Italian Renaissance 1400-1600

The Renaissance was a time in history known as the "rebirth" in Florence Italy. This era was a revolution not an evolution; a time where Gothic and Romanesque styles were elaborated and reinvented. Classical forms were refined and adapted for new uses. There was a movement towards humanism through the writings of Dante. Everyone was interested in the arts and residential design became more popular outside the importance for churches. Comfort, convenience and beauty became a necessity rather than safety, strength and protection.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

Popular Renaissance chair called the Savonarola

A famous structure known as the Renaissance "palazzo" facade portrayed repetition, alteration and progression in three divisions with compound windows and a heavy project cornice. It contained a central courtyard like the Roman domus with no hallways, living spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors like an insula, and shops and businesses on the 1st.  The palazzo structure was very popularly used in many structures during this time including the Palazzo Dacanzati, Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and  Palazzo Ducal.

Interiors during this time revolved around the arts. Fresco's, tapestries, fireplaces, and a huge deal was symmetry both inside and out. Interiors contained decorative moldings, doors and door frames, elaborate ceilings often coffered, painted wall and ceiling decorations, elaborate fireplace mantels, pilasters that were flat and decorated columns, and floors made of brick, Terra-cotta tile, or marble in geometric patterns. A new art called intarsia created an illusion of art in wood. Leonardo Da Vinci's works of art came to life during this time period as well and are still famously known today.

Palladio's Villa Rotonda

One of the most influential architects of the Renaissance, to some, of all time was Andrea Palladio. His writings, The Four Books on Architecture are considered to some as an architectural bible, containing the true theory of design. Interior designers today still refer to Palladios work as a set of inspiration.



 Modern Applications:

Modern Renaissance inspired sitting room.

Modern Renaissance inspired formal living space.

Extra Resources:
http://www.blogdolcevita.com/tag/Andrea+Palladio

Take a look at this design company that takes a spin on the Italian Renaissance
http://www.dallasdesign-group.com/gallery/