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Showing posts from November, 2025

Blog Post #14 - Victorian and Historical Revivals

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  The Victorian period was characterized by the beginning of many technological innovations that would shape the rest of the century. For example, steam-powered ships allowed for goods and materials to be transported quickly and independently from any weather conditions. Also, the availability of steel and glass allowed for urbanization through impressive skyscrapers. Interestingly, in the early 1800s, because architects were trained in traditional styles and disciplines, they continued using the same traditional styles in steamships and skyscrapers. As the Age of Machines dawned, luxury furniture, objects, and decorations could be produced by machines instead of only by hand. Thus, lower- and middle- class citizens could be involved in modern design trends and experience a higher standard of living. Gothic-inspired folly   Gothic-inspired folly Gothic-inspired folly   Queen Victoria’s bedroom in the Osborne House         ...

Blog Post #13 - English Late Renaissance

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  The English Late Renaissance was defined by three major designers that each established guiding principles and norms for their design period. First, Robert Adam employed the concept of movement in many of his designs while utilizing classical forms such as columns, pilasters, and entablatures. Adam painted ceilings and walls pale green or crème and matched the carpet patterns to the ceiling designs. He also created satin wood shield back chairs and elaborate mirrors. Next, cabinet and furniture maker George Hepplewhite used satinwood and neoclassic devices to create unique furniture. He designed tables with sideboards and numerous legs. Hepplewhite’s signature chairs featured slender legs, spade feet, and oval, shield, or heart shaped backs. Lastly, Thomas Sheraton was a furniture maker whose style was almost identical to the Louis XVI style. The only ornamentation on his works were inlay, marquetry, and painted designs. Sheraton’s signature chairs were very similar to Hepplewhit...

Blog Post #12 - English Early and Middle Renaissance - Extra Credit

  I love the bright colors and decorative features of these homes! This video helps articulate some of the features of Queen Anne style homes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVOerTmV3ig   Someone actually lives in this historic Tudor style home! This video shows his journey of restoring the home to its former beauty and functionality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aje6d7t_lOs               This drone video helped me better understand the layout of Holkman Hall. It is also so interesting to see the shapes of the gardens and paths from above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HONE_JspfuI   St. Pual’s Cathedral is not only beautiful, but has also been the setting of many important historical events such as weddings and funerals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw-aIQeG_Xo   This video highlights the features of Jacobean furniture such as heavy carving, animal faces, and turned posts...

Blog Post #12 - English Early and Middle Renaissance

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  The English Early Renaissance included many diverse architectural styles that were categorized by their respective monarchs. First, the Tudor style, during the reign of Henry VII and Edward VI, involved timber framed construction and luxury in aspects such as fireplaces and box-like furniture. Next, the Elizabethan period was characterized by lavish country houses and great halls. Oak paneling, plaster ceilings, and tapestries were important aspects of these spaces. Lastly, the Jacobean style was associated with the reign of King James I and featured heavily carved furniture with spiral turns and upholstery. The English Middle Renaissance was greatly shaped by Sir Christopher Wren, who established zoning and construction regulations after the Great Fire of 1666. In his publishing, even small details such as floor heights and materials were specified. After this, the William and Mary style, which was inspired by general outlines of Baroque forms without elaborate detailing, rose...

Blog Post #11 - Neoclassical

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  Neoclassicism was a reaction to the expensive extravagance of the Rococo movement and its leaders. Beginning in 1760, this period emphasized simplicity, geometric purity, and classical elements. One example of this in France was the Petite Trianon, which was formed with square rooms, Corinthian columns, and minimal decoration. The exterior structure is basic and geometric, but the insides still retained some ornamentation, such as painted off-white walls and gilded iron railings. Since America was closely connected to France through ambassadors, literature, and military alliances, American Neoclassical design shares the same foundational principles. For example, Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, was inspired by the Villa Rotunda and has a similar radial layout. The home is symmetrical with classical detailing, which was common for these early American homes, particularly in the South.     Geometric simplicity in the Petite Trianon   Gilded and init...