Journey Through Time
Historical Inspiration in Interior Design
Delving into the rich tapestry of interior design history unveils a treasure trove of design inspiration. From the opulence of the Baroque era to the sleek lines of the Art Deco period, each historical epoch has left an indelible mark on the world of interior design. In this blog post, we embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring iconic design styles and their enduring influence on contemporary interiors.
Regal Renaissance:
Renaissance room photo via Britannica
The Renaissance period heralded a revival of classical Greek and Roman motifs and a celebration of artistic expression. As feudalism began to dissolve and the bourgeois merchants and financiers rose to power, more commercial, organized societal systems came into effect, mirroring ancient Greek and Roman culture in its heyday.
With the rebirth of classical Western thinking and commerce came renewed interest in the tenets of classical art and design. Just as in ancient Greece and Rome, 14th through early 17th century Europe housed artists focused on finding rules and formulas to create aesthetic ideals rooted in realism. These ideals of beauty shifted to marry modern styles of the time, borrowing decorative ornamentation such as classical columns without duplicating them exactly.
Today’s Renaissance-inspired interiors still borrow decorative motifs inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, including columns, and often feature architectural symmetry. Even more prevalent, Renaissance elements and principles of art and design still dominate Western art and design theory, essentially touching most if not all modern Western styles on a foundational level. Renaissance design principles, such as proportion, balance, and harmony, continue to resonate in contemporary interior design, fostering timeless elegance and refinement.
Baroque Extravaganza:
Baroque era room via Civilisable
Characterized by lavish ornamentation, gilt accents, and rich fabrics, Baroque design exudes grandeur and drama. The first visual style to have a significant worldwide impact, the Baroque Movement started around 1600 in Italy, quickly spreading to France, then Europe at large, and eventually the whole globe. Most prevalent in 17th and early 18th century Italy and France, Baroque art, architecture, and design was a visual display of immense wealth and power adopted by entities such as royalty and the Catholic church.
While few modern interiors include elements quite as bold as bronze sculptures, intricate tapestries, or elaborately painted ceilings, approaches to incorporate Baroque style into today’s designs maintain layered opulence and the “more is more” philosophy of the original movement. If it ain’t Baroque don’t fix it! Elaborate furnishings, intricate detailing, and sumptuous color palettes have survived the test of time, and still communicate the same subliminal messages they did in the 17th century: cha-ching! Elements of Baroque design, such as ornate mirrors, chandeliers, and dramatic drapery, can be incorporated into modern spaces to add a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Victorian Vision:
Victorian-style room via MasterClass
Synonymous with a sense of nostalgia for bygone eras, Victorian design blends so many styles and motifs; it can be difficult to find common threads between the myriad of influences gathered in just one room from the era, let alone the time period itself. The main overarching theme of popular Victorian design was eclectic maximalism that favored all things ornate and intricate.
Like fans of the Baroque, Victorians were interested in using interior design as a tool to display their wealth and importance. They went about this, however, with less of a cohesive theme than most Eras claim, as the Victorian method of decorating lavishly entailed curating a combination of the highlights of different styles, whether they be influenced by historic art and design movements and philosophies, modern ones of the day, or those of other cultures.
Art Deco Chic:
1920s art deco room via Art Deco Style
The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century epitomized glamor, luxury, and modernity. While Victorian aesthetics and design were, for the most part, a reaction against industrialization and new technology, Art Deco embraced the hard-edged geometry of mechanized creation and man-made materials as bright beacons of modern style and luxury. New materials including chrome plating, stainless steel, and plastic were introduced and displayed in all their glory rather than produced to mimic other classic materials and finishes.
The Roaring 20’s adored all things new, chic, and dramatic; everything displayed the perfect symmetry and geometry made possible by modern production. Lines were sleek and stylized, shapes were bold and geometric, and materials were luxurious and glossy. Finishes such as marble, brass, and lacquer are still used to evoke the spirit of Art Deco in contemporary interiors, infusing spaces with an air of sophistication and allure.
Mid-Century Modern Revival:
1950s mid-century modern room via Pinterest
Mid-Century Modern design emerged in the post-War era, embracing clean lines, organic forms, and functionality. The Mid-Century Modern style furnished alongside America in the mid-20th century, as new families flooded into the suburbs to enjoy domesticity in the wake of the peace and economic prosperity brought about by the Allies’ victory in World War II.
Unlike the extravagant design and architectural styles of the past, Mid-Century Modern, also known as MCM and midmod, was designed with the intention of supporting the day-to-day lifestyle of the bulk of Americans in a practical, efficient manner rather than exhibiting the wealth and influence of the upper class or mimicking more expensive styles and materials to provide a similar effect for the middle class.
With its core purpose changed at last, focusing on optimizing function and comfort instead of communicating status, design at last embraced modern innovation without attempting to glamorize it. The forms of functional architecture and furnishings were stripped to their bare necessities then re-designed by luminaries such as Eames, Saarinen, and Jacobsen with more ergonomic lines for ease of use, cutting down both visual clutter and excess material. For example, by replacing the classic four-legged support with a singular, streamlined central pedestal, Saarinen’s Tulip Table allowed space for more chairs.
Through the Eras:
From the ornate extravagance of the Baroque era to the sleek minimalism of Mid-Century Modern design, interior design history serves as a boundless source of inspiration for interior designers and homeowners alike. By drawing upon the timeless elegance of past eras and infusing them with a modern sensibility, we can create interiors that pay homage to the past while embracing the present, resulting in spaces that are truly timeless and inspiring. Join us on this journey through time, and discover the endless possibilities of historical inspiration in interior design.
The Rowan Hall team is not only knowledgable about the history of interior design, but we understand how it influences modern-day interior design. There’s no need for you to be an expert with an award-winning interior design firm heading up your project! Give us a call to learn more about working with Rowan Hall Interiors today.
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