French Renaissance

 The French Renaissance saw a transition in the types of buildings being constructed. The need for religious buildings lessened, as so many had already been built. Instead the focus shifted towards palaces and chateaux structures. With these structures, the exteriors were crucial to the overall look and feel to the space, as the sense of luxury was often presented in the facades. The climate of France helped to play a role in some of the exterior components, such as having steeped roofs, several chimneys, and large picturesque windows. The roof structures often needed to have two slopes to endure the climate of the region but, this led to an iconic exterior style. As seen below, the roof style had a way of giving the structures a regal feeling while being practical. 

While the exteriors were not overly ornate, this was not reflected on the interiors of the structures. In Francois style buildings, the interior often featured plenty of carved details that were quite impressive in size. This in particular was a remnant from the Gothic period that translated over into the French Renaissance. Walnut wood was still being seen in these interiors and were often the choice for ornate details. Upholstery became an added detail seen in interior spaces with the use of silk and velvet being the popular choice. While upholstery was being seen widely in use, curtains and other textiles became mire important during this period. 

Seen to the right is bed surrounded with canopy curtains, and accented with a valence up top. This heightened the luxurious feeling within interiors, and added color to spaces that were fairly neutral. What can also be seen in this image is, a chair that features intricate wood carved inlays. This would later translate into bedposts and frames having intricate wooden details to match the look of other pieces. While wood carved inlays have been seen through several different periods but, now painted designs were emerging as well on furniture pieces. 

As seen to the left, details began to be painted on rather than always being carved into the piece. This again provided a chance to bring in more color, and give pieces s different feel from one another. During the French Renaissance is also when the emphasis of a dresser and armoire became prevalent. Storage for personal items was something missing from earlier periods, and this once more was a way to show more details and craftsmanship to an interior. 

Modern Applications

With the emergence of the armoire, people began to realize the importance of storage especially with clothing items. This became the gateway to modern closets. In the image to the left, it can be seen how expansive closet storage has become. What is interesting is, the section with upper open storage and lower closed storage, reflects a modern armoire.

Painted furniture designs became prevalent during the French Renaissance, and is still commonly seen today. With the era of DIY, many people refurbish furniture and give it a fresh look through stains, paints, and new designs. This helps to give new life to a used furniture pieces, and creates an added visual element in the space. 

Roofs became focused on the climate of the region to provide a functional buildings for the location. Modern homes often  have sloped roofs to help snow and rain to run off of the house. Additionally, modern homes have implemented gutters at the base of the roof to help draw that water down and away from the house to prevent floods and leaks.