natural light is not enough, artificial lighting is added. Inconspicuous built-in lamps and halogen lighting are perfect for a discreet natural interior. Lamps with lampshades made of wicker, rice paper, and textiles are popular; exotic - elements of animal horns. To make the light soft, energy-saving warm light lamps are used, the total number of which corresponds to the functionality of the room. Light ceilings, floors, and reflective surfaces will help create good lighting. Control of lighting modes and adjustable brightness will help to implement the eco-concept.
To achieve maximum light penetration, classic curtain options are replaced with roller blinds, Japanese curtains, bamboo roller shutters, and wooden blinds; folded completely when appropriate.
Decor
Decor will help complete the eco look. In a natural environment there are no unnecessary excesses; it is worth adhering to some minimalism when decorating a room. If the components of the decor carry meaning, it means that true harmony is close. Wicker baskets and chests are convenient places to store things; homespun rugs – floor insulation.
An expressive ecological composition will include original paintings made of stone, wood, wicker vases with fruit, and pebbles in a glass vase. All kinds of pillows will soften the interior; if zoning is necessary, light bamboo partitions will come to the rescue. Ceramic, glass, clay vases should have a simple shape; bouquets of dried flowers will add a special natural flavor.
The main advantage of the style is the ability to make exclusive decor, a piece of furniture from scrap materials absolutely free, with your own hands: a chandelier from birch branches, a panel from shells. Sea pebbles (available for sale) are used to decorate shelves and niches. You can achieve a natural ambience with the help of huge floor pillows that resemble boulders - you can simply do it yourself.
A fireplace would be a great addition. Appeared modern systems with natural, live flame, running on safe biological smokeless fuel. Logs stacked nearby will emphasize the closeness to nature. The area is limited - decorate the fireplace area with wooden cuts. There are a lot of options: imitating a woodpile, laid out chaotically, observing the ornament. Wooden cuts are a great way to zone different rooms.
The aquarium will harmoniously fit into the marine style of the room. Its presence will be enhanced by strands of hemp imitating ship ropes, various shells, and seashells. A large aquarium is the main focal point.
Green decor
Houseplant lovers have a unique opportunity to make their hobby a recognizable feature that characterizes the natural style. A living green wall is a sign of a high-class natural style. But you will have to invest a lot of effort, time, and money. The equipment consists of a special design with planting tanks, a set of systems: irrigation, drainage, lighting, the combined operation of which will enable plant growth. Looking at the greenery, you will receive not only aesthetic pleasure, but also fresh, oxygen-filled air.
If you are new to floriculture and are afraid to take responsibility for such a global project, reduce the scope. Paint the wall that you hypothetically see green with light paint, make local areas occupied by greenery - phyto-pictures; then it can be easily converted to a full-size living wall. Use special stabilized moss, which creates an indescribable effect of depth. Does not require special maintenance other than spraying.
All over the world, the idea of micro-gardening and micro-vegetable gardening is gaining popularity: more and more urban residents are deprived of the opportunity to have full-fledged summer cottages. The advanced direction of these ideas involves combining business with pleasure - growing greens for food. In an eco-kitchen, plant parsley, dill, and basil in beautiful miniature boxes: fulfill the condition of the style direction and provide seasonings.
Specifics of implementation
The effect of the uniqueness of eco-style: the principles can be partially used in other interiors, for example in minimalism, country, loft, and other modern styles. It is difficult to combine it with ethnic or historical: Empire, Provence. Eco is applicable not only to the construction of innovative houses that fit into the landscape design, but also to standard rooms for various purposes in an ordinary apartment.
All the prerequisites for the embodiment of eco-style have been created in the living room, because it does not tolerate disorder or cramped spaces. The volume of the room will allow the introduction of natural wood beams and the installation of massive upholstered furniture.
Ecostyle will make your bedroom a place of relaxation and complete rest. Soft cream tones blend harmoniously with the furnishings. Paneling made of wooden boards coated with transparent varnish in the headboard area, bedside tables made of the same material - a bedroom set has been created. A large bed with a bamboo and wooden frame looks organic.
In the kitchen, the principle of minimalism is often the most relevant: laconic eco-design options will help out. The easiest way is to add accents that simultaneously separate functional areas: lamps, wooden cuts. Glass will add lightness and airiness to the room - a table, an apron with a floral pattern. For absolute comfort, use a terracotta color that resembles a hearth: it evokes the desire to cook and stimulates appetite. Option: walls or countertop surfaces are painted, milky color is the base. A small kitchen in this design will look dark - terracotta is used as accents (dishes, tablecloths, textiles for the dining table area).
Proper bathroom design requires space, light, and laconic forms of plumbing fixtures. A suitable facing material, porcelain tiles, will reliably imitate wood in the “wet zone”. Add color accents - towels. The only detail in the form of a stone sink or bathtub can add style.
Unity with nature
Undoubtedly, it will take imagination, a sincere love for nature, and a certain amount of time to create a true eco-style. But then you will get not a template, but a truly exclusive design, especially by making your own efforts to create decorative items and furnishings. This is an opportunity to express yourself as a stylish person who at the same time cares about nature and carefully uses its gifts. Give a chance for a piece of living nature to settle in the interior and your heart, and the house will become truly animated.