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French Renaissance

Sep1

During the French Renaissance not only architectural and artistic works were outstanding, but the beauty of furnishing and comfort came into view also. This era is really hallmarked by two sovereigns: François I. (1494-1547) met the new trend following Gothic during his Italian campaigns. He immediately fell in love with the ornaments and anthropocentric vision. When he went home, he implemented these in France. Many Loire castles were built or rebuilt during his reign (e.g. Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry). He invited Leonardo Da Vinci in his court. Cathrine de Medici (1519-1589) was born is Florence and grew up in the heyday of Italian Renaissance. She took this love to France, where she got married with the future Henry II. As a regent she spent big amounts for furnishing castles, re-buildings (Louvre) and art treasures.
The three-dimensional effect is the characteristic of Renaissance living spaces: huge fireplaces, imposing marble staircases, big collective spaces. The stone walls were covered by richly patterned tapestries which protected partly against cold also. Beds had legs against the coldness of the floor and bugs, and they had canopy which provided not only the private area but protected against draught also. This time it was already common to welcome important guests in bed.
The first versions of wardrobes (dressoire, cabinets) appeared beside chests as main storages. These were richly carved, showing the wealth and rank of the owner also. Furniture had architectural forms: colonnade, arches, sill etc. Framed structure, marquetry, veneer and inlays were first used this time. Chairs could be fix or folding. Upholstery appeared (leather, velvet) which provided more comfortable seating. Tables are not take-apart anymore, they are sturdy and imposing pieces on columnar legs.
The court moved from one castle to another because the large household could be fed by a city and surroundings only for a limited time. In this case, all the furniture, tapestries, cutleries, wardrobes etc. were carried. Paris became the permanent seat of French kings at the end of the Renaissance (during the reign of Henry III. and IV.).
Interior of those times may seem to be a bit over-decorated and outdated from today’s standpoint. But the then feeling and creating artistic values can be implemented in modern surroundings also. Ask for help of an interior designer for this.

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Provence

Aug22

Provence. A word that enchants most people immediately. Large lavender fields, calm country cottages and millions of hues of white, gray and blue appear in our mind. This landscape inspired lots of poets, painters and writers.
Who wouldn’t like to live in a large house made of stone with blue shutters and a garden? Old wooden furniture, wrought iron accessories and terracotta flooring in the interior and a calming atmosphere welcomes the visitor. The furnishing reminds us to the passing time and eternal values with a worn elegance. We are talking about handmade of natural materials, each of them served several generations already.
Let’s imagine a bedroom, where tranquillity radiates from the painted, but warn walls. Where the beautiful, carved bed and the fresh, embroidered white bedding provide pleasant sleep despite of the warm climate. Where we can sit out to the small balcony in the morning to drink a coffee by the wrought iron table, later we can go down to the terrace to have our breakfast made of local foods and products – sitting on a cosy bench.
In the kitchen, there is a large, top glassed sideboard with two door panels standing near the wall. This is also painted wood, such as most of the furnitures. In the massive stone fireplace, there is a big earthenware full of fres lavender instead of fire. A solid wood table looms proudly in the middle. It is used for cooking activities such as serving the lunch or dinner. Opening the double French door, we can feel ourselves almost in the garden, the whole house is filled by the scent of flowers and the cool breeze.
Unfortunately, not everyone can live in Provence or can buy a cottage there. But we can smuggle the feeling and the view to our home even if we live in a completely different country. It’s all the same we have a floor apartment or a house with modern design, with clever tricks we can realize the mood. Everyone deserve to have their dreams come true – at least this one…

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