Week 11- French Renaissance- Neoclassic

 This week in History of Interiors we actually learned about the French Period- Baroque, Regency, Rococo, and Neoclassical Style, which were from 1484-1879. The French Periods are subdivided into 6 different sections. This blog we are talking about Regency Style (1700-1730), Rococo style (1730-1760), and Neoclassical Style (1760-1789). 

Whoops I did week 12 out of order! 

 

Regency Style was the beginning of the economy and was a transition from Baroque (exuberant) to Rococo (delicate). This was during the reign of Louis XV and had simplified colors (white and gold) and materials, with the furniture being placed in the center of a room.  

 
(Regency Era) (Modern Day Application)

The Rococo Style was also during the reign of Louis XV, which was light, delicate, and had movement. Furniture had more organic curves and was asymmetrical, while the walls had recessed mirrors between framed spandrel panes. During this period the Hotel de Soubise was built, and royal apartments are Versailles were reconstructed. Rococo style was enjoyed by all classes, with its pale wood paneling, and fireplaces (which were also topped with mirrors). Rococo furniture featured pastel colors, white and gold, along with marquetry and parquetry and ornately carved elements.  

 
(Rococo Style Bombe Commode) (Modern Day Application)

Neoclassical Style had a revival of classical architectural orders, that contained straight lines and was during the reign of Louis XVI, who was influenced by 2 women. Madame de Pompadour developed art and architecture in France, was sponsored, creating fine porcelain, led to Eastern Products. Louis even had a building built for Madame de Pompadour, the Petite Trianon.  

Roman forms were created in a neoclassical style, walls were painted to look like marble, Ancient Egyptian style ornamentation and decorative details, along with military symbols of Roman armies were used. Strict architectural schemes were used for buildings such as hospitals and government offices. And overall, the furniture was more distinctive than the actual architecture.  

The Petite Trianon was a reaction to the Rococo design style, having minimal ornamentation, square rooms, painted soft off-white and pastel colors, having a Piano Nobile layout, it had three floors. While the building was designed for Madame de Pompadour, it was given to Madame du Barry, and Marie Antoinette, Louis’ actual wife used it for her personal retreat and entertaining friends.  

 
(Marie Antoinette bedchambers) (Modern Day Application)

In the Neoclassical style curves were eliminated, lines and proportions were more slender, and walls were paneled, painted, having moldings and decorations. Furniture was made from mahogany or ebony wood, having straight lines, classical motifs, furniture was often painted, gilded with strong reds and greens, and the legs were either straight, tapered or fluted.  

 

One Step Further: 

LauraU Design Collective is a design firm that works to celebrate what is most important and beautiful to their clients. They are an all women run interior design company that works to renovate and build projects for their clients. They have worked in many different styles, depending on what suits their clients. 

This project contains prominent neoclassical features, such as imposing columns, symmetrical design, the use of stone, wood, and metals, high ceilings, moldings, natural light, spacious, fluted detailing, lighter colors, and even walls painted to look like marble.  

 

https://www.laurau.com/hallmarks-of-neoclassical-interior-design-architecture/