House in the style of "chalet": features of "alpine" architecture

Houses in the style of Alpine chalets look a bit exotic, but at the same time, such buildings fit perfectly into the conditions of the modern climate. You will learn about all the features of this unusual trend from this article.

Chalet style came to us from the south-east of France. Despite this origin, the French themselves called such buildings Swiss houses.

The word "chalet" itself is translated as "shepherd's hut", and this name fully explains all the features of this style. Initially, chalets were built in the Alpine mountains.In these simple wooden huts, the shepherds hid from the cold and wintered. That is why private houses on the mountainside were built in a special way.

During the construction used natural wood and stone. Wood was used in the construction of the main floor and an additional attic. A basement and a solid foundation already made of stone. The alpine-style chalets looked like they had grown into a stone base.

To protect against snow, shepherds tried to make the roof the correct form. The roof was sloping and its edges moved away from the base of the house.

Thus, the houses served not one generation, despite the fact that the weather conditions did not contribute to this at all.

Inside the hut was also equipped with mostly natural materials. The amount of furniture was kept to a minimum — armchairs, tables and chairs — something that simple shepherds needed for comfortable living.

Alpine houses were surrounded by nature: green trees, bushes, at the foot of the snowy mountains.Most often, houses stood in a secluded area, which allowed the shepherds to be constantly in harmony with themselves and the world around them. Now this refined French style has spread to the territory of Russia.

It is easy to fall in love with these elegant cozy houses at first sight and forever. So now such a house can be built, even if you live far from the highlands and know almost nothing about distant France and its tradition.

Luxury houses in the French style fit perfectly into Russian realities. Since the climate is almost the same as in alpine snow-covered villages, such houses are also relevant here. Practically all the main details are determined by the conditions in which the shepherds lived.

The main feature of these architectural structures is wide roofs with sloping edges. In winter, when they are covered with snow, the houses look like small snow-covered mountains.

The principle of the design of the basement and the basement is based on the climate. The shepherds used stone to make their home more secure in the highlands. In addition, the stone finish also looks very beautiful.As an additional decor, pilasters, wooden beams and beautiful carving on the railing or arches are also used outside.

Another traditional detail of the alpine chalet is the large veranda. Very often it goes beyond the roof and is supported by special columns.

Traditional detail can be called and the standard layout of all the Alpine chalets. Exterior layout is quite simple. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, a kitchen, a living room and a bathroom. And the second floor is reserved for bedrooms, guest rooms and other rooms. For example, there may be a dressing room or office. But this is not necessary. Thus, you can equip even a very small one-story house.

Russian or Canadian chalets look a little different from simple shepherd's huts.But still, the main traditional details are present in them.

Alpine style inspires many designers. This is not surprising, because such houses, wherever they were built, look like they were painted by a French artist. Every family would dream of living in such a fabulous country cottage.

In addition to its fabulous appearance, the house in the style of a chalet also pleases with its environmental friendliness. One of the main principles of the choice of materials for construction is their naturalness. Both the ceiling and the floor in such a house are wooden.

The surface of the tree, as a rule, is treated with plaster and a thin layer of whitewash. Sometimes a tree can be left untreated.

It is also worth noting that such houses are as comfortable as possible. They are all equipped in such a way that you feel comfortable there.

If you build a house from scratch, you can make a construction from a natural raw log, glued laminated timber or brick. Although the traditional version of the chalet is, of course, a wooden building with a stone facade. Brick is used much less frequently.

The frame house on top protects from the snow and cold wide roof. If you are building a log cabin, then it is best to complement it with wooden tiles.

Replacing the roof of the tiles can be reed, shingles or even straw. In Russia, such a roof option will look even more natural. Inside the house must be mats, bedspreads and curtains made from natural fabrics. It can be carpets of burlap or linen, fluffy wool or knitted blankets, blankets of multi-colored shreds and embroidered pillows.

Modern houses in this French style are notable for their beautiful appearance and high level of comfort. In fact, with the huts in which the shepherds lived, such houses have little in common. All that remains of this idea is a fabulous appearance and the use of natural materials.

Inside, such a house is tried to be made more suitable for living in the modern world and comfortable. But at the same time, the interior should be consistent with the concept of the chalet and remain more comfortable.

From the inside, as well as outside, the walls of the house in the style of a chalet are either left wooden, or sheathed with an additional layer of wooden panels. White plaster or any other light finish of the walls is also relevant. Although such walls easily get dirty, they look very stylish and elegant.

A luxurious fireplace is often installed inside a small house of this type. This is, without a doubt, a real symbol of comfort and family warmth.

Houses in the style of a chalet are not only one-story, but two-story. In such rooms it is important to install a ladder that is suitable in style. Naturally, it is best if it is made of natural wood.

Also inside the house you can decorate the windows also with luxurious curtains. Modern design ideally complements the thick curtains of high-quality fabric or light tulle curtains.

As you can see, the arrangement of a country house in the style of a chalet from the inside is a combination of traditional motifs and practical modern ideas.The interior should be comfortable for living, but at the same time it looks as if several generations of your family have already lived in this room.

After you have chosen the decoration of the walls, stairs and curtains, it's time to move on to choosing the right furniture. Wood should remain the dominant material in the chalet style house. Therefore, the furniture is to choose wooden.

Designers advise not to forget that the Alpine houses are different from all other French buildings. They are less sophisticated, both in terms of decoration and in terms of decor.

Therefore, the furniture is better to choose simple. For example, vintage worn sofas, durable tables and chairs, angular dressers and so on. Forget about fancy cupboards on bent legs and chairs with carved backs and frills. The simpler the furniture, the better. It is not recommended to use transformers or modern glass and metal tables.

The chalet style is calm slowness and moderation, so no need to rush to keep up with all the newfangled trends and turn your home into a warehouse of technological innovations.

Choose the furniture that will give you a feeling of comfort and warmth.It may be old leather-covered sofas, which over time only looks better, chairs with fabric armrests, wicker tables and rocking chairs.

You should be comfortable sitting in each of your chairs at least the whole evening away. If possible, pick up furniture "with history." This can be a real grandmother's chair or a chest of drawers bought at a flea market.

And if you do not have the opportunity to purchase a real vintage product, then you can stylize a modern antiqued thing. To do this, you can handle a wooden surface with sandpaper, use a special paint or decoupage technique.

True, decorating furniture using this technique, you should not get carried away with cute floral stickers and silver or golden painting. This is more characteristic of the Provence style, where refinement is more valuable than comfort.

The use of simple angular furniture without legs will also be a good find. It looks thorough and simple. Massive dressers or rough cabinets will be perfectly combined with all other interior details. In such cabinets it is convenient to store all your outfits and books.

In the kitchen, a massive wide table would be appropriate. Two options look best: a rough wooden table or a product with a stone tabletop. Next to it, you can set the appropriate style of solid wooden chairs. From the same material must be made and kitchen shelves and cabinet, which stores the dishes and all the necessary stuff for the kitchen.

In the bedroom, the interior should be too rustic. Dimensional wooden bed, covered with a soft blanket or a woolen blanket is its central detail. Underwear is recommended to use natural. On linen or cotton bedding you will sleep like a baby.

Next to the bedroom is usually a bathroom, which also should not be overloaded with excess furniture. Limit yourself with the most necessary sanitary ware and a simple pedestal in which you will store your towels and cosmetic accessories. The bathroom mirror should be small. Best of all, if it is in a solid wooden frame.

On the terrace or veranda looks fine wicker furniture.Made in pastel colors or shades of brown armchairs and tables add lightness to the harsh interior. In addition to them, you can also use wicker baskets, boxes, vases and even lamps with rattan lampshades for decoration.

Putting accents in the alpine house is the easiest way to combine the right colors. The basic color palette in this room should be natural. The main color is naturally brown. All its shades, from light to dark chocolate, harmoniously blend together. Against the background of brown, the details look rich red, burgundy and terracotta.

Another important detail of the chalet design is the massive fireplace. Without it, the style will not be so cozy. The fireplace is usually located in the living room, in the corner or in the middle of the room. Its size is calculated depending on how spacious the room is. The larger the room, the more luxurious and massive your chosen fireplace can be.

An additional place for the installation of decorative trinkets in this case will be a wide mantelpiece, which can be decorated with dried flowers, ceramic pots or patterned dishes.

Do not forget about the little things. Many people think that all these decorative elements are something completely superfluous. But they are responsible for the atmosphere of comfort, which we lack in half-empty city apartments.

The best decorative items for the alpine house - those that are made by hand. Initially, people who could create wonderful things with their own hands settled in these wooden houses.

In almost every room, you can use animal skins or their artificial imitation to decorate a room. Such a beautiful fluffy skin can serve as a rug or a warm blanket, in which you will wrap up, sitting by the fireplace. Since hunters often lived in traditional chalets, the skin hung on the wall will look quite organic there.Next to it, decorative antlers or even a deer head look good.

Another important detail is the right light.

In addition to the fireplace and natural lighting, there must be some other light sources. Although it should be noted that the house in the style of a chalet should have wide windows that let the light into the house. But to complement them with chandeliers too.

The main source of artificial light in the house in the style of a chalet should be a beautiful chandelier, giving a lot of ambient light. Will add her floor lamps, sconces and other lamps. The main thing is that they all harmoniously fit into the interior of your cottage.

Well looked forged chandeliers, sconces, resembling a candelabra, and table lamps, similar to the candlesticks. By the way, you can pick up suitable light bulbs in the form of a candle light. It is advisable to choose those devices that give a soft muted light that does not hurt the eyes. This lighting will be enough for you, plus everything, it will help you create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.

Also, do not forget about such a light source as candles. They are given special attention in French and Scandinavian cultures.Even if you cannot install a fireplace in your home, you will definitely be able to afford such a source of natural heat and light as a candle.

Planning a country cottage in the style of a chalet is a rather complicated process. You can do the project of your future house by yourself or entrust this business to professionals.

When you design a modern home, try not to forget the traditions. In a classic chalet-style building, all the outbuildings are located in the basement. The second floor is reserved for living rooms. But in the attic, if you attach it, you can equip a bedroom or office.

Inside the chalet-style country house there should be the simplest possible finish - natural wood, textiles, solid support beams and a massive fireplace.

One of the main advantages of a chalet-style house is that you don’t have to bother with the decoration. Wooden walls and a floor from unpainted boards can be simply covered with a protective layer of varnish. From above bare boards can be covered with a fur or woven rug.

Use also beautiful curtains from natural fabrics with a simple pattern or even without any decor. In such a room, you need to be careful with the second light - thick curtains do not allow natural light to penetrate inside the house, so you need to find the right fixtures.

And in order to make your home project more individual, use some important details for your decor - hand-made trinkets, souvenirs donated by loved ones or just family photos in beautiful wicker frames.

However, a chalet-style country house should be beautiful not only from the inside, but also from the outside. You can start building a summer cottage from scratch or stylize an already finished house for an alpine hut. To do this, it is enough to revet the first floor with stone, and sheathe the attic with wooden panels that will imitate the timber.It is worth noting that the option of finishing the house, rather than its construction from scratch, will cost you less.

Another interesting move is the installation of windows in the entire wall on the first floor or the construction of a glazed terrace or veranda. This is true if your house is located next to the forest or any other scenic area, which is nice to admire.

A house with a loft or terrace has another advantage. In the warm season there you can put a wicker swing, a wide sofa or a table for lunch. It will be nice to have dinner on the terrace or just to gather with the whole family in the evenings. An important part of the exterior of the house in the style of a chalet is the arrangement of the area next to the building.

Alpine huts traditionally located at the foot of the mountains next to dense forests. Therefore, the house was like part of the forest area, lost among the trees and bushes. But despite this, the shepherds still managed to arrange all the necessary buildings on their territory.

You can attach a barn with a garage or install an elegant gazebo. Like the house itself, it is also built from natural wood. Inside the gazebo you can put a wooden table and wicker chairs. It looks elegant and stylish.You can supplement the base of the gazebo with flowers in pots or other live plants. They can stand on the floor or tables or even be placed in hanging boxes.

A chalet-style house is the perfect combination of simple village life and modern thoughtfulness in the selection of details. This design looks very simple, but at the same time elegant and aesthetic. If you design your home in this style, you will be able to experience life in nature one hundred percent, which you will not be able to do in a bustling city.

In this video, see a review of a country house in the style of a chalet.