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Week Nine - Spanish Renaissance

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The Spanish Renaissance Summary The Spanish Renaissance was a fusion of Moorish, early Christian, medieval and Italian Renaissance styles. Mudéjar is a style that mixes Moorish and Christian art, and it was a fundamental part of Spanish design. This resulted in a distinctive style that featured detailed patterns, colorful tiles, decorative ironwork and geometric designs. The 16th century saw Spain grow to be very powerful through exploration, trade and wealth from the New World. This wealth was expressed in architecture and interiors in the form of palaces, churches and detailed decorations. Spanish design also had simpler styles, such as Desornamentado, which was concerned with plain surfaces and carefully thought-out proportions. Walnut wood, leather, iron and decorative inlay were frequently used in Spanish furniture. All in all, the Spanish Renaissance was a mix of different cultural influences, resulting in a style that was both decorative and practical. Designs & Cu...
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Week Eight - Italian Renaissance

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Italian Renaissance October 17, 2026 INT 231: History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings Summary The Italian Renaissance took place from about 1400 to 1600. The word Renaissance means “rebirth” because people became interested in the art and architecture of ancient Rome and Greece again. During this time, people focused more on learning, creativity, and everyday life. This was connected to humanism, which encouraged learning about subjects like art, science, medicine, and engineering. Italy was where the Renaissance began. Wealthy families, such as the Medici family, supported artists and architects. Buildings began using more symmetry, classical details, and decoration. Furniture also became more comfortable and detailed than medieval furniture. The Italian Renaissance influenced design throughout Europe. Designs & Current Applications 1. Italian Renaissance Palaces Renaissance palaces, called palazzos, showed the wealth and power of important families. They often ha...
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Week Seven - The Americas/China, India, and Cambodia

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The Americas, China, India, and Cambodia Summary: This week's topic focuses on the architecture, interiors, and furniture of the Americas, China, India, and Cambodia. Each region developed its own design styles based on its culture, religion, and available materials. In the Americas, civilizations such as the Olmecs, Maya, Aztecs, and Incas built temples, cities, and homes. The Incas were especially skilled at stone cutting, which can be seen at Machu Picchu. In China, architecture focused on timber construction, symmetry, and courtyard-style homes. China also developed the pagoda, which combined the Buddhist stupa with traditional Chinese tower design. In India, stupas were important religious structures that held sacred Buddhist relics. These examples show how architecture reflected the beliefs, traditions, and daily lives of different cultures. Designs & Current Applications: One example that stood out to me was Machu Picchu in Peru. Built by the Incas in the Andes M...
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Week Six - Gothic

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Gothic Summary: The focus of this week's post comes from Chapter 6 and the Gothic period, which lasted from approximately 1140 to 1500. Gothic architecture began in France and eventually spread throughout Europe. During this time, churches were the center of city life, and religion played a major role in architecture and interior design. Gothic architecture is considered a bridge between Romanesque and Renaissance design. Some of its most recognizable features include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, tall walls, and large stained-glass windows. These elements allowed cathedrals to reach greater heights and create a feeling of weightlessness. The use of light was especially important because it helped create a spiritual atmosphere and made the interior feel as though it extended beyond the earthly world. Designs & Current Applications: One Gothic structure that stood out to me was the Basilica of Saint-Denis in France. Saint-Denis is important because it h...
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Week Five - Romanesque and Islamic

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  Romanesque and Islamic Design: This week we studied two major design traditions of the Middle Ages, Romanesque and Islamic design. Both developed in different parts of the world but were heavily influenced by religion and influenced architecture and interiors a great deal. I thought it was interesting that both styles used architecture as a means of communicating something larger than just the function of a building. Romanesque architecture focused on churches, monasteries, and protection. Islamic architecture focused on places of worship, palaces, gardens, and intricate decorative patterns. Romanesque Design: Romanesque design was developed around 800 AD and acquired special importance in Italy and France. The name Romanesque comes from its association with Roman architecture and construction. Charlemagne was a key figure at the start of this period as he encouraged learning, the arts, schools, monasteries and building, using Roman building technology. Romanesque architecture...
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