AmericanExtra Credit Video

Here is a video that talks about some of the details and typical design aspects you would see in a shaker style home.

The American Period

As America was just being formed into its own nation after the split from the English rule, their own architecture and design style started to form as well. The federal style was the American Neoclassical, and various English and French publications were responsible for the formation of the Federal style. A few characteristics of the federal style were armchairs that had curved arm rests and straight legs, daybeds, Neoclassical motifs, and motif of the American Eagle. Duncan Phyfe was a craftsman who created superb furniture during this time. One of his most known pieces is his daybed which had rolled arms and cornucopia legs. Another designer/craftsman during this time was Lambert Hitchcock who was known for the Hitchcock chair. This chair has a woven cane or rush seats, black with gold paint, and stenciled designs.

The Shakers produced their own design style as well that was much more simplistic and focused on  simplicity and utility over ornamentation. They lived in rounded barns that were built into hillsides and the interiors were sparse, clean, and well ordered.

Phyfe Sofa 

Hitchcock chair 

Shaker chairs 

Modern Application

Phyfe Sofa in a modern day living room. 

A Hitchcock chair is used in this small bathroom. 

Shaker style kitchen. 

Peer Reviews:
Haley gave such a good overview of the American period and focused in on the Victorian Period. She shared some really great examples as well as modern day examples that were great.

English Renaissance

The English Renaissance was a very long period that consisted of lots os "sub-periods". The early time of the English Renaissance was from 1550-1660. The design periods within this era were named after the rulers of England. This was also known as the age of oak because oak was the primary material used in design. One of the main styles associated with this era was the Tudor, the tudor marks the official beginning the English Renaissance. Tudor consisted of both architecture and furniture style. The architecture form of Tudor is known for timber framed construction.The furniture in this time was more sparse and the chairs were very box like.

Below is an image of a tudor style chair called a settle chair

A popular table style of this period were table with a thick wood top and 4 carved legs with heavy stretchers between each. Below is a picture of such a table called a gate leg table. 

Modern Application

Today the Tudor style can be seen all over in modern forms. Below are a couple of images of a modern tudor style home. 

Peer Reviews:

The first blog I read was Paige Perry's. She did a really nice job explaining the different architecture and architects of the English Renaissance and showing really nice images of each. The second blog I looked at was Haley's. She explained the period thoroughly and gave plenty of information to review and learn more about this period. She also shared really nice photos!

French Renaissance (Extra Credit Post)

THis short video gives a little bit of a closer look at some of the details of French architecture:

French Renaissance

The French Renaissance was a time where the "royal taste" determined the style of the rest of the country and even world. The main features of the architecture in France were mansard roofs, large windows, 2 slopes with former windows, and many chimneys. It is in this era that  "the decorator" became an actual occupation and they were hired to design luxurious high quality spaces. During this time many magnificent chats were built and still stand today.

The Chateau Chambord Francois's royal hunting lodge located in Loire valley and is known as the larger and most magnificent chateau.

Chateau de Fontainbleaue is also a hunting lodge. In this chateau is the Galerie Francois which set the interior fashion idea for the time. Below is are images of both the Chateau and the Galerie Francois. 

One other Chateau that was built in this era was the Chateau de Blois, it features a more classic design and classical pilasters as well as entablatures and asymmetrical organization of the openings. 

Modern Application

This house features some french design features such as the dormers, mansard roof, and many chimneys. 

This home is also influenced by french as you can see in the multiple slopes and small dormer windows. It also has large first story windows and gardens. 

Peer Reviews:

I read Shannon's blog first, and I thought that she did a really nice job reviewing the French Renaissance. I loved the pictures of the various chateau's she posted and the modern application pictures she shared were really cool as well.  

The second blog I read was Alexandra's. She did a great job and I loved the pictures she posted. The modern examples were spot on of how the French Renaissance style is applied now.