Minimal Athen Greece Canvas

Minimal Athen Greece Canvas

The Parthenon. An impressive architecture that will let you relive ancient Greece. A cool Canvas art that will boost the appearance of your rooms. It also was created in a minimalist style that will easily blend with any decorative items and style.

Minimal Athen Greece poster

Minimal Athen Greece poster

The Parthenon. An impressive architecture that will let you relive ancient Greece. A cool poster art that will boost the appearance of your rooms. It also was created in minimalist style that will easily blend with any decorative items and style.

A Brief History of Interior Decoration

Kurbits inspired art wall

Interior decorating has a rich history that reflects cultural, technological, and social changes over centuries. From ancient times to modern trends, the evolution of interior decorating has been shaped by diverse influences, including architectural styles, societal norms, and technological advancements. Here’s a brief history of interior decoration and how it is useful today.

The Ancient Time

Throughout history, interior decorating has been integral to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. In ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, interior design served practical and symbolic purposes. Palaces and temples were adorned with intricate carvings, colorful murals, and luxurious textiles, showcasing the wealth and power of rulers. These early designs emphasized grandeur and divine connections, setting a precedent for using interior spaces to communicate status and cultural values.

The classical era of Greece and Rome introduced a more structured approach to interior decoration. Architecture and design became intertwined, with columns, frescoes, and mosaics adorning wealthy homes. The emphasis shifted towards balance, proportion, and harmony, influenced by philosophical ideals of beauty and order. Roman villas, for instance, featured elaborate frescoes depicting mythological scenes, creating immersive and inspiring environments.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages in Europe, interior decorating evolved within the context of feudal society and religious beliefs. Castles and monasteries were built for defense and worship, and their interiors reflected hierarchical structures and religious iconography. Decorative elements such as tapestries, carved woodwork, and stained glass windows conveyed religious narratives and provided warmth in often stark stone buildings.

The Renaissance Period

The Renaissance marked a revival of classical ideals and a renewed interest in humanism and artistic expression. Interior decorating in wealthy Renaissance homes showcased opulence through fine art, sculpture, and elaborate furnishings. Rooms were designed to harmonize with the natural world, integrating gardens and courtyards into living spaces. Italian villas epitomized Renaissance ideals with their symmetrical layouts, frescoed ceilings, and carefully curated collections of antiquities.

The Baroque and Rococo Periods

The Baroque and Rococo periods of the 17th and 18th centuries introduced more extravagant and theatrical interior styles. Baroque interiors were characterized by grandeur, dynamic movement, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Palaces and aristocratic homes featured ornate stucco work, gilt mirrors, and sumptuous textiles, emphasizing the power and wealth of their owners. Conversely, Rococo embraced asymmetry, pastel colors, and playful motifs, creating whimsical and intimate spaces for social gatherings and leisure.

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought significant changes to interior decorating. Technological innovations enabled mass production of furniture and textiles, making stylish decor more accessible to the burgeoning middle class. Victorian interiors were characterized by ornate furnishings, heavy draperies, and eclectic collections of curiosities, reflecting the era’s fascination with exoticism and materialism.

The Modern Times

The 20th century witnessed a revolution in interior design influenced by modernist simplicity, functionality, and innovation principles. Movements like Art Deco, Bauhaus, and Mid-Century Modernism redefined interior decorating, emphasizing clean lines, geometric forms, and new materials like steel and glass. Functionality became paramount, with designs promoting efficiency and practicality in response to changing lifestyles and social norms.

Modern interior decorating continues evolving with a blend of historical influences and contemporary innovations. Eclectic styles mix vintage finds with modern elements, reflecting individual tastes and global influences. Sustainability and technology play increasingly important roles, with eco-friendly materials and smart home devices shaping how homes are designed and decorated.

In conclusion, the history of interior decorating is a testament to human creativity, cultural diversity, and evolving tastes. From ancient civilizations to modern trends, interior design has reflected and shaped our lives, providing functional spaces and expressions of identity, culture, and aspiration within our homes.

Athens B&W Typo Canvas

Athens B&W Typo Canvas

Athens is the capital of Greece and the birthplace of Classical Greece and Western civilization. A city that has the influences of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman civilizations. It is also the center of the economy, politics, and culture of modern Greece.

Ionic Column canvas

Ionic Column canvas

Ionic columns are another style builders used in ancient Greece. It is also one of the five classical orders of architecture. It is more slender and has a scroll-shaped ornaments on the capital that is located at the top of the column shaft.

The Story of the Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board Poster in Black Frame

You may have read about a charcuterie board or have seen them on menus. Have you tried them? Charcuterie is a fancy word used to refer to cured meat. The word is of French origin and can be traced back to the 15th century. It was during these times that the people consumed every last bit of a meal and left nothing to waste. 

This is served as an appetizer and served on a wooden board or a slab of stone. On the board is a selection of preserved foods, particularly cured meats or pates. The board also includes cheeses, crackers, or bread. 

A brief history in Europe

As mentioned above, charcuterie is cured meat and is derived from two French words: chair, which means flesh, and cuit, cooked and was used during 15th century France. Shop owners who specialize in charcuterie became popular as they have shown the detailed preparation of meats. The arrangement of the boards has made charcuterie boards part of the French culinary culture.

Studies on European history also have revealed that the charcuterie board also has roots in the simple meals that were eaten by the people of the working class around Europe during the medieval times. The board is usually composed of meats, cheeses, bread, local produce, wine, or beer. The meal eventually evolved and found its way to the higher classes of society along with the cheese course meal. These are commonly seen in formal dinners during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, Great Britain, and colonial America. The cheeses were then replaced by desserts in the 19th century. 

The development in the United States

During the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, hosting informal dinners are greatly increasing. Formal dinners were replaced by cocktail parties and finger foods were served and more preferred over the course meals. During World War II, American soldiers were introduced to various charcuteries and cheeses in France, Italy, Germany, and Greece. This exposure to European dishes was brought home to the U.S. and charcuterie boards became popular in the 90s and have been sold in American grocery stores. The dish also became popular in specialty food stores with diversified contents. 

Charcuterie boards are usually served as appetizers in many restaurants. They still are served in private gatherings and dinner parties since they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by many. 

What’s on the board

The boards used are usually made of wood or stone to keep the food cool. Diners will also see other equipment such as cheese knives, spoons, and ramekins. 

In addition to meats, cheeses, and bread, the board also includes flavors and textures that would complement the main components. Examples are fruits, olives, olive oil, nuts, vinegar, pickled or fresh vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, mustards, and honey. In many instances, charcuterie boards are served with wines of any variety. 

Athens B&W Typo poster

Athens B&W Typo poster

Athens is the capital of Greece and the birthplace of Classical Greece and Western civilization. A city that has the influences of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman civilizations. It is also the center of the economy, politics, and culture of modern Greece.