The American period

During the 1776 and up to until 1789 France and the United States overthrew their monarchs at the same time. They became allies at the beginning of the 19th century. What inspired me the most about this period was the beautiful craftsmanship. We do not see many of these designs today because machines can do the work. Neoclassic design represented their political aspirations. arm chairs had curved armrests and straight. Many of the Neoclassical motifs included lyres, harps, and crown of laurel leaves. Duncan Phyfe was a famous designer and craftsman during this time period. He was known for the daybed and his skilled carvings. Below are a couple of his most famous works of art.

 

Another important design element during this period is the Shaker style. This type of style includes elegant simplicity and superb craftsmanship. Round barns, cast iron stoves, and ladder back chairs were another feature to the Shaker Style.

 

Today's Applications:

 

 

 

 

Other Student's Blog:

 

Looking at Dana's blog I really liked how she compared two different types of houses yet they were both a part of the American Period. She went into great detail of how the American Period was a clash of many different periods which was true and very important.

I also looked at Lindsey's blog in which I like how she described the Dutch style home. These types of homes had steep roves with decorative brick on the exterior of the house. We see this style of homes today. I also liked her current applications.

 

Video:

This video goes more in depth about the art of the Shaker Style and how this style is incorporated in design and architecture today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwA9JoL4BxE 

English: Mid Renaissance

The Mid Renaissance of the English period fascinated me the most. Starting from the 1600s to 1750 was when this time period began and moved onto the late Renaissance. At 1666 there was a great fire in England that burned a large section of London. Sir Christopher Wren stepped up to the plate and created new designs for England. He invented the new baroque, urban design. His designs were greatly influenced by the French. One of the new chateaux he built was the St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Below are images of the St. Paul's Cathedral:
    


One woman who humored me with her stubbornness and lack of interest was Queen Anne. She was neither interested nor influential to interior design. She was interested more on social living such as tea or coffee drinking. However she was influenced by trading. She traded with the Chinese for furniture, lacquer, Chinese porcelain, corner display cabinet, tea, and tea tables. In addition, she traded with Cuba for mahogany. Mahogany was very useful because it was easier to work with than walnut, firmer and has less difference in grain, and absorbs polish better. Queen Anne then became influential to design. Her design elements included: curved lines as dominating motif, Chinese structure for furniture, elegant and graceful, and the cabriole leg. The cabriole leg chair was influential and we see it everywhere today in our furniture.



Modern Applications:
 

Other Student's Blog:

In Dana's blog, I really liked how she explained the three separate periods during the English Renaissance. Also, she explained her current applications in which I learned that the Hepplewhite chair have straight, slender legs, backs are curved, and contain intricate designs. She did a great job of showing how the late English Renaissance is current today.
Looking at Ariana's blog, I liked how she pointed out that the English period was influenced by the Italian Renaissance in which I did not know about. She explained the Tudor style home which had wood framing. I really liked her pictures for showing us what a Tudor home actually looks like.

Going into further explanation of St. Paul's Cathedral is this short video. Check it out!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miQif-h1f_k

French Renaissance

The French Renaissance is different from the previous periods because design in this era was dependent on the ruler of the time. In other countries, design was based upon religious and political histories. Royal "taste was determined by the ruler. France was central to Romanesque and Gothic periods. The French Renaissance was mainly influenced by the Italian Renaissance. The ornamaniste  or decorator was becoming a profound profession. This position required to be skilled in explaining design concepts to the client and also be able to design harmonious and luxury rooms. In this period the exterior was beginning to be important and the sprawling of chateaux's were being built rather than churches or religious centers. One of the most important chateaux of this time was the Chateau de  Chambord, built by Francois I. It started off as a hunting lodge then expanded tremendously throughout he monarchy years into what it is now. The interior was also partly designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. It was said that he created the double-helix startcase located in the center of this structure. The fluer-de-lis was a very important design element that was an inspiration in this work of art.

Chateaux de Chambord

 Below is a picture of the interior of the Chateaux de Chambord.







                                      



  

Another important chateau during the French Renaissance was the Chateau de Fontainebleu. It's known for its large structure, formal gardens, lakes, fountain, and elaborate interiors.




 
We see French Renaissance inspired homes everyday. Here are some examples:

Other Student's Blog: 

One blog that I looked at was Ariana's blog. She did an excellent job of pointing out that interior design was becoming a profession. She explained the reign of Francois I in the Chateaux de Chambord and how Chateaux de Chambord was at first a hunting lodge and was left unfurnished.

I also looked at Flor's blog. She really explained this new design during the French Period. This new design featured simpler materials, less ornamentation, and a preference of symmetry. Designer started using more woods and monochromatic textiles.

Video:
Here is a video that goes more in depth of the Chateaux de Chambord. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQz8smJxF3I