American Period- Colonial

During this time period, people were beginning to settle and grow into the North America continent. The 1st permanent settlement was in St. Augustine, Florida 1565. The 2nd permanent settlement was in Jamestown, Virginia 1607. The main objective of colonizing all over America was silver and gold. 

Architecture during this time was very small and very simple. Different regions of America had be dominated by different European countries so each area had architecture that was styled very differently from other regions/colonies.



The Dutch dominated around the Hudson River Valley. Around that area, the architecture involves Dutch doors, steep roofs, and brickwork. Hasbrouck House in New York is an example.









The French settled around the Rivers in the New Orleans area. Around that area, the architecture involves full length porches, wrought-iron balconies, and French doors. Parlange (Louisiana plantation home) is an example of the French architectural style.




But French also had creole cottages. These had the full porches, but they were built close to the property line, and were located around the Gulf Coast.

The Germans/Swedes settled in Pennsylvania. The architecture around there were sturdier homes with really thick walls made from stone and timber. The De Turck
German Colonial Home is an example of homes in this area.








The Spanish settled all around the south, in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, etc. The architecture from this area is usually made from stucco and has a lot of tiling. The homes were one story home plans. The Gonzalez Alvarez House in St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest home in Florida and the entire US and its an example of the Spanish architecture from this design period.






Below are some current applications of Colonial American Design....

 

 

I reviewed Lindsey's blog, and she focused on colonial America as well, and from her blog I learned a little bit more about the Spanish architecture during this design period. She explained that the Spanish architecture had smooth surfaces and was heavily ornamented.

 

I also reviewed.....

English Period-Late Renaissance/Neoclassic

The late renaissance period in England is also referred to as "Georgian Period" or "Neoclassic". This design period is a reaction to the French Rococo Period and focused more on a revival of classical design. The designs had a delicate appearance and were finely detailed and ornamented.

The Chiswick House is from this design period, and it is said that it was the "birthplace of the English landscape and architecture movement ."

The Lansdowne House in London is from this period too and it is very obvious especially because of the highly ornamented ceilings.

The Syon House (also, in London) is a from this design period. The designs are always symmetrical and it introduced the use of satin wood ("blonde wood") which is very feministic. The floor pattern complemented the ceiling and the walls were usually a pale/faded pastel color.

Below are current applications of English Neoclassical Design...

I reviewed Ariana's blog, and from her blog I learned that English renaissance ended up being a "hodge-podge" of styles because they were one of the last countries to "jump on the renaissance bandwagon" because they were isolated from the other European countries. I also learned that one of the biggest contributions from this period was the Tudor House.

I also looked at Dana's blog and in her blog, I learned more about how the major players of this design period (Chippendale, Adams, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton) fit into the three "sub-categories" (Early, Mid, and Late) of the English Renaissance.

French Period-Neoclassical Style

During this time period, 1760-1789, there were strict standard for buildings and architecture. The walls were most commonly painted to look like marble. Dark green and red colors (reflect on Pompeii Design) were used a lot because the excavations of Pompeii promoted a renewed interest in antiquity. Furniture was also more distinctive than architecture was during this design period.

The Petite Trianon was a very well known building during this period. It was originally meant for Madame De Pompadour (King Louis XV's wife) who developed art and architecture in France during this period. The Petite Trianon was later given to Madame Du Barry (the King's mistress). And it was later inhabited by Marie Antoinette who received it from King Louis XVI.


The Petite Trianon was a reaction to the Rococo Style, it had three floors which had square shaped rooms with low flat ceilings. There was minimal ornamentation and the use of white or slight pastel colors. It has a simple and plain stone façade.  An important element that Marie Antoinette added to the home was the gilded iron railings had her initials going up the staircase.  


Neoclassical style is still very common in today's society, below are some picture of current applications...

I reviewed Ariana's blog and she looked at the French Renaissance Period. From her blog, I learned that during this time, design was staying away from gothic aspects and more resembling the Italian Renaissance Movement. Also, that during this design period, interior designing really flourished, and interior decorating/designed became an official profession.

I also reviewed Dana's blog and she focused on French Regency. From her blog, I learned that it was an extremely short-lived design period, only 30 years (1700-1730), but it was a huge impact to design and influenced the Rococo Period and even interior designers in the world today.