When referring to the German direction in design, the first thing that comes to mind is neat, like toy houses, whitewashed facades of which are divided into separate sections by dark, narrow slats. Such a design of the exterior is called a half-timbered house - one of the architectural branches of the above-mentioned style. Among professional designers there is an opinion that the classical German direction in the interior is nothing more than one of the variations of the Empire. To a large extent this is true, but the chronology of events in the history of its appearance and development will be considered below. German, like any other ethnic style, absorbed the features of the nation that created it. He is strict, reserved, laconic, and in some nuances even rude. At the same time, the situation is not devoid of gloss and cold patience. Let's talk about the characteristics of the German style in the interior and on specific examples, consider the options for furnishing each of the rooms.
Characteristics and features
The German style is characterized by the following features:
- Perfect, well-balanced balance between functionality and comfort, which has become a kind of visiting card of the direction.
- A competent arrangement of furniture. All items are placed in such a way that it is convenient for a person to move between them. First of all, designers take care of convenience and only then - about beauty.
- Calm colors, which remotely resembles a palette of classical interiors, since the basis is white and shades of brown.
- Moderate use of decorative elements.
- The angularity of furniture is combined with soft curves.
- Presence of a podium and a ledge of a similar design on a ceiling. The latter is used in the modern variation of the German style.
- A characteristic texture of the upholstery of furniture and textiles using floral motifs and a contrasting strip.
In modern German interiors often use suspended furniture designs (beds, curbstones). This solution replaces the traditional podiums, in parallel giving the situation "airiness".
Used materials for decoration
For finishing the ceiling use a simple, non-textured plaster. In modern versions, you can resort to a stretch fabric with a matte surface. In classical German interiors, complex constructions with decorative wooden beams are used, which were decorated with ceilings in Bavarian houses (as in chalets or country houses). Walls are painted, covered with plaster or wallpapered. The surface of the latter choose either monochromatic muted shades, or with a discreet vegetable pattern. In some cases, a strip or cage is used to trim the accent wall. The floor is traditionally covered with wood. If before the boards were used for these purposes, now modern laminate, parquet or tile (in the kitchen and bathroom) are used.
Color spectrum
The basis of the color palette is white and brown tones, which is not surprising, since in the environment a large number of wooden surfaces are used. Interior is made in gradations of dark chocolate, nut, terracotta, sepia, vanilla, bronze, coffee shades. Black and gray are also used. As accents, yellow, blue, Berlin azure, royal purple, charoite and, in rare cases, red, cherry, wine.
Features in choosing furniture
When choosing furniture emphasis is made on functionality. Aesthetics goes into the background. The interior is maintained in classical proportions: comfortable armchairs and soft sofas, small chests of drawers, bedside tables, shelves, beds and coffee tables on thin legs. Furniture facades usually have a smooth surface without unnecessary decorations with simple handles. As for the configuration, the overall angularity of large objects is smoothed out by the softness of the lines of small elements. For example, the kitchen uses a rectangular mahogany table, which is complemented by chairs with semi-circular seats and carved backs.
In small or cramped rooms, the use of folding furniture is allowed, as comfort in German interiors is above all.
Lighting and lighting
The main source of natural light - rectangular windows are closed only by curtains, without using tulle, that is, in the daytime they are completely open. The central lighting is represented by a ceiling luster of a very laconic form. In addition, along the perimeter are placed sources of "working" light: lamps and sconces, which decorate simple plafonds from ordinary or frosted glass. If the room has a podium or pendant furniture, then it must be emphasized with decorative light.
For German interiors is characterized by the use of a large number of small lighting devices, each of which is decorated with a simple "frame". However, they should be placed only in those places where additional lighting is really necessary: in the corner for reading, near the table, next to the mirror.
Textiles, decor and accessories
Decor in the German style is laconic and simple, like the whole situation. Use recommend flowers and everything that is associated with them: vases, pots, sometimes even bottles. In the bedroom there is a bouquet of fresh roses or chrysanthemums on the dressing table. In the living room hang a couple of pots or place elongated vases with dry twigs. In the kitchen, miniature pots are placed with indoor plants. The German decor is characterized by the placement of groups of vases, which differ in shape, size and color of the glass. The walls are decorated with a pair of paintings with neutral subjects, sconces and clocks. Textiles are dominated by natural fabrics. The upholstery of furniture is chosen from dense materials. As a luxurious touch, you can buy chairs with seats from velvet or velor. The windows are hung with solid monochrome curtains to the floor. On the couch in the living room or on the bed in the bedroom you can place a picturesque composition of two-colored pillows.
Read also: Steampunk in the interior +75 photo style 
Examples of interior design
Modern German style is laconic and in many ways similar to minimalism. If it is difficult to sustain in it the interiors of all rooms in an apartment or a country house, then the direction is easily combined with modern, art deco, loft. In each room, the German style can be opened from the "new" side, selecting different color schemes and accent decor. Let's look at examples of what rooms can be, if this direction embodies this direction.
Kitchen
Kitchen в немецком стиле, как правило, сочетает в себе зону для приготовления пищи и столовую группу. Если помещение достаточно большое, то обеденный стол располагают прямо возле гарнитура, чтобы при необходимости его можно было использовать в качестве дополнительной рабочей поверхности. Над столешницей подвешивают конструкцию из лампочек и крюков, на которые цепляют мелкую кухонную утварь. Чтобы добавить больше мест для хранения, выбирают удобный обеденный стол-тумбу с закрытыми полками. Слегка выступающие края столешницы позволят с комфортом обедать за ней, а ящики снизу не будут мешать сидящим. Гарнитур выбирают из дерева светлых оттенков для маленьких кухонек и темно-шоколадных — для больших. Красиво будет смотреться мебельный комплект белого цвета, в котором часть выдвижных ящиков заменена на плетеные корзинки с аккуратными ручками. В такой таре будет удобно хранить продукты, которые не нуждаются в холоде. Пол кухни покрывают крупной керамической плиткой. Выбирают материал белого цвета или с поверхностью, имитирующую мрамор, древесину. Стены оклеивают однотонными виниловыми обоями или покрывают влагостойкой штукатуркой, которая предназначена специально для «мокрых» помещений. Декорируют комнату тарелками на подставках, композицией из фруктов в стеклянной чаше и букетом из живых цветов в вазе.
Living room
Living room в немецком стиле соответствует всем правилам минимализма. Диван выбирают широкий с мягкой обивкой из кожи коричневого оттенка. Рядом располагают кофейный столик, столешница которого при необходимости увеличивается за счет складных «крыльев» по бокам. Под ним на пол стелют ковер с коротким ворсом шоколадного оттенка с редкими белыми вкраплениями. Возле стены напротив дивана устанавливают узкую подвесную тумбу, которая играет роль подставки под телевизор и места для хранения. Чтобы эта зона не выглядела «голой» рядом вешают пару открытых полок из дерева, на которых расставляют книги. Окна занавешивают двухцветными шторами. Если габариты помещения позволяют, то у одной из стен ставят камин. В современных интерьерах допускается использование портативных био-моделей. Если же камин «полноценный», то его декорируют искусственным кирпичом светлых оттенков (из серо-коричневой палитры). Из декора в помещении используют только настенные часы, одну-две картины, горшки с комнатными растениями и люстру округлой формы. Обязательно к каждой зоне добавляют по паре светильников.
Bedroom
The ceiling in the bedroom is decorated with wooden beams of gray color, which contrast with white plaster. The bed is chosen either from wood, or from metal with a rare forged decor. Above, the bed is covered with a checkered or striped coverlet. To the composition add a pair of pillows with an identical pattern, but in different colors. The windows are curtained with thick, heavy curtains of pastel shades. Walls are finished with plaster or covered with light wallpaper. The accent zone at the head of the bed is decorated with boards decked by deck method. Additional decorations on such a wall are not needed, its texture more than compensates for their shortage. On both sides of the bed, they put ebony tables on tall, thin legs. The surface of each is decorated with a lamp with a simple plafond of fabric. Mirror, contrary to generally accepted standards, do not hang on the wall, but choose a mobile model on the "leg". The texture of the accent wall is emphasized by the twin sconces. The floor is covered with a carpet of a soft shade of melted milk with a short nap. Complement the interior composition floor vase with dry twigs or a large pot with a houseplant.
See also: Design of a white bedroom in a classic style 
Entrance hall and corridor
For the hallway in the German style, a furniture set is selected, which includes a cabinet, a hanger and a bench for re-training. From materials, preference is given to wood (light shades for cramped rooms). The floor is covered with a rug with a short pile, which is convenient to vacuum and periodically wash. One of the walls is decorated with a rectangular mirror in a simple wooden frame or without it at all, on the sides of which the sconce is suspended. If the hallway is sufficiently wide, then a cabinet with drawers for storing small things is placed under it. Facades of furniture are simple, smooth, without additional decor. As decorations, a group of vases of different sizes and shapes are used, cardboard boxes with hinged covers.
Bathroom and toilet
For finishing the bathroom choose the traditional option - a large ceramic tile. However, instead of the usual pastel shades, you can purchase a material whose surface imitates the texture of the tree. She is trimmed by the floor, the bottom of the walls and the "box" under the bath. To ensure that the surfaces do not merge, you can choose two shades with a small gradation within the same color. The upper part of the wall is finished with a simple, white tile. The furniture, represented by a narrow locker and a curbstone under the sink, is selected white or gray. Such a design solution will visually expand the space. A square mirror without a rim is hung over the sink, which decorates the sconces in the glass ceiling. The scanty decor of this room is represented only by an elongated vase with a composition of real flowers, which is put on the curb. The floor is covered with a simple white or gray mat. By the way, toilets in combined bathrooms recommend using pendant. From the rest of the room they are separated by a mobile partition of frosted glass without a pattern.
Conclusion
In the German style, ordinary people are attracted by the naturalness and simplicity, which sometimes borders on primitiveness. Designers are happy to take on the design of such interiors, as they are universal and easily adaptable to both spacious rooms and under tight spaces. A German style will not suit everyone. If a person is accustomed to surrounding himself with a lot of "necessary" (and not so) things, then this direction should immediately be rejected. Design in the German style will be quite expensive. Although furniture is used and a minimum, the emphasis will be on quality and natural materials. Also it is worth considering that it is necessary to learn the basics of floristry and floriculture, as living plants are considered an important detail of the interior of each room without exception.
