American Period Discussion Post

My classmate Kristina P went on to discuss detail about the later American Era by talking about The Federal Period, the Shaker Period, and the Victorian Period. The Federal Period was known as the revival or neoclassical era. The Monticello House where Thomas Jefferson lived in Virginia is a prime example of the federal era design. During the Shaker Period interiors were sparse, clean, and well ordered. The homes were known to have round barn exteriors. Ladder back chairs were a significant item in this time period. Lastly, the Victorian Period was a time of mass production. Architecture was elaborate, romantic and emotional. The interiors reflected how wealthy the owners of the space were by the detailed interior. There were bright exteriors and known to have two staircases; one for the servants and one for the owners. Ironically for how bright and cheery the design appeared a lot of the design was Gothic inspired. 

My friend Dana commented on the fact that the Early American/ Colonial Period, Georgian Period, Post Colonial or Federal Period, Greek Revival Period, and Victorian Period are all apart of this one large American era. She stated that the different times had interested her because when there is a major shift, there are a bunch of different things happening in terms of government, interior design, social classes, and religion. Also, Dana had made a very good point, these homes are so interesting during this time because they are from the same period but represent entirely different things. Settlers from different areas brought in their own design styles from their country, and it was adapted into something entirely new!

Learn more about their blogs at:
http://www.history1kmp.blogspot.com/ -Kristina P
http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/americas.html -Dana

American Period

This period was separated into two main eras, before the 1800's and after the 1800's.During this period there were several different styles that emerged through time:
Georgian Period (1720-1790) 
Postcolonial or Federal Period (1790-1820)
Greek Revival Period (1820-1860)  
Victorian Period (1840-1880)
I will focus on Early American Style which was the Colonial Period. The first  permanent European settlement was at St. Augustine Florida 1565 settled by the Spanish. The land had offered many resources including hardwoods, softwoods, reeds, clay and stone. During this time I found it interesting that silver and gold were one of the main objectives of colonization. 

One of the settlements in America was the Dutch. Their design was popular during this time, they had dominated the Hudson River with their steep-roofed houses with crow-stepped gables, decorative brickwork, dutch doors, shutters and ornamental tiles.

Dutch house-New Castle

The Colonial Period also had French inspiration with wrought iron- balconies, full length porches, exterior stairs, raised homes to avoid floods and insects, and french doors.

Parlange- Louisiana plantation house

The German and Swedes also had an impact during this time with their sturdy homes with thick walls, exposed timber, a lot of stone, joints filled with clay, bark, or moss, and hand hewed beams.

De Turck German colonial house-Oley, PA

Spanish Influence during this time also used thick adobe walls which was an Indian craftsmanship smooth surfaces with heavy ornamentation on doors and windows, tile roof, floors and courtyards, ranchos or haciendas.

Gonzales Alvarez House

Interiors were not extremely lavish. Early homes were more primitive dwellings built by the settlers themselves from local natural resources using whatever skills they had. As the colonies prospered and trade expanded, craftsmen established businesses to serve and prosper from the growing market for their goods. The settlers adapted style into their own way of life, and in the process produced a unique and totally American colonial style.

American Colonial Period Themed Textiles

Modern Adaptations of the American Period Colonial style:

I think that this time brings a sense of antiquity to design. It isn't until the American Period in later design when particular furnishings and designers come about. I hope to cover that by reading through my classmates blogs.

Resources: American Colonial Period decorators: http://---chazz.squidoo.com/american-colonial-period-interior-decorating

English Discussion Post

This week I reviewed blogs from my classmate's Ariana and Rachael.

From Ariana I learned that the English style kind of became a "hodgepodge" of styles. They did start getting influence from the Italian Renaissance due to books and works of art brought back to England. Also, since international trade became easier, hints of oriental style was seen in English interiors. One of the main things that came from this time was the Tudor style home. It was built with timber framing, Ariana thinks that this style just screams England. I have seen many houses in neighborhoods today replicating this style, so it is interesting to learn where it originated.

Rachael took interest in the Middle Renaissance. She noted that for her the most interesting style was the Queen Anne design. During this time life revolved around social living, so all design and furniture emphasized the use of parlors and sitting rooms. With this style the use of Chinese design and mahogany wood was very common. Queen Anne brought back the curved lines and the style of the cabriole leg, which was used in all types of furniture.The English Renaissance was such a broad period of time it is interesting to see what my classmates take interest in, and have the ability to learn more about this interesting era.

Learn more from my classmates posts at their blogs:
Ariana- http://www.history1ah.blogspot.com/
Rachael- http://www.history1rap.blogspot.com/

The English Period

Chiswick House

There are many different ages during the English period including the early, middle and late Renaissance Neoclassic. From this extensive period I will discuss in depth about the Late Renaissance Neoclassic age from 1750-1830. During this time George II and George III were in rule. The Georgian styles included work from Robert Adam, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. These ages were known for mahogany and satinwood. There was a focus on the revival of interest in the arts of Greece and Rome, and reactions against the French Rococo period. One of the popular structures during this time was the Neoclassical Chiswick House. This house was the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement. I find that this structure strongly resembles so many other architectural landmarks that we have previously discussed. The dome, symmetry, and Doric columns of the Chiswick House makes a bold statement. Looking more into the history of this building I found it interesting that this neo-Palladian villa that is set on the historic gardens of west London has had a  £12.1 million restoration of their gardens which were unveiled in June 2010. These famous gardens have been the inspiration of many other monumental gardens of the past and today.

Lansdowne House interior

Adams, at first enjoyed the use of bold, masculine and large scale items. By 1770 his designs reflected more delicate and femininely. He liked classical columns and pilasters, entablatures, arch forms, domes and panels that were ornamented with classical motifs. Interiors featured delicately decorated panels and ceilings. His work with the Lansdowne House in London reflects his dedication to detail. The house was completed from Adam’s designs for Lord Shelburne in 1768. Another one of Adams works is the Syon House that has been recently restored.



 

Syon House after the 2010 Restoration

Ante Room of the Syon House

 

 Hepplewhite brought the Neoclassic style to the masses and he is the reason it is still being used today. Construction was weak, but urns, reeding oval paterae, ribbons, vases, fluting and festoons were incoorporated in design. His style included sideboards with many legs, and he inventer the washstand.

 Sheraton's style were elegant, crisp and light.He did not use complicated curves as seen previously. His furniture was composed of simple shapes with ornament that was restricted to inlay, marquetry or painted designs. He tried to think of furniture as multipurpose and used different fabrics in his work.

Modern applications of the English Period Late Renaissance Neoclassic era.

Extra Resources:
More about the Chiswick House: http://www.chgt.org.uk/
modern design: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1544149/list/Neoclassical-Design-Gets-Modern-Twists

The French Period Discussion Post

 I visited my friend Dana's blog and noticed that she had taken interest in the French Regency. Dana found it interesting how only 30 years separated this transitional style from Regency to Rococo. She stated that even though the Regency period wasn't a long period of time, there were a lot of trends and pieces of furniture that effect the world of interior design today and also made a large impact on the Rococo period. 

My classmate Flor took interest in the neoclassic period of the French Renessiance. She noted that during this time the most iconic building build were the Chateaus or "castles" that had started off as hunting places or getaways for rulers and kings during the time. Simpler materials, less ornamentation and preference for symmetry were common during the neoclassic period.

To learn more about my classmates thoughts visit their blogs at:
http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/french.html -Dana
http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/ -Flor

The French Period

Design and history of the French period is highly influential on today's society. During that time France was central to Romanesque and Gothic style-- yet they took it to a whole new level. Royalty always had to have a hand in the design process/ restoration through the years to have their own impact structures.Structures were amplified and personalized to who had been living there at the time. The french period was sub divided into different styles throughout the era: 

Modern French inspired dining room

• Early Renaissance (1484 - 1547) 
• Middle Renaissance (1547 - 1589) 
• Late Renaissance (1589 - 1643) 
• Baroque Style (1643 - 1700) 
• Regency Style (1700 - 1730) 
• Rococo Style (1730 - 1760) 
• Neoclassical Style (1760 - 1789)
• Revolution and Directoire (1789 - 1804) 
• Empire (1804 - 1820) 
• Restoration Styles (1830 - 1879)

Painting of Palais de Versailles

Palais de Versailles

Galerie des Glaces in the Palais de Versailles

Palais de Versailles

The Chateau was a famous type of structure built during this time.These structures were incredibly large and majestic.An ornamaniste, or professional decorator was hired, this was the beginning of where our field was developed. During the French Baroque period, the Palais de Versailles was created. Originally this structure was created for Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. The Loui's were all about themselves and had people doing all of their work. These structures were only for their Monarchs to appreciate, never the lower class, but they were occupied by thousands including the help. In class we watched the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxIzMr2Ekpo I can not help but be completely impressed with watching the digital recreation of  the Palais de Versailles. It is beyond me how large the chateau became and how immaculate the interiors were. One of the decorators was Master of Marquetry Andre Charles Boulle. His work is reflected in mirrored walls, the floors of wood mosaic, the inlaid paneling and the marquetry furniture in the Cabinet du Dauphin (1682-86).  The Baroque period was defined by classic design presented in a dramatic manner. Art, architecture and design were central to the political strategy of Louis XIV. Strength was shown through bold materials and vivid decoration. The interiors were not the only part of  Chateaus that was flawless. These amazing structures always help home to a series of beautiful gardens with fountains, sculptures, flowers, and decorative walking paths.

Modern French inspired foyer

My 3rd Exam Rendering Reflecting the French Period:

The Spanish Period Discussion Post

My classmate Paige found the Spanish Renaissance interesting and elaborate. She made note that there were other details incorporated into furniture that included tassels, fringe, braids, and decorative nail heads. The examples of courtyards that she had posted were beautiful, and I can see where modern courtyards have been adapted.

My other classmate Justine noted that there was another phase of decoration known as the Herrera Style. This style was influenced from the Italian Renaissance architects and had classic forms, plain surfaces and sparse decorations. This was different Plateresco and Disornamentado.

Learn more from Paige's blog at: http://www.history1peh.blogspot.com/

and Justine's blog at: http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/