American interior style, how to furnish it and what is typical

Most of us like a particular style, whichever country inspired it. The most popular is probably Provence style, followed by French or luxurious Italian style. American style is less common in the Czech Republic, even though it has several advantages over the others.

What is American style?

American fridges are very popular and fashionable in the Czech Republic, precisely because of their huge capacity. And that is roughly what American style is about: space, openness, timeless furniture, vintage decorations including wallpaper, and modern appliances. It is a beautiful example of how to combine the old with the modern and fresh.

Typical features

American style feels very cosy and homely. This is due to the large number of decorations, textile accessories and large windows, and above all the warm combination of colours with rugs.

Other features include

• many bedrooms
• a very large living room
• a guest room
• a garage with access to the house 

As we have already said, the style draws heavily on traditions, culture and ethnic heritage. So be sure to get some patchwork quilts, which are very popular in American culture. We must not forget floral upholstery patterns either, which look lovely on a sofa, curtains or a rug. Vases of flowers are also important, with cut flowers being especially popular.

Buy candles in different sizes, from tea lights to huge ones. Candles add flair to any home. And Americans are very fond of them, including when used with essential oils. Try to make the most of every room. If you have a wide landing, put a charming library there.

Lighting and American style

Interestingly, American homes have no ceiling lights. If they do, it is only in the living room, where you may find an interesting chandelier. In the other rooms you will find various table or wall lamps, which are usually all switched on at the same time.

The living room

A cosy living room is usually dominated by a leather or upholstered sofa set, complemented by armchairs, footstools and, of course, a coffee table for snacks. Place a large bookcase on one wall, and have a fireplace built opposite, either a brick one or an electric one. Then display your family photos on the mantelpiece. A large-screen television with a high-quality sound system is a must in such a living room. In larger houses you may even find a separate room used as a home cinema.

The American kitchen

Americans are not particularly keen on cooking, nor are they fans of healthy eating. Even so, they get spacious kitchen units. Perhaps they think, just in case… The units are usually made of solid wood with a stone, concrete or marble worktop. As for colours, you will find both neutral shades of white, grey and beige and pastel shades inspired by the retro era of the 1960s. But you may also come across an industrial-style kitchen.

The standout feature of the kitchen units is undoubtedly a large gas cooker with 4–6 burners. Other appliances include an oven, a microwave and a kettle, as well as smaller helpers such as a toaster, a sandwich toaster or a waffle maker, which let you whip up a quick and tasty breakfast or snack.

The real centrepiece of the kitchen is the fridge mentioned earlier. In the USA it has become known as a cooling cabinet, and no wonder. It is a two-door fridge with a capacity of up to 400 litres, which really holds everything you could fancy. Besides chilling and storing food, it serves other purposes: it usually includes a drinking water dispenser and an ice dispenser.

Try it: Americans often write messages or shopping lists on the fridge door. So get plenty of different notepads; believe us, it is better than a notes app on your phone.

The American bedroom

Place a large bed with a high upholstered headboard in the middle of the room, usually standing on a shaggy rug. Essential accessories include lots of decorative cushions and a decorative throw that covers the bed during the day, as well as floral wallpaper.

The bedroom also has a large wardrobe with sliding doors, or even a separate walk-in wardrobe, ideally connected to the bathroom. Carrie from Sex and the City would envy such a dressing room. Women can create their own personal corner in the bedroom,  where they can place a dressing table or desk with a comfortable chair.

The American bathroom

Americans do not skimp on bathrooms. If space allows, each member of the household has their own bathroom, and guests are usually not forgotten either. The bathroom is usually combined with the toilet, which comes with a bidet. You would also find a spacious bath or at least a modern walk-in shower fitted with a rain shower head, massage jets and a seat for maximum comfort. Above the washbasin, which is often a double one, there must be a large illuminated mirror.

As for materials and colours, the American bathroom is dominated by white combined with glossy floor and wall tiles. Here and there you will see stone, concrete or marble elements (often gold-plated or chrome-plated), which give the bathroom a luxurious look.

You may envy the American style of living, but we can also create such a space ourselves, at least within our means.