 History of Interior Design

Knowing your preferred decorating style is the best way to confidently approach a decorating project. The knowledge will help you to answer many questions and guide you through the myriad of decisions to come.

In part two we will look at the decorative styles contributed by the16th and 17th centuries. This five part series on decorating styles will give you a snap shot or a quick peek into the essence of decorating styles. It is written so that anyone can benefit from the information; the professional and the novice.

A brief look at the 16th & 17th centuries shows that decorating emphasis turned to the desire for domestic comfort. This was largely due to the rapid spread of prosperity among the merchant classes of both Europe and the newly established American colonies. Stylistically speaking, the most noteworthy development was the widespread use of Classical forms of ornament. This originated in Renaissance Italy and was loosely interpreted in Europe and, later, America by way of pattern books.

The Oriental style of decorating became popular in the late 17th century as trading with China and India became stronger. Architecturally speaking, the 16th century was when geometric patterned marble and elaborate marquetry and parquetry floors became popular. Marquetry is the art of inlaying different woods and other natural material onto a surface to create a picture. When an inlay technique is applied the end result should be that the two surfaces have become one. It is similar to when a floor set in tiles and then there is a different pattern in a different tile altogether. Most of the time marquetry was done using woods, but, materials like ivory, etc. can be used. If the marquetry is done properly, there shouldn't be any disconnect between the two surfaces. Marquetry was reserved for the wealthiest people. Typically, you would see this kind of work in Traditional styled spaces.

Also, in the 16th century there was a greater use of wainscoting throughout the period. And, of course wainscoting is popular when decorating in Country style. During the 16th and 17th centuries paneling made from hardwoods emerged. And, typically they were left untreated and stained or limed. And most people know what paneling is. Most people choose to remove pre-existing paneling because they feel it dates the home, and that's because it dates back to the 16th & 17th century. Transom windows became very common by the late 16th century. A transom window can be fixed or operable - meaning it opens or closes. Often a transom window is the windows you see above or on the side of a door - and it's only function is to allow extra light in. Transom windows are popular in Contemporary style homes.

The most significant contribution to furniture during this time was the introduction of upholstery. We already know that the 16th & 17th century was when domestic comfort became important. So, the benches and boards used as chairs in the medieval days were cushioned by the addition of upholstery. Upholsters were also used to make carpets, tapestry, and draperies. Upholstered seating first appeared in Europe in the 1620's. Fabrics used included leather, and velvet.

In part 3 of decorating styles we will take a glimpse at the 18th to mid 19th century and what was offered to interior decorating.