Damon Mcknight
Traditional Austrian houses and food are unique and distinct. Austrian-style houses blend indoor and outdoor spaces, with a focus on compactness and energy efficiency. They often feature local wood and natural terrain, with a combination of modern and traditional design elements. Austrian cuisine is equally diverse, offering a range of delicious options, from savoury dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and potato salad to sweet treats like Buchteln, apricot cake, and vanilla crescents.
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What You'll Learn
Use local materials like wood and stone
When designing a room in a traditional Austrian style, it is important to consider the materials that are locally and naturally available. Wood and stone are two key elements that can be used to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and energy-efficient.
For flooring, solid spruce wood is a popular choice in Austria, providing a warm and natural look to the room. The wood can be sourced from nearby forests, supporting local businesses and reducing the carbon footprint of the building. In addition to flooring, wood can also be used for other design elements such as furniture, ceiling beams, and decorative features. For example, a wooden lattice structure can be used to encase the exterior of the building, providing weather protection while adding a unique design element.
Stone is another important material in traditional Austrian design. It can be used for structural elements such as walls, terraces, and staircases. Stone provides a sense of solidity and permanence to the space. In addition, stone can also be used for decorative features such as marble plaster surfaces. Light grey marble powder, sourced locally, can be used to create a unique and elegant finish to the walls or other surfaces.
When using local materials like wood and stone, it is important to consider the natural terrain and how the building can integrate with it seamlessly. For example, in a hillside location, the design can follow the contour lines and make use of the sloping ground. This not only creates a unique and interesting layout but also minimizes the need for extensive earthworks. By using locally sourced wood and stone, the building will blend into its natural surroundings, creating a harmonious and authentic Austrian space.
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Design for energy efficiency
Traditional Austrian homes are known for their efficient use of space and energy. Here are some ways to design an Austrian-style room with energy efficiency in mind:
Firstly, consider the orientation and layout of the room. In traditional Austrian homes, the living area is often located on the ground floor, with bedrooms on the first floor. This allows for a more efficient use of space, as the living area tends to require more space for activities and socialising. Additionally, the entrance of the building can be located on the first floor, with a staircase leading down to the ground floor. This design takes advantage of the sloping terrain and makes use of the contour lines, as seen in some Austrian homes built on hillsides.
When it comes to materials, local and natural resources are a key aspect of energy efficiency in Austrian design. For instance, solid spruce wood, sourced from nearby woods, can be used for flooring, furnishings, and structural elements like wooden rails. This choice of material not only adds a traditional aesthetic but also provides good insulation. Another example is the use of hand-made plaster surfaces produced on-site from local materials like light grey marble powder, which can help regulate indoor temperatures.
In terms of heating and cooling, traditional Austrian homes often feature efficient wood-burning stoves that can provide both space heating and hot water. Additionally, the strategic placement of windows and skylights can maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling systems. For instance, a programmable skylight installed at the highest point of a staircase can provide natural light and facilitate night cooling.
Finally, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is a characteristic of Austrian design that can contribute to energy efficiency. By incorporating terraces, balconies, or courtyards that open up from the living areas, natural airflow and lighting can be optimised. Additionally, the use of glass in exterior walls, as seen in some modern Austrian designs, can provide panoramic views while allowing an abundance of natural light to enter the room, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
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Blend indoor and outdoor spaces
Traditional Austrian houses are typically mountain houses, with ample, rich facades, wide-open porches, and spacious balconies. They are built entirely or partially from wood, with outdoor spaces that open up to the surrounding views. To blend indoor and outdoor spaces in this style, you can try the following:
Use glass panel doors and large windows: Incorporating beautifully crafted glass panel doors and large windows can help bring the outdoors inside, making your home feel airy and connected to nature. Woodgrain's Stile & Rail door line offers excellent options, such as the 500 and 600 series, which can be used for both interior and exterior doors to maximise natural light and provide panoramic views.
Create a seamless transition: Open up the transition between rooms by using French doors to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. This instantly merges the inside with the outside, allowing a gentle breeze to flow through your home during warmer months.
Design a sunroom: Create a dedicated space for enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of your home by designing a sunroom with large windows. This allows you to relax and take in the panoramic views of your surroundings, creating a perfect indoor-outdoor experience.
Use natural materials: Opt for natural materials such as wood and glass in your design. This helps the structure blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, inviting panoramic views from every corner.
Integrate outdoor social areas: Consider adding a covered outdoor social area, such as a veranda or a patio, that extends from your indoor living space. This creates a defining feature that links the house to its surroundings and allows you to make the most of your location.
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Cook Austrian food like schnitzel and strudel
Cook Austrian Food: Schnitzel and Strudel
Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a traditional Austrian dish that is made by breading and frying thin cuts of meat. The most traditional variant, Wiener Schnitzel, is made with veal and is protected by Austrian law. However, schnitzel can also be made with other meats, such as pork or chicken.
To make schnitzel, start by pounding the meat until it is about 1/4-inch thick. Then, set up three shallow dishes: one with a mixture of flour and salt, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Coat each schnitzel on both sides in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, ensuring that no part of the schnitzel remains dry. Lastly, coat the schnitzel in breadcrumbs and carefully press down the crumbs using the reverse side of a fork.
To fry the schnitzel, heat enough oil in a large pan so that the schnitzels can "swim" freely. The oil should be hot enough to cause a sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in. Fry the schnitzel for about 2-4 minutes on each side until it is a deep golden brown. Serve immediately with slices of fresh lemon and parsley sprigs.
Strudel
Apple strudel is a classic Austrian dessert made with tender apples and raisins stuffed inside a flaky, paper-thin dough. To make the strudel dough, start by stirring flour, salt, oil, and water in a large bowl until a soft and tacky dough forms. Place the dough on a floured surface and gently knead until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, coat it with oil, and let it rest for about an hour.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing about 2 pounds of apples. Drizzle the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a separate bowl, mix the apples with melted butter, cinnamon-sugar, raisins, chopped walnuts, and toasted breadcrumbs.
Roll out the dough into a thin, rectangular shape. Spread a layer of melted butter and sprinkle with ground hazelnuts for added flavour and texture. Next, spread the apple filling in a narrow row along the bottom portion of the dough, leaving about 3 inches from each side. Roll up the strudel using a clean cloth, then transfer it to a baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until the strudel is golden brown and cooked through.
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Decorate with traditional motifs
When decorating a room in a traditional Austrian style, there are several motifs and design elements that you can incorporate to create an authentic and aesthetically pleasing space. Here are some ideas to consider:
Furniture and Flooring:
Use solid spruce for all furnishings and flooring. Spruce is a type of wood that is native to Austria and has a warm, rustic appearance. Alternatively, you can use other types of light-coloured wood, such as pine or birch, which are also commonly found in Austrian interiors. Hand-crafted, high-quality wooden furniture is a hallmark of Austrian design, so consider investing in custom-made pieces that showcase the beauty of natural wood grains and textures.
Colour Palette:
When it comes to colour, traditional Austrian design often features earthy tones and subtle hues. Colours like light grey, beige, and taupe can be used on walls, fabrics, and accessories to create a calm and inviting atmosphere. These neutral colours also provide a perfect backdrop for showcasing the beauty of wooden elements in the room.
Wall Treatments:
Incorporate hand-made plaster surfaces produced using light grey marble powder. This technique adds a unique, textured look to your walls and pays homage to traditional Austrian craftsmanship. Alternatively, you can consider using natural stone or wood panelling on accent walls to create a cosy and rustic feel.
Fabric and Textiles:
Traditional Austrian textiles often feature intricate patterns and motifs. Look for fabrics with embroidered edelweiss flowers, Alpine landscapes, or geometric designs in red, green, and white (the colours of the Austrian flag). These fabrics can be used for curtains, cushions, throws, or upholstery to add a touch of Austrian heritage to your space.
Lighting and Accessories:
To enhance the traditional Austrian ambiance, incorporate warm and soft lighting. Table lamps with fabric shades or wall sconces with candle-style bulbs can create a cosy atmosphere. Additionally, look for unique accessories and decorative items that showcase Austrian culture, such as handcrafted pottery, painted wooden figurines, or vintage-style posters featuring Alpine scenes.
By incorporating these motifs and design elements, you can create a room that embodies the beauty and charm of traditional Austrian style. Remember to focus on natural materials, subtle colours, and handcrafted details to capture the essence of Austrian design aesthetics.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many traditional Austrian dishes that you can make, including:
- Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese schnitzel)
- Tafelspitz
- Goulash
- Spätzle
- Potato salad
- Buchteln
- Krapfen
- Mac and cheese
Traditional Austrian houses often blend indoor and outdoor spaces. They may also be built from local wood, brick, or a combination of wood and glass. Some houses may have a steep roof and a lattice structure encasing the building.
Traditional Austrian interiors may feature solid spruce furnishings and floors, handmade plaster surfaces made from light grey marble powder, and timber frames.
