Italian Renaissance

 We often see that what is happening within history and society is often reflected within architecture and interior design. During the Italian Renaissance an emphasis began being placed upon literature, architecture, and design especially in a secular way. Paintings and sculptures began to be heavily used, as is seen within the Villa Rotonda. The exterior of this building has a unique look as each side has a temple front that is accompanied with grand stairs, columns, and entablatures. This created an elegant feeling and several points of entry. A Roman portico was a highlighted feature as well, and the inside remained symmetrically centered around the dome. 

The interior featured a central dome, that had sculptures and dramatic paintings. The ceiling of the dome features murals that follow the circular shape of the dome itself. The floor plan is based around the dome and is symmetrical, which became a key characteristic during this time period. 

The interiors of this time period were often grand like the Villa Rotonda. Decorative moldings, doors, and door frames became staples of these spaces, as it added an elevated feeling and style. Moldings and trims are a small way to make a space feel finished and well thought out in design. As seen in the image below, these moldings would sometimes envelop the top of the wall as well as part of the ceiling. This created a feeling of a larger room by drawing your eyes upwards, and created more space for people to give more visual space. Coffered ceilings were still quite prevalent, and were accented with murals, creative use of light and shadow, and other decorative features. Fireplaces became more heavily focused upon, as decorative mantels and faces were seen. 

Furniture during the Renaissance was not overly used and, as we have seen through history, made to be portable. Details were often seen added to furniture to create a luxe design that suited the heavily decorated interiors. Inlays featuring ivory, marble, onyx and other stones were seen. Gilding furniture started to become a trend, and was seen mixed with the inlays. Trims and molding was also added to furniture as a way of reflecting the space it was being used within. 

Modern Applications

Gilded furniture started being used during the Italian Renaissance and can still be seen today but, with a modern spin. Rather than a flatter gold color as was seen in the Renaissance, chrome versions are being used now. This gilded chrome look is often associated with an ultra modern and luxe design style, and is meant to be very flashy and draw attention. 

Domes are still seen within residential homes, although there are fewer than during the Renaissance. In the image to the left, a more modern version of a dome is seen. Details still envelop the space to create the added drama of the shape and height. Using glass is a way to draw in more connection with nature and gives almost a heavenly feeling, especially with the staircase leading towards the glass. The wood beams accent the glass and are a natural material to further draw on the nature connection. This is a much simpler approach than seen during the Renaissance but, aims to impress in the same way. 

Sculptures within interior spaces have taken a simpler approach as well. Often these are not as solid and bulky, and are often smaller scale to be table decor. Modern sculptures do not always have a deep meaning or represent an important figure, they are for the sake of exploration and freedom of artistic choice.