French Renaissance - Neoclassical

 The Rocco Style during the French Renaissance was a time of stunning designs. There was a sense of lightness and airiness that promoted movement throughout the space. Visual movement helped to encourage people to view the whole space and truly take it in. To help emphasize this visual movement, organic shapes such as curves and arches were used this movement within the rooms. Mirrors were used as well to help open the space and create a feeling of a larger space. 

The Hotel de Soubise is a great example of the Rocco style, as it featured many items of visual movement. This was a very intricate space as it utilized gilded moldings and furniture and balanced it with carved woods to gain a balance between glamour and nature. Mirrors were seen to open the space and further more emphasize the movement of the space. Bright colors were used within this design, and the red seen to the left, helped to add to the regality of this interior.  The usage of fireplaces was a key component as well, and offered more charm and brought a cozy feel to such a lavish space. Furniture during this style embodied the carved woods and gilded elements that were displayed on the walls of its surrounding. Pastel colors were preferred and had accents of white and gold to add contrast to the pieces. The feet of furniture often showcased different scroll types to add to the charm and elegance of the space. 

Seen to the right, this credenza pieces displays the parquetry designs that were very prevalent during this style. As well it had gold trim and scrolled feet. The darker woods were still used during this period although paler woods were seen as well. 

The Neoclassical style emerged after the Rocco period and held strict architectural characteristics. Petite Trianon is a building that displays these characteristics, in fact, it was a reaction to the Rocco style. It had minimal ornamental details and plain exterior facade. The facade featured a symmetrical appearance and had Corinthian order columns, which were the simplest of the orders. A flat roof with a balcony kept the exterior simple and avoided strange angles. 

The interiors were subdued with soft off-white walls or other light pastel colors. The ceilings themselves were squared and did not feature coves, that previously were all the rage. Parquetry floors and moldings were the most detail seen within the space, as the color palettes were muted. However, small touches of gold, as seen to the left, were seen throughout the space. The second floor held the main entertaining space as well as the primary bedroom, giving this building an interesting floor plan from what we see today. 

Modern Applications

Neoclassical interiors were subdued and utilized minimal ornamentation and color. Minimalist homes today reflect these same characteristics. The image to the right shows the use of neutral colors, simple shape furniture, and small pops of a neutral black. This creates a very inviting and relaxing space, and lets the grouping of these pieces make the statement rather than decor and bright colors. 

Rocco style furniture was luxe and featured curves and detailed elements. Modern Rocco style still keeps the curvilinear shape and uses tufted upholstery to add the elegant feeling. Silver gilded furniture is quite popular in addition to the gilded gold. 

Modern Rocco style still features gilded elements, the heavy usage of mirrors, as well as heavily detailed moldings. This style is not as common but, still holds to the main look and feel. Furniture pieces showcase the scrolled feet and as well as using rich upholstery such as velvets and silks. The Rocco style has held up quite well to modern change, as it still embodies the same design elements.