Published: April 19, 2017
Chalets are a distinctive and romantic design style for hunting lodges in the Alps. It makes it possible to create an atmosphere of comfort and originality in a metropolis. Chalets are becoming increasingly popular due to the environmentally friendly materials and the feeling of closeness to nature that it brings to the interior of an apartment or house.
- Style features, distinctive features
- Photo gallery: examples of interiors
- Finishing principles
- Materials
- Color palette
- Furniture and doors
- Lighting and lighting fixtures
- Decor items: textiles and accessories
- Bedroom interior: design features
Photo gallery: bedroom design options
- Photo gallery: examples of hallways
- Photo gallery: living rooms
The emergence of the chalet style
Chalet (French chalet) is a style that originated in Savoy, the eastern province of France, located on the border with Italy and Switzerland. Initially, houses were built and decorated in this simple style to shelter shepherds from the rain. The design of the chalet is simple and unpretentious, but well made, with carefully thought out details.
A house made of wood and stone looks reliable and cozy
An alpine house has always been considered a strong and reliable shelter, without any special frills. Having some similarities with country music, the chalet fascinates with its atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The interior is conducive to relaxation and romance
The chalet style arose more than five centuries ago and has similarities with the rustic style and the country style - they are united by the ceiling decoration with rough wooden beams
Having once visited the Alps and plunged into the romantic atmosphere, designers began to decorate country houses and then city apartments in this style. Chalets are becoming increasingly popular because they create a fairy tale atmosphere in the house.
Floor and ceiling in a chalet bedroom
The main feature of the design of chalet-style floors is the ceiling beams. In a country house this should not be a problem, because the ceiling height is enough to accommodate large and massive elements. However, if this is an ordinary city apartment with modest ceiling heights, then certain difficulties arise here. You have to either completely abandon the chosen idea, or use less voluminous parts for beam structures. Is it possible to have a chalet-style bedroom in an apartment?
You can imitate beam structures in a city apartment by using wooden slats or natural boards
You can imitate beam structures in a city apartment by using wooden slats or natural boards.
Advice! It is advisable to place the false beam at the joints of the ceiling. In this case, there will be no deviations from the chalet style, and the space in the small bedroom will not be cluttered.
In addition to beams, the ceiling itself is also finished with wood or painted plaster. Patterned ceiling plaster can be either light or dark in color. Light colors - pastel, beige and white, and in rare cases, gray. Dark shades - brown, black, for example, ebony or stained oak, as well as dark burgundy.
The design of a chalet-style floor is determined by the finishing of decorative stone or natural wood.
The design of the chalet-style floor is determined by the finishing of decorative stone or natural wood
You can use absolutely all existing wood flooring materials - laminate, parquet and solid boards. There should be no problems with the choice of material, because the range of each type of material is quite rich:
- Parquet boards are a fairly economical and practical option. As a rule, parquet is made from natural wood, has good wear resistance and does not attract dust and dirt. One of the disadvantages is that the material may swell upon contact with water.
- Laminate is a cheap flooring material made from high-strength fiberboard. It is distinguished by its ease and simplicity during installation and assembly. The range of laminate flooring is quite wide, both in the choice of style and in the choice of quality (thickness, number of layers and processing method). Its price also depends on these factors. First-class laminate can sometimes outperform parquet according to some quality criteria.
- Solid boards are a natural and expensive material. Wood is durable and environmentally friendly, therefore it is considered the best for flooring.
You can use absolutely all existing wood flooring materials - laminate, parquet and solid boards
Style features, distinctive features
For the construction and decoration of a chalet-style country house, only natural materials are used - wood, stone. In a city apartment this is not always possible, so some materials can be successfully replaced with high-quality analogues.
The room is decorated mainly with wood and decorative plaster imitating brickwork.
The walls of the chalet were trimmed with rough uncut stone in order to protect them from rotting
The principle that should be followed when developing a design is the integrity of the interior. A feature to consider is the highlighting of the ceiling beams. They can be highlighted both in color and structurally, if the ceiling height allows.
Decorative beams on the ceiling are not only highlighted structurally, they are of natural color
The fireplace is a detail that will give the interior an atmosphere of romance. It will always attract attention and make you feel protected from bad weather, just like hunters or travelers.
A fireplace or electric fireplace adds coziness to the room
This can be either a fireplace lined with artificial stone, or an electric fireplace of modern design or a false fireplace.
Creating the mood
Soft armchairs and an ottoman fit very well into such a bedroom. Color shades for upholstery and drapery may have deeper shades, be one or two tones brighter than the walls, but no more.
Among sandy beige, gray and black colors, the white color of the pillows becomes a strong, lively accent, a bright spot in the bedroom.
For a chalet bedroom, the important thing is the space around the bed and the view from the window, preferably of a garden or forest. However, if there is a city landscape outside the window, then refocus on white linen curtains - letting in soft light and creating a good mood for relaxation.
The floor, walls, furniture, of course, should also be wooden, without glass inserts, to look more natural.
The ceiling is made only of natural dark beams, which is not only very impressive, but will also bring a great mood. Lying in bed and looking up at the wooden ceiling, you will feel like you are truly in a country house, in an old-fashioned village.
All furniture in the bedroom should be made from the same type of wood so as not to disrupt the integrity and harmony of the style.
Country of mountain landscapes
We associate the chalet style with mountain views, open fireplaces, wooden huts and hot liquor.
The modern chalet style is characterized by a sloping roof, often with large plumbs, and beautiful glass verandas. Characteristic of the chalet style are high windows and balconies, even turrets in the middle. But the main thing, of course, is the abundance of stone and a lot of wood. In the interiors of the bedrooms, decorated in a chalet style, an aura of warmth and friendliness is felt everywhere. Only natural fabrics are used for finishing:
- linen;
- wool;
- cotton;
- tree;
- stone.
Natural material is present everywhere and is used as upholstery material, material for pillows and blankets, self-woven paths on wooden floors.
Photo gallery: examples of interiors
White walls are favorably emphasized by the light structure of wood
The sloping ceiling in the attic is decorated with wood
The combination of modern materials can convey the atmosphere of a chalet style
Wood and stone are the main finishing materials
Laminate goes well with natural wood
Fur products add charm to the interior
The interior uses a minimum number of details
The combination of modern and traditional materials fits perfectly into the interior
Modern materials go well with wood
Tiles selected in beige and brown colors harmoniously fit into the winter interior. Fur capes on the chairs harmoniously complement the interior.
Accessories
Let us dwell in more detail on the choice of accessories for a bedroom with an interior decorated in a chalet style. The main goal when selecting decorative elements is to create a cozy, relaxing environment.
The most popular accessory in such interiors is animal skins. They cover the bed and floor. Hunting trophies also fit organically into such a setting. You can place figurines on the table, and decorate the walls with paintings depicting natural landscapes.
Tapestries, items decorated with hand embroidery, wicker rugs, candlesticks - these are the most suitable decorative elements for a chalet-style setting.
Since the chalet originated in a picturesque area, such interiors are often decorated with fresh flowers and dried plants - floral compositions enliven the room.
When decorating a bedroom, it is important to be guided by individual wishes so that you feel as comfortable as possible, and do not forget that all components of the interior should be combined with each other, forming a single picture.
Chalet style design is becoming more and more popular. This design is suitable for rooms for various purposes, including the bedroom. This interior design option is characterized by simplicity, restraint and elegance; it is characterized by a special charm and comfort.
Finishing principles
When finishing an apartment, the walls are plastered and painted in a calm, neutral color or trimmed with wood. As a rule, one of the walls is decorated by placing the boards horizontally - this is not only an interesting solution, but also an excellent alternative to brickwork, often used by designers.
One of the walls of the room is decorated with horizontally attached boards
To decorate a city apartment, wood should be used in small quantities so that the rooms do not become too dark. It is better to artificially age the wood and cover it with stain, wax or varnish.
Stone-imitating tiles are used to finish the floor.
It is better to choose a board for the floor, but it can be replaced with laminate. For the kitchen and bathroom, you can choose tiles or imitation stone.
Board for finishing the floor to match the ceiling and wall decoration
All surfaces should not be made perfectly smooth - there may well be abrasions, roughness and small cracks. This will not spoil the interior, but will give it a “pattern of time.”
Beams on the ceiling will look natural in any room, including the bathroom
When decorating the ceiling, the main attention should be paid to the design of the beams, but if the height does not allow, you can use plastic overlays that perfectly imitate them. The room should be spacious, so you should not overload the interior with unnecessary accessories.
Materials
For chalet style decoration, natural materials are traditionally used - wood, stone, clay. But in a city apartment they cannot always be used for a number of reasons, so it is quite possible to replace some of them with high-quality analogues.
Valuable types of wood in the decoration are an additional decoration of the interior
So, to decorate the walls you can use decorative plaster or textured paints, which will create an interesting ornament. Wallpaper with embossing that imitates stone or wood has proven itself well. Wallpaper made of bamboo with wicker will look no less interesting.
Imitation stone and plaster are used to decorate the wall.
Wood is best suited for ceiling decoration, but it is quite possible to plaster and paint it white. It is not recommended to use suspended ceilings or multi-level structures.
Wooden boards are used to finish the floor in the bedroom
Floorboards or laminate are perfect for finishing the floor. It is not recommended to use parquet with a complex geometric pattern. It is acceptable to use tiles with a matte surface or porcelain stoneware. A fur skin, knitted runners or a carpet with high and thick pile will complement the integrity of the interior.
Materials for a chalet-style bedroom
Apartments designed in a wooden style are a prerequisite for the style of a chalet. A bedroom made of solid wood will give the impression of a real alpine hut. Good wood, expensive natural furs, massive longitudinal and/or transverse beams, natural stones and forged products are the main markers for describing the style. The natural colors of the chalet with a set of necessary accessories will fill your bedroom with a real alpine atmosphere, in which coziness, comfort and idyll will reign. The interior of the chalet makes you feel like you are somewhere in the mountain wilderness of the Swiss Alps, where picturesque green nature is combined with river flows and cascading waterfalls.
Important! The design solution for a chalet requires a thorough approach and certain conditions in the choice of materials.
Here everything should be distributed and harmoniously selected both for the ceilings and floors, and for the walls. After the designer’s “refinement”, some accessories should be combined correctly and with quality in order to fully recreate the main stylistic idea.
Apartments designed in a wooden style are a prerequisite for the chalet style
Color palette
When decorating a chalet-style interior, natural colors are used: various shades of beige, brown, cream, terracotta. The main color can be white or gray.
Gray and black colors are used as accent colors
It would be appropriate to use the classic combination of black and white. Darker shades are used as accents: dark chocolate, burgundy, green . You can use different shades of red, grass green, blue.
Bright textile elements enliven the living room interior
The chalet is characterized by the use of natural colors
Decorative elements can be bright and colorful, rich in color. But they should be used in small quantities so as not to turn the room into a warehouse.
Style specifics
Such an interior involves the use of certain materials for decorating walls, furniture, floors, and ceiling surfaces. When the bedroom is located in the attic or under the roof, there is no need to additionally cover the beams; it is enough to just cover them with a layer of transparent protective varnish. The design is distinguished by the use of natural and natural materials, so a wall decorated with textured plaster and natural stone fit perfectly into the interior. Additionally, you can include a fireplace made of stone or ceramic tiles into the interior.
Advice! The interior will look unusual and original if you complement the decor with forged products.
The design of a bedroom in the “chalet” style involves the use of calm and soft shades. It is advisable to choose greenish, chocolate, ash colors. The design does not involve the use of sharp color contrasts; it is important to maintain naturalness and harmony in the bedroom. The photo shows a design that is typical for the “chalet” style.
Suggestions from professional designers to those apartment owners who chose to decorate their recreation room in the “chalet” style are presented in this video clip:
Furniture and doors
The main condition when choosing furniture is practicality and convenience. It can be massive, with simple straight lines and no frills, but it must be comfortable. Often, upholstered furniture is selected with leather or deliberately simple upholstery - plain, made from natural materials (wool, linen).
Plain upholstery for furniture made from high-quality natural fabric
For furniture, only the essentials are selected - a bed, a wardrobe, a sofa, a table, an armchair. No foreign objects. Very often a table for a living room is chosen to be large, with a thick solid tabletop.
A round cut of wood is used for the base of the table.
Wooden surfaces can be artificially aged and covered with patina. They should look antique, without plastic or metal elements. For the kitchen you can choose wicker furniture.
A low table of an unusual shape has been selected for the living room.
For doors and window frames, it is advisable to choose materials in the same shades as those used for wall decoration or in the same color as furniture parts.
Lighting and lighting fixtures
When choosing lamps, you should take into account that the room should not have too bright lighting. With large windows and a sufficient amount of daylight, one small chandelier is sufficient; if the windows are small, additional lighting fixtures and a chandelier with several bulbs will be required.
A handmade chandelier decorates the living room interior
For lighting in different areas of the room, you can use sconces or antique lamps that imitate candelabra, lamps and floor lamps with a wooden or ceramic base and a simple-shaped lampshade.
In addition to chandeliers, floor lamps on tripod legs are used for lighting
It is quite acceptable to use spotlights or antique chandeliers - with forged parts that match the overall style of the room. You should not use newfangled lighting fixtures - LED lamps or chandeliers in a modern style, so as not to disrupt the overall style of the room.
Decor items: textiles and accessories
Since the interior is decorated in natural colors, accessories should be selected accordingly. These can be animal skins and horns, antique books, wooden vases or stumps, stylized as stands or chairs.
A hunting trophy - deer antlers - is attached above the fireplace.
The chalet style is characterized by a large number of carefully selected accessories
Bedspreads, curtains and pillows are made from natural fabrics - wool, silk, unbleached linen. Curtains, as a rule, are mounted on a wooden or forged cornice. They are long, plain, in the color of the furniture upholstery with simple drapery, without any frills.
The floor is covered with animal skin, and the decorative pillows are made of fur
The walls will be decorated with paintings, decorative plates, and panels. Clay vases with bouquets of dried flowers, branches of various trees or tall field grass will look great.
Chalet style wall decoration for bedroom
The walls can be finished with textured plaster, natural wood or wooden wallpaper (veneer, thermal panels). It all depends on desire, financial capabilities and taste. In any case, the walls should be wooden or stylized as wood. There may be several options:
- Textured plaster. This is a more economical option compared to wood. Texture lies in the fact that the walls should have some kind of decorative patterns. As a rule, for this they hire a specialist (plasterer) who will perform this painstaking work. Based on the proposed sketches, you need to choose the pattern you like, according to which furniture and accessories will be selected in the future. In order to match the style of the chalet, the walls should be made in pastel brown tones.
In order to match the style of the chalet, the walls should be made in pastel brown colors
- Wood finish. The right choice is made in favor of real wood. This is a very common and popular building material with many useful properties. In addition, wooden finishing is incredibly beautiful and elite. The most economical option is a board, timber or regular lining. The wood species is selected from the standard set: oak, pine, walnut, Karelian birch or cherry.
- Sometimes even exotic tree species are used, depending on the requirements for the texture and dimensions of the desired panels. Using natural wood, the owner ensures constant moisture exchange in the room, as a result of which the microclimate in the room will be more comfortable. Popular methods of finishing walls with wood are lining, blockhouse and gusvarblok (wooden wallpaper).
Popular methods of finishing walls with wood are lining, blockhouse and gusvarblok (wooden wallpaper)
- Wooden veneer-based wallpaper is a fairly popular option for simulating a wooden wall. The veneer roll is made from expensive wood species and has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.7 mm. Today, wooden wallpapers have a wide range, because they can be made from more than 100 tree species. One of the advantages is that veneer wallpaper can be glued to radius surfaces, which cannot be done with previous types of materials. However, wooden wallpapers have a number of significant disadvantages: they change color when exposed to sunlight, quickly swell when in contact with moisture, can be susceptible to infection by fungi or attack by insect pests, have low corrosion resistance and a high degree of fire hazard.
- Panel wallpaper based on thermowood. This option is an alternative to veneer wallpaper. Thanks to heat treatment, wood is able to maintain its appearance longer. Another advantage is that panel wallpaper is moisture-resistant, fireproof and protected from various diseases (fungus, insect pests). However, wooden thermal panels can only be used on perfectly flat surfaces. In general, panel wallpaper is an excellent solution for a bedroom in a chalet designer style.
In general, panel wallpaper is an excellent solution for a bedroom in a designer chalet style
Bedroom interior: design features
As a rule, a bedroom is a small room. To decorate it, wood of a sufficiently dark shade is used to create the appropriate atmosphere. The main thing is that the room is cozy and conducive to relaxation. Use grey, chocolate or ash shade - they will suit perfectly.
The gray tint of the walls is complemented by beige furniture
The furniture includes a large bed, bedside tables, one or two armchairs, and a large mirror. It is good to lay a soft and fluffy carpet next to the bed. When decorating a room, the main attention should be paid to the selection of textiles - for curtains and decorative pillows, select fabrics that will match the color and texture of wood.
Textiles of different colors and textures were selected for the bedroom
Fur, animal skins or pile fabrics with an unobtrusive print in an animal style are most often used as a bedspread. But a quilted bedspread made using the patchwork technique is quite acceptable. There are always quite a lot of decorative pillows in the bedroom; they are stacked like a ladder and differ in color and texture.
Fur is used not only as a bedspread on the bed, but also as a carpet around it
Light curtains for the bedroom are practically not used, since during the daytime the room should be light and spacious. Thick curtains are enough so that the moonlight does not interfere.
Photo gallery: bedroom design options
For furnishing, the necessary minimum furniture is used
Thanks to the use of various textures, the interior looks gentle and cozy. The checkered print makes the interior more interesting and attractive.
In addition to the chandelier, spotlights and lamps are used for lighting
A bright bedspread and decorative pillows add tenderness and dynamism to the bedroom interior
A bedspread in a contrasting color makes the interior more formal
Thanks to a light carpet, textiles in the interior look much more expressive
A chest is used as a coffee table
The wallpaper and bedspread in the bedroom are chosen in the same color scheme and with a similar pattern
Recommendations for decorating a hallway
For interior decoration, use wood and stone or its imitation. The main attention is paid to the selection of furniture. For the hallway, a closet, a hanger, a chest of drawers and a small ottoman or sofa will be enough. They should be simple and functional.
A minimum of furniture is used for the hallway
The floor can be laid with tiles or porcelain stoneware, close in color to the main tone of the walls, so that it is quite easy to care for.
The floor in the hallway is tiled
Since the hallway is usually small in size, you should carefully select decorative elements. A mirror in a large carved frame, forged hangers, stylized as vintage lamps will complement the interior. It is not advisable to use hunting trophies in the hallway - they will look great in the living room. You can lay an animal skin or a floor covering that imitates it on the floor.
Photo gallery: examples of hallways
A narrow hallway looks wider thanks to mirrors
Various materials are used to decorate the walls: brick, paint and mirror
The decoration of the hallway and room is done in cool colors
Mirror in a massive frame and the necessary minimum furniture
Bright sconce lampshades add charm to the hallway interior
The gloss of the ceiling reflects the texture and pattern of the laminate and wall decoration
Facade finishing
Chalet-style homes are suitable for country holidays with forms and elements inspired by Alpine architecture. Two-story plans, often on raised foundations, rise above heavy snowfall, topped with steep gable roofs to provide passage for snow and ice.
Wood siding with decorative wood and stone products add an earthy charm. Chalet designs tend to have a rectangular floor plan, with an open floor plan and elaborate cozy stone fireplaces. Wide galleries often provide outdoor living space on both levels. Main features of the exterior decoration:
- steep pitched roof;
- rectangular plans;
- porch or gallery.
Luxurious and comfortable home
Modern Alpine Chalet style homes are luxurious, comfortable homes that provide not only warmth in winter, but a beautiful residence with a traditional gable roof, timber structure.
Wooden exterior
A chalet-style house made of wood with eaves on the roof is not only a comfortable home, but very practical. They are suitable for bad weather, cold climates in general. The wooden structure is made in a very simple style but is very well organized.
The facade of the house is made in a traditionally ancient style. Here, wooden beams, boards, rounded logs are used, stone slabs are also used, or even all walls are laid out of stone.
It is worth noting that they try to make buildings and houses in the chalet style taller, but leave a low roof, as if making the house flat. Modern designs are made with glass and mirror walls; there are also comfortable balconies or terraces.
Wooden facade
The chalet style is suitable for those who love country life, these houses are very functional and comfortable. They are designed for a family and a comfortable stay, so that you can come there to relax at the right time.
Chalet-style houses are very common in Switzerland, southern Germany, northern France, and Austria. The old chalet is not much different from today, because the projects are simply updated periodically.
Living room: what to consider when decorating
The living room should be the largest room in the apartment. It is she who sets the tone for the design of the entire apartment. After all, the color scheme and type of wood that is selected for the living room will be used in all other rooms.
The decor of the walls near the stairs is made in the same color scheme as the living room
The floor and ceiling (or its elements) are usually wooden. For wall decoration, plaster, stone, wallpaper can be used - in any combinations that the imagination suggests .
Photo wallpapers with a city view are used to decorate a large living room.
In the living room, a fireplace or electric fireplace is most often installed, which is finished with stone or plastered and then painted. Upholstered furniture is concentrated near the fireplace - one or more sofas, soft armchairs or rocking chairs, poufs. They are upholstered in leather or high-quality textiles in beige-brown, gray or black tones. On the sofa there are a large number of decorative pillows of various colors or with a checkered print.
A carpet with a pattern in a contrasting color can be used on the floor in the living room.
Lay a carpet in a contrasting color next to the sofa or directly under it. A coffee table with a solid wood tabletop is installed on it - an interesting shape or beautiful texture; it is the logical center in the living room.
Round coffee table attracts attention
To decorate the living room, you can use hunting trophies, paintings on the same theme, vases with dry bouquets or compositions of branches, lamps with an interesting lampshade design or base shape. You should not overload the interior with details - a few bright details are enough.
Photo gallery: living rooms
Chairs and an unusually shaped table make the interior more attractive
Furniture in the living room is grouped around a table and fireplace
Living room with fireplace and dining area in brown tones
Decorated in warm colors, the living room is filled with comfort and sunshine.
The furniture is arranged in such a way that it is convenient to observe the fire in the fireplace
Print on pillow textiles is the main accent of the interior
Upholstered furniture of a round shape and a designer lamp attract attention first of all
Apartment decoration
To decorate a city apartment in a chalet style, it is desirable that its size be at least 100 m2 or have two levels. This will allow you to arrange furniture quite freely in all rooms and emphasize the nobility of the materials chosen for decoration and decoration.
The color scheme in the living room decoration continues in other rooms
When decorating an apartment, you should consider the following points:
Use wood of the same color and type for decoration
All interior doors and window frames must be made of the same material
Floor coverings in all rooms, with the exception of the kitchen, hallway and bathroom, must be the same color and made of the same material.
Make sure that the main color in neighboring rooms is combined with each other and there is no dissonance
The interior is decorated in a single cold color scheme
Considering that chalets are characterized by calm natural tones, it is advisable to use either cold or warm colors in the interior of the apartment.
Textiles and furniture for “chalets”
An excellent option for decorating the interior of a bedroom would be the use of soft chairs. A traditional bed, bedside tables, and armchairs should be arranged so that the room remains transparent and free, without the feeling of excessive clutter of furniture elements.
If you have enough space, you can install a king-size bed in your bedroom. It can have a classic shape, a back with a wooden crate. A chair made of solid natural wood is also suitable for the “chalet” style.
Attention! The main place in the bedroom interior should be occupied not by the bed itself, but by the mattress for it. The completeness of rest and the health of the owner of the bedroom depend on this.
To decorate a bed, professionals advise choosing animal skins, pillows and bedspreads. It is advisable to choose matte furniture; gloss does not fit into the “chalet” style. This interior style does not involve the use of veneered furniture, drywall, or polymer synthetic materials.
Features of the design of a small apartment or studio
If the apartment is small in size and you have chosen the chalet style, then you should not immediately refuse. You should carefully consider all the details so that you don’t end up with a mini-copy that will reduce the already small space.
Doorways, floors, furniture are decorated in the same color scheme
Use light-colored wood for finishing, artificially aging it. Oak, ash, pine, larch, acacia, and hevea are perfect for this purpose.
For walls and floors, give preference to light gray or beige colors - they will visually increase the space.
The kitchen and dining area are made in the same color
Use ceramics that imitate slate for cladding, in the lightest possible colors. Even in the smallest living room, install an electric fireplace or false fireplace. It will add coziness to the interior, and if you hang photo wallpaper around it with a mountain landscape or an image of trees, this will visually expand the space. Make the most of built-in furniture so that it takes up minimal space.
When dividing a studio apartment into zones, use a light-colored partition, but do not build it all the way to the ceiling - this will visually increase the space.
The living room and dining area are separated by furniture arranged in a certain way
In a small apartment, it makes sense to combine the kitchen and living room into a common space, dividing them into zones using a bar counter or grouping furniture in a certain way.