Style 101: Neo-Classical

This article is dedicated to explain the Neo-Classical Style in order to help identify and incorporate in any decorating project.

Neo-Classicism, which is sometimes called Louis XVI, lasted from 1750 through 1800. Furniture designed in the neoclassic style embraced the bold, straight (rectilinear) lines of the movement as pure, geometric shape and form replaced the sinuous (serpentine) curves of the Rococo period.

In both France and England, furniture designed during the second half of the eighteenth century reflected strong Greek and Roman influences. However, toward the turn of the nineteenth century, designs began to include Egyptian characteristics as well, resulting from Napoleonic (Empire style) campaigns into Egypt in 1798 and marked the division between the Early and Late Neo-Classic period.

Since the history of home furnishings has always been paralleled with the progress of the culture. Classic homes are personified for stately appearance and a lavish living. Some of the decorative ideas that will be used are:

• Furniture with gentle lines made of a quality wood; polished with expertise, to add to the intrinsic glow. They are simple, light and graceful; can be Chippendale or Adam.

• Shining floor made of highly polished marble or stone or light pine or granite with theme motif inlaid to convey the style.

• Flowing, lengthy curtains to match the huge windows; multi-patterned with various colors.

• Stately dining rooms with a large dining table; fluted legs to add to the charm and matched by rows of chairs with rectangular or shielded shapes.

• Interior colors are pale and soothing: cream, stone, gray and pale blue. One can also use stronger color, sparingly: black and terra cotta for a Greek feel, or deep red and gold for an imperial, Roman look.

• Wallpaper in geometric, floral or Classical designs is also appropriate. Decor is full of classical details; columns flank the fireplace, geometric marble or inlaid wood graces the entryway floor, accented use of murals or wallpapers adorn the walls of the dining room to create a dramatic feeling, crown molding is absolutely important and usually feature swags or dentil patterns.

• Different types of columns, Doric or Ionic are most common in this style.

• Antique accessories from late 18th century; silver tea ware, china, candlesticks, screens, urns and statuary.

  Neo-Classical style decoration invokes the memories of bygone Roman or Greek living; bright living rooms making way for a great day and magnificent dining rooms radiating fresh energy to soothe a weary mind. Ceating a Neo-Classical ambience was and will always be the best way for a lavish living.

                          A typical French Neo-Classical Bedroom/lounge. This furniture is comfortable

                           and extremely elegant in design.

                                                                A French Neo-Classical Entrée

                                              A new twist on the Neo-Classical ~Sophisticated~ Style

                          A classic style in a new updated design to fit our Era! . Extravagantly carved and                            gilded embellishment. Sumptuously upholstered in Silk.

                                                  A modern take on such a beautiful luxurious Era

Even in this modern era, this could be interpreted, in so many ways, to fit various lifestyles and budgets. In mixing the new pieces and updating the old by refinishing, ie: silver leafing and adding exquisite new hardware to capture that look~ It is that simple!

By Rima~ Enjoy Decorating!