Colour is the strongest and most expressive factor of an interior. A balanced colour palette provides the aesthetic basis for house styling and also optimises the formal beauty of the residence.
Figure 17. Adding lively colours in the white space helps attract people’s attention to the red sofa before the fireplace.
图17. 以白色为主色调的空间加入若干跳跃的色彩,使人很容易把视线集中到壁炉前的红色沙发上。
The colouring of an interior emphasises functionality as much as a harmonious atmosphere. Formal aesthetics comes first, and then is the unity with other decorative elements. There is a range of common Neo-classical colours: white, gold, grey, light blue, dark green, and dark red. Soft colours of lower saturation degree and much brightness are also used sometimes in a limited extent. Netural colour palette works best for normal households, but this doesn’t mean that Neoclassical houses appear dim and pale. A clever contrast of colours, a hint of gold or floral patterns of multiple colours can all contribute to forming the Neo-classical highlight. (See Figure 17)
White and gold are a common colour combination in Neo-classical residences, especially in castles built in the 18th and 19th century.White panels decorated with gold lining used with furniture of golden palette contribute to creating a glorious interior. In normal houses, wall panelling can be replaced with paint matched up with a small amount of gold lining. White and light blue is also an ideal Neo-classical palette which generates a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Usually, the colour of blue is used on walls, while white is for the ceiling, bedding and wardrobe to avoid a monotonous impression. The combination of dark red and gold is preferable for a solemn effect. (See Figure 18)
色彩是室内空间因素中给人感觉最强烈最直接的要素,与造型有着同等重要的作用。合理的色彩搭配体现了家居的美学基础,也能优化家居的形式美。
家居的色彩搭配要在强化功能性的同时使室内的环境更具协调性和美感,首先要符合形式美,其次也要与环境和谐,并且运用合理、舒适,而新古典风格也有自己的搭配原则。新古典风格常用颜色很多,白色、金色、灰色、淡蓝色、深绿色、暗红色,以及其他饱和度不高并且较柔和的颜色,偶尔也会在小范围使用亮度较高的颜色。对一般的家居环境来说,中性的色调最为合适,但这并不意味着新古典风格的家居会很昏暗和苍白,色彩的碰撞对比、金色的加入、多种色彩的花卉图案都能形成新古典风格的亮点。并且只要避开过于耀眼的亮色系和不和谐的组合,任何色彩都可以合理地使用(图17)。
白色和金色是新古典家居中最常用的组合,在1 8、1 9世纪的城堡中,这种颜色搭配很常见。白色的镶板墙面饰以金边,加上金色为主的椅子和家具,显得愈加富丽堂皇。而在普通的住宅中,墙面的镶板可以用更简单的涂料代替,用少量的金色镶边,家具则可以选择暗红等其他颜色。白色和淡蓝色也是新古典风格中很好的搭配,白色和淡蓝色组合在一起清新淡雅,能创造出明亮又温馨的家庭氛围,组合中可以以淡蓝色墙面为主,搭配白色的天棚,床品,衣柜,为了防止单调,还可以加入印花的织物调和。如果空间需要更庄重典雅,可以选择暗红色和金色的搭配(图18)。暗红色自拿破仑时期开始就成为了新古典风格中的主要色调,在法国的枫丹白露宫中可以看到这种搭配的典范。在普通住宅中,如果觉得单纯的两种颜色过于富丽,可以减少暗红色的比例,如果是软装饰选择了暗红色,则可以加入一定面积的米黄或白色墙面。当然,无论哪种颜色的搭配,新古典风格的原则是统一和谐,同时也要满足住宅各功能区的要求,为住宅内生活的人带来愉悦。
Figure 18. The combination of yellow and gold reflects a sense of glory and elegance. But inactual practice, it needs to be used with a neutral colour palette.
图18. 黄色和金色的搭配富丽堂皇,但也不宜过多,在家居中还需要部分中性色调和。
The interior of a residence is composed of the horizontal and vertical dimensions whose size and shape have a direct influence on the overall effect of the space. The design of these dimensions varies according to specific position and function, but with the basic principles including fire resistance, insulation, durability, aesthetics,and continuity. Flooring design should follow a unified pattern at the entrance, in the dining room and kitchen to avoid a chaotic impression. In Neo-classical interior, wood floor and carpet provide a warm and luxurious feeling. Geometric pattern and parquet floor are the favourable option. In places like dining rooms and kitchens where there is higher hygiene requirement, ceramic tiles could be used instead of wood flooring for the surface is smoother and easier to clean. But it is essential to make sure that the tiles match the walls and the rest of the flooring in terms of colour and texture.Wood floor is always the first choice for private places of bedrooms
Walls are the experimental field of multiple design approaches and a condensed reflection of the design concept, especially in public spaces of sitting rooms. At the beginning of the Neo-classical movement,symmetrical wood panels were a popular wall decoration. Nowadays,wallpaper is more frequently chosen and those with vine, floral or abstract patterns and thick glossy texture add to the delicate artistic features of Neo-classical style. (See Figure 19) Other than wallpaper,decorative elements are also essential for a complete Neo-classical wall decoration. As in large public spaces like sitting rooms and dining rooms, Classical paintings or tapestry of appropriate sizing could be used while in private spaces of bedrooms, wall decoration should be carried out according to the owner’s preferences. Fireplaces are suggested if there is enough space. Whether in traditional or decorative style, a fireplace in the central area reminds people of Europe in its heyday.
Figure 19. Well proportioned geometric wall pattern presents an apparent sense of order,which enhances the diversity of Neo-classical art when arranged with arched door.
图19. 按比例分割成几何图形的墙面有明显的秩序感,和拱形门搭配在一起更突出了新古典风格的多样性。
In elevation, doors and windows also count as an important compositional element. Arched doors and windows together with wood carving frames enhance the overall Neo-classical decorative style.
Ceiling design tends to be simple and elegant. Changes in design approaches are only encouraged in open spaces to distinguish different zones. The choice of lighting devices also needs to follow specific design pattern. Plaster false ceiling and exquisite plaster moulding are both quite popular in Neo-classical houses. On the contrary, a range of lamps and lanterns are available. Candlestick chandelier, crystal lamps, wrought iron lamps… are all acceptable as long as they help create a harmonious interior. (See Figure 20)
住宅内的空间是由水平空间和垂直空间围合而成,界面的大小和形状影响着室内空间的大小,界面的造型等效果也影响着室内的环境。不同位置和不同功能区的界面要求不尽相同,但都有一些基本原则,例如阻燃性、保暖性、隔音性、耐久性,以及美观的要求,另外也要有一致性,以免影响整体的协调。在玄关、客厅、餐厅这些敞开式的公共空间,地面的设计应该尽量统一,以免造成凌乱的感觉。新古典风格的家居一般会采用木制地板和地毯的搭配,既有华贵感又有温暖的感觉,地板中拼花和规则几何图形是最佳的选择,搭配的地毯要与周围的软装饰协调。在餐厅厨房这样对清洁度要求更高的地方,有时候也会应用仿古砖来代替地板,色彩质朴的仿古砖可以有效地成为木制地板的延伸,却比地板更易清洁,但需要注意的是,这种拼接的仿古砖需要在色彩和质感上与其他位置的地面以及墙面融合,共同打造出新古典的气氛。而像卧室这样的私密空间,地板是不二的选择。
墙面空间给人的感觉更直观,形式也更多,是体现设计思想的重要区域,尤其是在客厅这样的公共空间,墙面的造型尤为重要。在新古典风格兴起之初,人们常用木制镶板来塑造墙面的立体对称效果,如今,壁纸是更合适的选择,藤蔓、花卉以及抽象的几何图案,加上厚重的质感和一定的光泽度,壁纸可以塑造出新古典风格所要求的精致高贵,同时也更环保(图19)。除了壁纸之外,墙面上也不能缺少必要的装饰,客厅餐厅这样面积较大且人员往来密集的地方,可以装饰古典油画、肖像画、抽象画等,或者大小合适的挂毯,而卧室这种私密性较强的地方则可以根据主人的喜好选择。当然,在空间充足的地方更不能缺少新古典风格必备的壁炉,无论是真火壁炉还是装饰性壁炉,一般都会位于空间的中心,壁炉上方可以装饰油画或镜子,壁炉框上也可以摆放工艺品和烛台。壁炉可以称得上是欧洲室内设计上的文化符号,所以在住宅中是必备的元素。
在立面中,门窗也是设计中的重点。如果需要强化新古典风格,可以使用拱形的门窗,并在门框和窗框部分做木制的雕刻。
住宅的顶面设计一般不需要过于复杂,在一些敞开式空间中可以有一些造型上的变化以区别各功能区,造型的设计也要结合灯具的选择。家居设计中普遍会选择石膏的吊顶,为了配合新古典风格,可以用石膏板把顶面做均匀的分割,或是雕刻简单的图案。另外,顶面的辅助装饰也很重要,一般在顶角线都会雕刻精致的石膏装饰性,装饰线一般是花朵图案或蔓藤图案,有时也会使用木制的装饰线(图20)。灯具的选择在顶面设计中也很重要,新古典风格对灯具的选择很宽泛,只要搭配得当,很多类型的灯具都适用。例如,具有设计感的蜡烛形吊灯、水晶灯、铁艺灯,只要根据住宅内的环境选择,就可以产生好的效果。
Figure 20. Exquisite skirting line
图20. 精美的线脚雕刻
The furnishings are more than tools in common households, but should be art pieces by themselves. It is especially true for historic furnishing, which indicates the productivity level and artistic development of the time when it was produced. Since they are closely related to human activities, functionality is a priority in choosing furniture. Besides, furniture needs to reflect the aesthetic and artistic personality of an interior, so shape and colour also should be taken into consideration together with the users’ lifestyle and habits.
Neo-classical furniture inherits the essence of ancient Greek and Roman decoration and adopts a concise elegant concept of warm or neutral colour palette delivered via inlay/overlay techniques. Roses,ribbons, bouquets are common patterns in decorative carving, valuing balanced proportion, refined modelling and exquisite craftsmanship. Fabrics used on such furniture should come in matching texture.Floral and grid designs are sometimes acceptable. (See Figure 21)
Figure 21. Used with luxurious fabrics, Neo-classical furniture of perfect outline and balanced proportion meets both needs of function and form.
图21. 新古典家具拥有完美的线条、合适的比例,再加上华贵的织物,兼具了功能和形式的双重要求。
There is a larger and finer variety of furniture in modern residences,most common items of which include sofa, tea table, desk, dining table, chair, bed, and wardrobe. Whether French style or the American way, the furniture pieces can all be employed in a Neoclassical home. Those with higher aging quality that used to belong in grand hotels start to appear in normal households these days,changing the trends in Neo-classical furniture and establishing a new attitude of Neo-classical home decoration.
As an essential part of a successful home design, furnishing together with the elements of furniture, fabrics, lamps, art crafts and greenery has a direct impact on the residential environment.Central furnishing pieces are especially important for public spaces like sitting room and dining room. In Neo-classical interior, paintings or mirror frames on top of fireplaces are normally the central pieces of the space. Paintings are often landscapes or portraits. Other furnishing of greater flexibility is acceptable as long as it meets the house owner’s personal preference, such as sculptures, table lamps,vases and plants. (See Figure 22) The choice of fabrics requires more attention as it should be both artistic and comfortable, and thus silk,velvet and wool are preferred for their soft and luxurious texture.In private spaces, furnishing design should be focused on building privacy and personality, emphasising a cosy ambiance which is created mainly through the use of fabrics. Art crafts of personal,cultural or artistic values are all acceptable as furnishing pieces, yet the principle of focus and simplicity should be observed to create a harmonious living environment.
家居空间中的家具和陈设不仅仅是家居生活中的使用工具,也是单独的艺术品。尤其是一些具有历史感的家具陈设,在一定程度上也代表着当时的生产力发展水平和艺术水平。家具在室内与人的活动关系最密切,使用频率最高,因此,实用性是选择家具的重要原则,其次,家具也是体现室内艺术效果的主要元素,所以,除了考虑符合人的使用习惯之外,也要在造型、色彩等方面符合审美要求。
新古典风格的家具秉承了古希腊和古罗马的传统,一改洛可可风格的曲线和繁复,以简洁明快的直线条为主,色彩偏重于暖色系或素淡的色彩,并且喜欢用嵌花贴皮等工艺来体现家具的华贵感。雕饰的图案主要有玫瑰花、丝带、花束等,并没有过于密集的装饰,而是追求整体的比例合理、造型精炼以及做工的考究。与之相搭配的织物也要有相应的质感,有时也会使用碎花、格子这样的图案(图21)。
现代住宅中使用的家具种类比其他空间更多,也更细致。常用的有沙发、茶几、书桌、餐桌、椅子、床、衣柜等。新古典风格对这些家具的要求并不是一成不变,无论是法国新古典的精致浪漫,还是美式的粗狂自由都可以随意地结合。而随着社会的发展以及人们对典雅生活的追求,以往只在酒店中出现的一些耐久性更高的家具开始慢慢走入家庭,并且成为一种潮流,这使得民用家具的范围也在改变,而对本来就有着开放态度的新古典风格来说,只要符合简中有繁、古中有新的精神以及开放包容又一丝不苟的态度,形式的改变并不影响它的内涵。
Figure 22. Fireplace is the heart of a living room. It is normally decorated with art crafts and plants to add fun and sense of space.
图22. 壁炉是客厅中的中心,壁炉架上的小摆件自然不能缺少,适当的饰品再加上几种植物,空间中既有情趣又显得有条不紊。
陈设艺术也是家居设计中不可缺少的部分,除了家具之外,织物、灯具、艺术品、绿色植物的挑选、摆放等问题也都影响着家居环境。尤其是在客厅、餐厅这样的共享空间中,需要一两处重点的陈设奠定空间的基调。在新古典风格中,壁炉上面的油画或镜面一般都是空间中的中心,油画的内容可以是风景、人物肖像等。而其他地方的陈设品则有很大的灵活性,有特色的雕塑,复古的台灯,精致的花瓶,以及各种绿植都很适合,只要雅致大方并符合大多数人的喜好都可以放进公共空间中(图22)。对织物的要求相对较多,因为织物除了美观之外更要有舒适性,尤其是新古典风格对织物的材料和质感有着很高的要求,一般会选择绸缎、天鹅绒、羊毛等质感华贵的面料。在私密的个人空间中,陈设艺术要围绕着私密性和主人的个性选择,强调温馨的效果,尤其是织物的选择,在很大程度上决定了空间的气氛,所以更应该选择柔软舒适且富有意境的棉、麻等材质。一些艺术品可以根据主人的爱好、经历等选择,无论是有趣味性、文化性或是有纪念意义的摆设都可以纳入其中,只是不宜品种过多,过于杂乱,尽量创造一个轻松愉悦的个人环境,同时也要考虑与新古典环境的和谐。