American style in interior design usually implies such features like a large open kitchen-dining-living space, the imitation of high-end furniture pieces using budget materials, smart zoning of space and a plenty of furniture.
These interiors ideally reflect the hospitable character of Manhattan dwellers. The first association that comes to mind about American style, is the living room from the TV series “Friends”. The spacious room, where the main characters spent so much time, served at the same time as a kitchen, a dining room and a place to rest. In such a free space, you can make breakfast, invite guests for dinner, or sit comfortably on a sofa by the TV.
American interior design is closely connected to English style, since the British were the first to emigrate to this territory. Interiors of this style usually tend to simplicity and versatility.
American style apartment design
An apartment designed in American style is characterized by the absence of doors and partitions between the hallway, living room, kitchen and dining room. Zoning can be made by lowering the level of the floor or ceiling. On the other hand bedrooms, bathroom, guest room and kids room are often very private and located in separate part of the home. To create such a design in the home, you need to know some important features of design:
American style living room
The living room in American style does not have a characteristic color. Wall are usually finished with wallpaper, supplemented with wooden panels at the bottom of the wall. Since the living room is combined with a kitchen, it is necessary to zone the space with the help of two types of light.
A Sofa, a couple of chairs and a coffee table are the central composition of a living room. A rocking chair or a coffee table with wicker elements will look cozy. All the main furniture is in the center, and the walls are bedside tables made of solid wood. There are book and flower shelves. There are also some accessories.
How to design American style kitchen
American-style kitchen interior design often involves the division of space with the help of arches, bar counters, partitions and multi-level ceilings, as well as through color contrasts.
Speaking about the colors that are relevant in the kitchen in this style, a range of neutral tones prevails here. Bright shades are quite rare. White color can be seen on the facades of kitchen cabinets.
Designing an interior in this style, it is not necessary to have a big budget. You can simply use artificial materials. If you choose a good imitation, the kitchen will look as luxurious as with expensive materials.
Usually, a kitchen set is placed against the wall. But, if space allows, you can place the work area (island) in the center of the room. The dining area usually is separated from the kitchen interior.
The kitchen-living room should have a central chandelier, as well as spotlights above the work surface. Accessories such as curtains, flowerpots with flowers, paintings in wooden frames and textile decoration elements are necessary elements.
American style house
There are several architectural types of a country or a town house that can be found in different parts of USA.
Georgian
Such a house has a rectangular shape with pronounced columns and chimneys. It is built with frame technology. In the center, there is the main entrance, and the doors and windows in the American style are arranged according to the principle “one door each five windows”.
Cape Cod
The type of Architecture arose in the 18th century in New England region of USA. Typical features of such a house are skylights, steep short awnings and side attic. Outside the house is covered with clapboard, there is a central entrance door, as well as windows with shutters.
Classic American House
Classic houses are built of red brick. They can be made in different variations: Tudor, Victorian, bungalow or federal. Such houses can often be found in the Northeast USA.
Farmhouse
Such houses have usually look like a cottage with slightly asymmetrical façade details. The main feature is the veranda surrounding it from all sides. The house also has a semicircular glass ledge that serves as a dining area. The interior includes three bedrooms, a guest room, a kids room and a living room.
Shingle
Houses of this type can be found on the east coast of the United States. The name comes from the word shingle, meaning wooden shingle, which revet the roof and facade of the house. The hallmark of such a house are asymmetrically located windows, square columns, a number of balconies and massive chimneys.
You can easily create the feel of a typical American-style house at your home, if you follow next principles:
- build with frame technology;
- exterior finishing with siding of gray, blue, beige, olive shades;
- traditional and narrow elongated windows;
- rectangular columns in the design of a veranda.
Bedroom in American style
American bedroom interior design can combine a variety of modern and antique items. The bed is usually of classical forms and traditional style. There are also a couple of nightstands and a dresser. If the room is spacious enough, you can put a spacious closet.
As for color, two main tones are usually used. First one, the dark, refers to the furniture. The second primary color is light. It is present in wall decoration, accessories and textiles.
Bathroom design in American style
The most popular material for the floor is tile, less often laminate or hardwood is used. Walls can be painted with textured plaster or lay tile in the form of a mosaic. Such bathroom welcomes simplicity, so the tub itself should be classic white. The cabinet are under the sink. On the wall there is an oval or rectangular mirror.
American kids room
This is the only room in the design where the rule “only calm and natural colors” can be ignored. Divide the room into zones for relaxation, playing and for study. Fill the space with bright colors, hang posters and different vinyl stickers. The bed and furniture should be made of wood, and a soft mat is usually laid on the floor.
Entry design in American style
The entry area is usually connected with the rest of the room and forms a kind of space that can be called “hallway-kitchen-living room”. For convenience, you can place a hanger near the entrance. But the entry ways (or hallway) in this style has no specific features.
American furniture
First of all, designers recommend getting spacious and comfortable armchairs, upholstered chairs, and also to choose American-style sofas. In the kitchen, islands will be appropriate, and furniture and refrigerators is built into the walls.