America

History:

France and the United States became allies at the beginning of the 19th century after that had simultaneously overthrown the monarchs in Europe. Both wanted to have a government a democratic based government and therefore they created a neoclassicism design to display their political aspirations. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 was the marking point for the rise of architectural and interior design business. Benjamin Latrobe and Charles Bulfinch were considered the fathers of architecture within the United States.

The first style to emerge within America was Federal. Chairs specific to this time had curved armrests and straight legs. Daybeds were highly popular during this period as well. Common neoclassical motifs included lyres, harps, and crowns of laurel leaves. The American Eagle was also highly publicized. One of the most influential designers of this time was Duncan Phyfe. The Scotsman was renowned for his superb craftsmanship as well as beautiful veneers. He is known for creating the Green Room in the White House in addition to his sofas and side chairs.

Another increasingly popular style among the public was the Shaker style. Its interiors were sparse clean and well organized. It played a heavy emphasis up political and religious freedoms. There was almost two of everything within each building: two entrances, two stairwells, two sleeping quarters, and so on. It was designed this way for the purpose of there being one for a woman and one for a man. Architecture included round barns, ladder back chairs, and cast iron stoves. It was believed, "That is best, which works best."

The most well known style associated with interior design in America is Victorian. It was based strongly upon the "mother country" in terms of decor. It was elaborate, romantic, and emotional. Architecture was a status of wealth and those with money wanted people to know. House were very large and were filled with many small rooms; each with a particular function. The interior were typically dark and adorned with heavy drapery, dark wood, and wood floors. The exteriors of these buildings on the other hand were usually painted in bright colors. There were always two separate staircases: one for the public and one for the servants and children. These homes were designed to impress so the front of the home was solely for the purpose of the visitors while the back was the actual home area. 

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FrenchPeriods

History:

Throughout the world, most countries style of interior design was heavily influenced by religious and political history of the eras and led by their leaders. In France the rulers taste was most pervasive during the French Renaissance. Therefore, royal "taste" was a strong determining factor in the direction which each style would take. France was also central to the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The Early Renaissance style controlled the industry between 1484 and 1547. This was the main transitional period from Gothic into Renaissance. Rulers during this time were Charles VIII, Louis XII, and Francois I.

Since ornamentation was so elaborate during this period it required a lot of supervising and implementation. The job was of creating a room that was consistent and harmonious was so complex a new profession was born: the decorator. Not only did the position require the person to be able to actually design an environment but to also be able to convey this information over to the client in a concise and understandable manner. The decorators supervised the artisans to produce the highest quality of design.

One of the most influential patron of the arts was Francois I. He held a very transitional style combining Gothic forms with Italian Renaissance ornamentation. He held establish some of the most impressive architectural monuments of the time which included Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Fountainbleau, and Chateau de Blois.

The architecture of this period was also very distinctive. There was no need for new religious structures which contributed to the increase in construction of palaces and chateaux. Exteriors also become much more important. Roofs were typically very steep, had multiple chimneys and an abundance of large windows due to the weather. These roofs often had two slopes with dormer windows. What was most unique is the the exterior typically did not reflect the style of the interior.

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Discussion Blogs:

Alexandra: I really liked how she described the background of the French Renaissance and then show all the different major architectural structures. I also like how she puts side by side comparisons of current applications.
Jackson: I really like her analysis of the Rococo style and the various different modern applications of today. 

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