§ TUDOR AND JACOBEAN § GEORGIAN

The Tudor period spanned the reigns of five monarchs, from The Georgian period covered the years from 1714 to 1830
Henry VII in 1485 to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. It when there were four consecutive King Georges on the throne.
marked an age of prosperity, money from expanding trade, Georgian architecture and interiors were known for their
and the gift of land to royal favorites enabling them to build elegance and lightness of touch. Among the most enduring
lavish houses. Dark oak paneling, rich velvet fabrics and styles was Neo-classical. Georgian style at a glance
wooden four-poster beds are all part of the Tudor style of incorporated: Roman-inspired elements such as niches and
interior décor. alcoves; use of the three Classical columns – Corinthian, Ionic
and Doric; stonework, ironwork and marble with shield and
Under the reign of James I (1566-1625), English furniture urn motifs and carved statuary depicting Roman gods and
retained many Elizabethan characteristics but adornments goddesses; classical figures, shown in profile, and used on
became simpler whilst some pieces frontally prevailed the plasterwork, vases and urns; motifs such as swags, ribbons,
absence of decoration. Furniture was massive, sturdy and quite garlands, husks and the Greek key pattern; real and imaginary
uncomfortable, characteristics that later inspired the interiors animal figures such as dolphins, sphinxes, griffins and satyrs,
of the American pilgrims. Charles I (1600-1649), his son, paid often forming bases or handles of objects; and pastel color
a greater attention to domestic comfort and instituted the use schemes, especially pea-green, mauve and pink.
of padded upholstery, carpets and fine embroideries.

A library at Besildon Park A tapestry room at Osterley Park

An English drawing room King Charles’ bedroom at Cotehele,
(1680-1702) Cornwall

§ PALLADIAN
§ BAROQUE Palladianism is a style based on the designs of the 16th-
century Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580).
Baroque style emerged and was hugely popular in the 17th Palladio was inspired by the buildings of ancient Rome. In
century. Ornate and immensely intricate it influenced turn, British designers drew on Palladio's work to create a
everything from architecture to music. Distinguished by Classical British style. Palladian exteriors were plain and
lambrequin, marquetry, and crests baroque was more heavy based on rules of proportion. By contrast, the interiors were
and bold than its successor rococo. richly decorated. Palladianism was fashionable from about
1715 to 1760.
Used widely in exterior and in church decorating baroque
featured many distinctive elements that made it so complex
and interesting. The ceilings were decorated with images of
putti (little boys) while plant motifs could be seen in wall
decorations.

Signorina at Villa Rotonda

Heidecksburg Palace in Rudolstadt The Great Dining Room at Houghton Hall

 § AMERICAN COLONIAL § REGENCY & EARLY 19TH CENTURY

The American Colonial Style covers the period from the By the early 1800s the development of architecture was
arrival of the first early settlers in the sixteenth century to the greatly affected by the rapid growth of industrialization in
Declaration of Independence in the eighteenth century. western Europe and eastern North America. In England, major
cities were linked by canal, and steam was used to power mills
As with all furnishing styles the American Colonial Style was and factories. The increased mechanization and improvements
initially influenced by practical considerations. Fancy soft in dye techniques resulted in more affordable textiles.
furnishings were not exactly at the top of the list for the Wallpapers could now be mass-produced, and the quality of
original settlers. As we saw, floors were planked wood, plate glass meant that fewer glazing bars were needed.
usually scrubbed pine, sometimes covered with rag rugs.
Special machinery could produce finely detailed joinery and
Wallpapers were much too expensive for most people, and there were advances in the production of metal for building.
even in the later part of the period only the wealthy could Early forms of heating from steam or hot water piping
really afford it. Later on, the availability of materials, imports appeared in private homes. There was gas lighting and the first
and the wealth of more individuals led to more sophistication ball-cock lavatory cisterns. Additional libraries were built and
and luxury in interior design. more newspapers and magazines became available.

A fireplace in Salem, American furniture in the 16th century Window treatments by Ackermann Design of a room by Thomas
Massachusetts (1750) (1820) Hope (1807)

§ VICTORIAN
§ DIRECTOIRE AND FRENCH EMPIRE
Victorian style at a glance incorporated: Gothic Revival
The Directoire style which developed from the Louis XVI architecture such as spires, buttresses, pointed arch door
style at the end of the 18th century was altogether a more surrounds and windows and decorative ironwork; medieval
austere and classical adaptation of Greek and Roman art. The influences including fleurs de lys, heraldic motifs and
name came from the political committee that controlled quatrefoils; rich dark colours such as ruby red, forest green,
France, and the period lasted on five years, from 1795 to 1800. and dark blue; mass produced wallpapers including flock and
The cabinet maker Georges Jacob and the painter Jacques damask styles and large bold prints of flowers and foliage;
Louis David were considerable influences of the period. heavily carved, or plump, over-stuffed furniture, including
Interior decoration became much plainer, characterized by button-back armchairs, sofas and ottomans; patterned,
flat-toned plastered walls or fabric hangings with classical encaustic floor tiles and stained or etched glass; highly
borders. patterned fabrics or strongly-coloured velvets, festoon blinds
and sumptuous window treatments; and ornate marble, slate or
The Empire style was deliberately propagandistic, and cast-iron fireplaces, inset with patterned tiles.
embraced what was most monumental in ancient art as
suitable analogies to the new French Empire. Napoleon
imposed a tyrannical centralization on artistic production,
decreeing that it would be subject to control from Paris and
overseen by the architects Percier and Fontaine and the painter
Jacques-Louis David. The new elite owed its fortune and glory
to a master whose predilections it imitated shamelessly.

Attic study at Carlyle’s House, London

Directoire interior style Interiors of Chateau Valencay

Zodiac roundels at Knightshayes Court
 § EDWARDIAN § ART NOVEAU

The Edwardian era saw the beginning of a new century with a Art Nouveau exploded onto the design scene in Paris and
new king and a new style of interior design. London at the turn of the twentieth century. It was the first
original style, that took inspiration from its surroundings, not
Bamboo and wicker was the material of preference in history.
Edwardian times. This added to the already delicate and
breezy nature of the style. Other furniture was reproductions, The style consists of two distinct looks: curvy, elongated lines,
drawing influence from baroque, rococo and empire style. The or the more linear look of artists such as Charles Rennie
wing chair is a classic shape, and upholstery favored chintz Mackintosh. There were elements of stylised natural forms,
and damask in pale colors. such as flowers, roots, buds and seedpods, and the pre-
Raphaelite female form was often seen also. Vertical lines,
Shifting away from the darkness of the Victorian interior, with height were a feature, with the whiplash line being
colors were fresh and light, with an informal feel. Patterns prominent. From the stylised natural forms of flowers also
were feminine, with flowers and floral designs being highly came spider webs, peacock feathers, locusts, thistles and more,
favored. Colors were predominantly pastels: blue, lilacs, appearing on wallpaper, furniture and accents. Exotic woods,
greens, yellows and grays. The floral theme was iridescent glass, silver and semi precious stones were the
complemented by the liberal use of fresh flower arrangements. materials of choice in this elaborate and exuberant era.
Living rooms often took darker colors such as dark green for
fabrics, complemented with cream walls.

Art Noveau furniture

An apartment in Moscow
Edwardian interiors (1905) Edwardian door (glazed)

§ ART DECO
§ ARTS AND CRAFTS
Art Deco began in Europe, particularly Paris, in the early years
Perhaps the best way to describe what constituted an Arts and of the 20th century but took off after World War I. Unlike
Crafts interior is to specify what it was not. William Morris many design movements, mass production meant it wasn’t just
saw the Arts and Crafts Movement as a reaction to the heavy for the elite. Art Deco rejected many traditional classical
ornamentation of the high Victorian era, and interior design influences in favor of more streamlined, geometric forms,
was where high Victoriana was most obviously displayed. making use of modern techniques and materials.
Victorian decoration can be summarized by one word-
embellishment. Woodwork was dark, heavy, and often The style was geometric and angular shapes, bold outlines and
manufactured to look hand-carved. Window dressings were zigzag forms. As travel was popular in the period, many pieces
made of heavy velvets and brocades, and usually layered with of foreign design began to appear in the home. African safaris
fringes and tassels. Furniture consisted of massive tufted were popular and animal skins, ivory, tortoiseshell and mother
upholstered pieces like lounges and divans accented with of pearl began to appear in the home. Egyptian motifs such as
wood ornamentation. Every inch of wall space was decorated sphinxes and pyramids were also popular. Materials were
with some sentimental painting, heavy bracket, or framed chrome, glass, shiny fabrics, mirrors and mirror tiles.
stitchery. Theatrical contrasts were also prevalent, mixing highly
polished wood and black lacquer with satin and furs.

Hoover Factory, London Lobby of Chigago Board of

Reception hall Trade
 § BAUHAUS § MODERNIST

The Bauhaus movement began in 1919 when Walter The modern art movement preceded the trends of modern
Gropius founded a school with a vision of bridging the gap design. In painting, modernism began with the impressionists
between art and industry by combining crafts and fine arts. and others who used abstraction in their work. Modern interior
Prior to the Bauhaus movement, fine arts such as architecture design grew out of the decorative arts, notably art deco, in the
and design were held in higher esteem than craftsmanship (i.e., late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reached its peak in the
painting, woodworking, etc.), but Gropius asserted that all 1950s and '60s, which is why designers and decorators today
crafts, including art, architecture and geometric design, could may refer to modern design as being "mid-century."
be brought together and mass-produced. Gropius argued that
architecture and design should reflect the new period in One of the most important elements in modern interior design
history (post World War I), and adapt to the era of the is form. Modern design uses geometric shapes, including rigid
machine. The Bauhaus movement is characterized by squares and rectangles along with smooth, even curves.
economic sensibility, simplicity and a focus on mass Perfect circles and ovals are also common in modern interior
production. “Bauhaus” is an inversion of the German term design. Modern interior design is also generally very simple
“hausbau,” which means “building house” or house and even minimal, with few ornamental flourishes to interrupt
construction. the even, unbroken lines and flat surfaces.

Bauhaus University staircase The Mensa (cafeteria), Dessau Bathroom interiors by Joseph Living room by Marmol Radziner
Dirand

§ DE STIJL § MIMO (MIAMI MODERN)

After World War I there was a turning away from old forms Miami Modern is a combination of the 1920’s International
and philosophies among architects and designers, just as there and German Bauhaus styles with a touch of futuristic
was among artists and writers. Many of the same abstract ornamentation to create a form of resort style Miami
ideas came into play, as did ideas that incorporated the architecture. This unusual form of Miami architecture found a
"machine" aesthetics of the new industrial age. In fact, one of home in Miami Beach following World War II thanks to
the important trends of the 20th century would be the designers such as Morris Lapidus, Norman Giller and Igor
increasing parallels between - even merging of - art and Polevitzky.
design, which had been separated since the end of the
renaissance. This Miami Modern style was most evident in the Miami
Beach area during the 1950s and 1960s. Outrageously
In the early 1920's a group of architects and artists, influenced creative Miami hotel designs sprung up from 41st Street,
by some of the ideas of DaDa, formed a movement called de where the current Fontainebleau hotel is now, all the way to
Stijl (Dutch for The Style). Theirs was a utopian philosophical Motel Row in Sunny Isles. Resort area architects hoped this
approach to aesthetics, centered in a publication called de Stijl, new Miami architecture would appease the new generation of
which presented their ideas and designs. The founder of the wealthy middle-class vacationers.
publication and leader of the group was Theo van Doesburg,
an architect. Other important participants were Gerrit Rietveld
and Piet Mondrian. Fontainebleau hotel lobby (1955)

Gerrit Rietveld, Red De Stijl library Penguin hotel lobby

and Blue chair (1917)
 § ROMANZAS
§ POST MODERN
In 1909, Frank Lloyd Wright designed a summer home for
The postmodern design movement spanned over two decades,
George and Emily Stewart in Montecito, California, Wright’s starting with architecture in the 1960s, although its heyday
first California commission, and his only prairie school was from about 1970 to 1990. It was a robust rebellion against
the minimalist concepts of modern design. Postmodern design
building in the state. Thus began a 50 year relationship embraces unconventional ideas with an emphasis on playful,
between Wright and the Golden State, a relationship that artsy and extravagant style.

would last until Wright’s death in 1959…and even The two biggest sources driving the Postmodern movement
beyond. were American architecture and Italian radical design,
according to Glenn Adamson, a curator of the
"Postmodernism: Style and Subversion 1970-1990," exhibition
Wright designed more than 80 projects for California, and saw held at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Form did not
more than 25 built. The buildings were both grand and modest, follow function in the brazen concepts of postmodern design.
It was an abrupt departure from the understated, minimalist
public and private, and came from each major era of Wright’s ideals of modern design.
7-decade-long career.“Romanza”, the third Frank Lloyd
Wright documentary from Writer/Producer/Director Michael
Miner, is the story of that relationship.

Karl Lagerfeld dining set

Carlton bookcase
George Stewart house interior Aline Barnsdall house interior

§ LATE STYLE
§ DISTRESSED LOOK (DIRTY Late-Modern was the ultimate phase of Modern Design, a
REALISM) phase of contrasts and paradoxes, influenced by technological
and social revolutions, rebellion against tradition, mass
The whole idea behind it is to make a piece of furniture or an production and Popular culture, Consumism and Minimalism,
object appear aged or older than it actually is. Naturally- Hippie counter culture.
distressed pieces are the most sought-after and the ones that
inspired this whole trend that’s getting more and more popular The furniture industry realized technological advancements in
by the day. manufacturing techniques. Other changes included an increase
in availability of new materials such as aluminum and plastics,
The goal in this case is to give an object a weathered look and as well, designers discovered new ways to bond wood
in order to do this several different techniques can be used. together.
During the process, the object’s finish is intentionally
destroyed or transformed in order to make it look less perfect.
Imperfections are actually desired in this case. When you’re
distressing a piece of furniture you have to remove some but
not all of the paint and to do that you can use sandpaper or a
paint stripper. The goal is to offer some subtle proof of the
several layers of paint underneath and to give the piece a worn
look.
Jacobsen 7-series chair
Arco floor lamp

Dirty Realism furniture Dirty Realism flooring