Constructivism belongs to a group of avant-garde styles. In the late XIX-early XX centuries in the fine arts began to arise new trends that completely denied the tradition. They clearly traced persistent attempts to find a new, previously unused. The avant-garde originates in Europe, where its main inspirations were created, and the homeland of constructivism is considered to be the USSR. At the first stages of the establishment of Soviet power, an "international" style began to be developed that reflected the main aspects of collectivization: the simplicity of forms, laconism in decor, and strict geometric shapes. In part, constructivism resembled a potpourri of abstract art and minimalism. Initially, the direction "leaked" into architecture. In those days, urban development accelerated the pace, since the new government sought to create its own rational world on the ruins of the former. Then the style moved to landscape design, interior design and captured the cultural side of the life of the Soviet man: literature, music and photography.
- Systematization. Absolutely throughout the interior should be followed by a clear order that will not allow "get lost" guests in the room, and the owners on their own shelves in the closet. If you belong to the supporters of the "creative disorder" in the apartment and in the head, then this style is not for you.
- Strict color scheme. This feature is typical for most modern styles. Constructivism uses gray, black, brown, but also allows for bright accents.
- Simplicity of lines, "easy" geometry. No smooth curves, rounded shapes in furniture and features of decoration should not be.
- "Greetings" from the Soviet era. Their presence in the premises is not necessary, but to create an unconventional situation such a stylistic move will be, as it is impossible by the way. Drawings in constructivism under taboos, so to revive the atmosphere using graphic posters or posters, which depicts representatives of the working class with slogans and calls from the last century.
- Minimalistic. In interiors only the furniture necessary for living is used. It will be practical, and sometimes multifunctional. In the last nuance, modern fashion trends can be traced.
Constructivism is attributed to simple styles, which, however, are not suitable for everyone. The interior will either have to get used to, or reject right away. The latter concerns young natures who like living rooms. The direction is more suitable for strict, serious people in their ages.
Constructivism does not like the division of rooms, in this he outstripped fashionable interior trends and "anticipated" the popularization of studio apartments.
Decoration Materials
On the finishing materials for constructivism, as they say, you will not go broke. The direction prefers "budget" options: glass, metal, plastic. Simulation of expensive materials is rarely used, as prudence and attempts to reach the status of "luxury" are not about this practical style. Constructivism does not need to prove anything to someone, because he is self-sufficient. However, the direction is not devoid of a unique touch of elegance. It is embodied in chrome and glass surfaces, which stand out against the background of plastic. Walls are pasted with simple wallpaper, the ceiling is plastered and painted or whitened, and the floor is covered with a laminate or a parquet board, devoid of traditional woody patterns. In more modern versions use the floor and stretch ceilings (monochrome and without patterns). In textiles they prefer simple naturalness: cotton, linen, "burlap". Rough textures are welcome, with noticeable stitches of fibers. It is important to know. Designers recommend to abandon the popular tree of brick and stone. These materials in the style of the room will look foreign, as they violate its main principle: minimalism in decoration and decoration.
Furniture
Furnishing is chosen on the principle: the simpler, the better. Each room has a functional minimum, which will be used for its intended purpose, and not stand "for beauty". The concept of the latter in constructivism also has its own. It is expressed in rationality, rigor and style restraint. There is such an "adult" view of the beautiful, contrasting with the "youthful" beauty of Romanticism or the striking charm of Provence. In the furniture, as in the decoration, plastic prevails, which is shaded by metal, glass and mirrors. Surfaces are smooth, without a relief texture. Upholstery of sofas and armchairs with a coarse texture of natural materials or their combination with synthetics.
The need for simple furniture, which in those days produced massively, arose on the basis of the postwar deficit. To sample products and manufactured quickly, and cost a penny, had to give up all the frills. For this reason, furniture performed only basic functions: it was prepared, eaten, slept, sat, worked and rested. All other "delights" were the lot of the bourgeois layer, which was despised.
Color Solutions
The style is always based on the color "trio". If you use more shades, then the brevity and harmony of the interior pattern can be broken. Two colors, as a rule, have a neutral character: white, gray, black, brown, and the third is chosen according to the principle of contrast. The last tone plays in the details of furniture and decor. Especially popular are:
- Red;
- Blue;
- Green;
- Yellow.
Do not recommend the use of drawings, ornaments and patterns.
Lighting
On a special position in constructivism natural light. It should be as many as possible, so that the room literally bathed in it. In private homes for these purposes, install panoramic windows in the floor. This nuance is taken into account at the design stage. In apartments where you can not change the order of things, windows are framed with monochrome curtains and airy tulle, which is more like a light cobweb. Such a conventional "obstacle" does not prevent the sun's rays from playing on metal and glass surfaces in the interior. Artificial lighting is studied at three main levels. The general is usually made with the help of a ceiling chandelier, which is located strictly above the center of the room. Additional lighting is provided by floor lamps and wall sconces, the plafonds of which are as simple as possible. Local appliances are installed in places for reading or working. Usually in the role of light sources stand the table lamps.
In particularly small rooms, it is better to refuse the curtains altogether. They are replaced by practical blinds, so as not to bring with them a touch of "office" conditions, choose non-standard panel colors: deep blue, grass green, sunny yellow.
Living room
Living room используется для коллективного отдыха и приема «посетителей». В этой комнате устанавливают шкаф, диван, пару кресел и журнальный столик. Белый пол покрывают квадратным ковриком бежевого цвета, который условно обозначает центр комнаты. От этой точки и отталкиваются при создании интерьерной композиции. Вокруг ковра обустраивают зону для отдыха: один угловой диван или два симметричных друг напротив друга. Между ними журнальный столик, а рядом дополнительные кресла, на случай большого количества гостей. Стену с окном оставляют открытой без мебели, чтобы ничто не мешало свету попадать в комнату. Напротив зоны отдыха вешают плоский телевизор, которому уже не нужны подставки. У противоположной стены устанавливают шкаф с закрытыми полками.
Bedroom
In the functional "set" for the bedroom includes a bed, bedside tables, chest of drawers, a couple of chairs or pouffes and perhaps a closet. The bed is chosen with a metal frame in black or white. It is covered with a light veil: only two or three monochrome pillows are allowed from the decor. On the sides of the bed symmetrically placed two bedside tables. For each set on the lamp with a simple, white lampshade. The floor before the bed is covered with a small square carpet or two small on either side of the bed. The cabinet can be replaced with a combined structure with open and closed shelves. This exceptional step is allowed only in order to dilute the atmosphere of the rest room. In the open shelves are placed books or meager souvenirs, made in the best traditions of minimalism.
Originally in the interior look hinged structures (bedside tables, beds), which embody the practicality in its highest form.
See also: Scandinavian style: application in interior design
Kitchen
In the kitchen, they prefer a headset, and not separately purchased items. Its surface can be both matte and glossy, and it is here that the "right" is used for the accent color. The headset can be red, blue, yellow. The more active the shade, the less it is used additionally in the objects of the decor. The kitchen apron is decorated with ceramic tiles without drawings in strict colors. It is acceptable to create a "chess" composition. The floor is also finished with a tile in the tone of the apron, but larger in size. A square table does not decorate a tablecloth, and chairs are chosen with hard seats without upholstery. Windows are traditionally only slightly curtained.
Children's
Constructivism is rarely used to decorate a children's room. A child like this room may seem unnecessarily boring, but there are also advantages in stylistics. Taking into account the children's requests, growing every year, the character of crumbs in practical conditions can be formed quite differently. Naturally, there will be more bright accents in the room than in other rooms. As an exception, the presence of a figure is allowed: geometric shapes and their combinations. The entire furniture minimum fits in one corner: the bed is an "attic" with a storage area and a work space.
Bathroom
The bathroom is actively used hinged toilet bowls and overhead sinks. The abundance of mirrors, glass and metal will become a stylish addition to the situation. It is better to replace the bathtub with a practical shower. The angle where it will be located can be finished with ceramic tiles of excellent color from other walls, but within the chosen tone composition. Storage areas in small rooms are not recommended. There are a number of non-standard options (narrow racks, shelves under the ceiling), which constructivism simply will not accept. The lack of natural light will have to be filled by increasing the number of artificial light sources.
Entrance hall
In the hallway a closet for storing things and shoes is installed. Open shelves in it are excluded, as this will not correspond to the "systematization" rule when stored. The walls are pasted with wallpapers: bright in large hallways and dark in small ones. From the dresser is recommended to refuse, as from a superfluous interior object. Instead, they install a high mirror in the floor with a simple frame (perhaps bright color, like an accent). If the chest is still present, then choose a hinged model that will add to the interior the original notes. A bench or two low stools for re-training choose contrasting shades.
Conclusion
Trendy in our time hi tech is rightfully considered the "grandson" of Soviet constructivism. Ideas of styles resonate, and sometimes create original combinations. In fact, high-tech is a more modern "version" of constructivism, which knew and accepted the achievements of the century of technological progress. Given the increasing popularity of practicality and simplicity, the style promises a strong position in the future.