Neoclassical Interior Design: Illuminate Your Home With Cosmopolitan Glamour

Neoclassical interior design is modeled on the 1700s and early 1800s mansions of rich Europeans and Americans. As a result, they modeled their style after (their interpretation of) the classical period, especially ancient Greece and Rome.

In terms of interior design, the neoclassical interior design is very popular.

The neoclassical interior design  emerged in the middle of the 18th century as a reaction to the overly crowded and frivolous Rococo style. Neoclassicism is a return to noble sources, with the Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans serving as political and moral models.

Some significant milestones in this style, with a wide range of variations. Reinterpretations that have been made recently  neoclassical interior design .

From the 18th  century till now

Neoclassical interior design has its origins in the Greco-Roman era and the great discoveries of the 18th century. Indeed, it is a style that is both luxurious and elegant.

The Scottish architect Robert Adam was one of the first to introduce this style into the interior design not only of public buildings, but also AS the neoclassical interior design of houses.

He particularly influenced the architecture of the 19th century, in Europe as in the United States. He was able to reinterpret neoclassicism, introducing architectural themes from other cultures.

The concept of neoclassical interior design

If Louis XVI furniture was the forerunner of the neoclassical interior design, it was the Scottish architect and designer Robert Adams who brought it to life. The notion is centered on the simplicity and purity of the lines; in this case, Adams’ old model is Etruscan.

The major themes appear, neoclassical interior design still repeated today. Columns rush into the doorway. The ceilings are decorated with boxes, the plinths with friezes, the windows with hangings and some walls with frescoes. The furniture takes on simple and geometric shapes like the curule chairs.

Brown wood prevails, with marble and stone interspersed. Pastel colors in neoclassical interior design include beige, gray, blue, yellow, and pale green. The contrast is created through the use of black, red, and gold.

The richness of the materials, as well as the quantity of mirrors and cascading chandeliers, are the only concessions to royalty.

The theatrical and statutory aspect is no exception. From 1920, the Art Deco style supplanted neoclassicism, Antiquity was considered dusty and fell into oblivion.

Neoclassical interior design and its current interpretations

Today’s interior designers are enthralled by resurrected neoclassicism. Above all, it’s a matter of balancing the effects and creating a user-friendly world that would swiftly lead to a free pump as well as some discomfort. Designers are also able to do practically anything.

Japan its screens and its large vases invite themselves in all sobriety. Bronze, trinkets, with simple lines quickly find their place. The furniture keeps geometric lines and goes well with Art Deco pedestal tables or avant-garde sofas. The ornate woodwork conceals the walk-in closets …

The glass luminaires with designer shapes make a brilliant nod to classic chandeliers from the top of the ceiling. If wenge wood remains a constant, it is surrounded by gray and matt or satin black for a very cozy atmosphere.

But pastel tones are still popular. Pale yellow or gold flashes awaken the cream tones which are reflected in majestic mirrors.

Neoclassical interior design: our guide to a Made In Italy interior

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Made in Italy has reigned supreme in the world of fashion and design. Synonymous with quality, creativity and high standards, Italian design is a benchmark in interior design.

Why is he so unique? Where is he from ? Why is it so popular and appreciated by all?

How to integrate it into its interior? We explain everything about the origin of neoclassical interior design! Discover our top tips for designing a chic and elegant interior, straight from Italy.

A little reminder of the origins of Italian interior design

Today, Italy is one of the  top rated countries considered to be the greatest nation of modern neoclassical interior design . If the link that links Italy to design was born during the Renaissance, it was at the beginning of the 20th century that Made in Italy took off.

During the Renaissance, Florence and Venice were prosperous trading cities. Traders and craftsmen enrich themselves considerably thanks to objects made of glass, porcelain and other luxurious materials.

The greatest philosophers and the most influential thinkers rub shoulders there, while exotic goods from all over the world are traded.

It was really from the 20th century that Italian design regained its former glory. In 1902, the Turin International Exhibition revealed to the world its design culture and its mastery of the high-end luxury industry. In the aftermath of World War II, millions of buildings had to be rebuilt.

Faced with wild constructions, several groups of Italian architects wish to launch new forms and concepts.

However, these architects decide to transfer their building know-how to industrial design. The latter is more open to innovative projects, especially the furniture industry.

Thanks to their creativity and genius, architects and designers such as Achille Castiglioni, Gino Valle, Ettore Sottsass, Vico Magistretti and Ernesto Nathan Rogers are revolutionizing Italian design.

In the 1960s, designers carried out their experiments on all types of products, testing new shapes, materials and colors. Plastic and other man-made materials then appear. Talented and creative, Italian designers are shaking up the codes of product design. In the meantime, the city of Milan becomes the cultural center of industrial design.

Milan, capital of neoclassical interior design

It is impossible to talk about Italian design without mentioning its famous capital: Milan. The city took advantage of the Italian economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s to develop very creative experiments combining design, architecture, art and crafts.

It is the unprecedented nature of these experiments that will make Milan one of the greatest places of design in the world. Italian designers such as Joe Colombo, Ettore Sottsass and Anna Castelli Ferrieri settled there and achieved brilliant careers.

Since 1923, the city has hosted the Milan Triennial, famous for its international exhibitions on design, fashion, architecture and the arts. In 1954, the “Compasso d´Oro” prize was created in Milan, rewarding the most beautiful creations of industrial design.

Since 1961, the Lombard capital has also organized the international furniture fair (“Salone Internazionale del Mobile”) created by a collective of Italian companies. This annual show is considered one of the most important in the world in the field of furniture design.

Bring neoclassical interior design  into your home

Now that you know all about Italian design, all you have to do is embrace it! Discover our most beautiful inspirations.

Elegance, quality, clean lines and simplicity characterize modern neoclassical interior design. If you want to decorate your living room in a contemporary style, choose at least one piece of designer furniture.

A low 2 or 3 seater sofa with rounded lines for maximum comfort, a retro velvet armchair or a marble coffee table. The rest of the furniture should be kept simple and minimalist in style.

In the dining room, choose a large oval table with a glass top and solid wood legs.

For accessories, the great Italian designers love ceramic and porcelain objects. Vases, cups and other knick-knacks made from natural materials should be favored.

For the lighting, it is impossible to do without the Murano glass chandelier made by a true Venetian master or the famous Pipistrello lamp! Finally, opt for an Italian design classic: the oval or octagonal Venetian mirror, which brings a touch of elegance to your living room or dining room.

As for colors, the combination of black, white and sober shades (gray, cream, etc.) predominates. However, the Italian design does not omit warm and deep colors such as dark red and mustard yellow, especially on sofas and armchairs.

Adopt the megaclassic design in the kitchen

In Italy, most of the day is spent in the kitchen. This room is therefore a place where well-being and functionality are paramount.

In the kitchen, Italian design is distinguished by its modernity, its geometric and purist shapes and its resistant and easy-to-maintain materials. For example, there is a dominance of aluminum, steel, wood and glass.

A great classic of Italian design, the central kitchen island (and its stools) should be favored for its user-friendliness. The sober colors are also in the spotlight: matte white, lacquered black, anthracite gray or rust red … As in modern-style kitchens, storage must be well designed and functional.

A neoclassical interior design is imagined and designed in the prism of practicality, well-being and sustainability. This decorative style developed in the first half of the 20th century and breaks with typical 19th century ornamentation.

He was born in the Bahaus design schools, schools of architecture and applied arts with a strong focus on industrial techniques. The main architects recognized in this movement are Le Corbusier, but also Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

The modern style aims to reconcile industry, society and nature. The progress of the post-war period allows for a better diffusion of innovations as well as a social revolution.

The location of each piece of furniture is designed to facilitate accessibility and make traffic flow smoothly. Paintings, furniture and decoration are chosen with care. Consuming healthier and more responsibly inspires the decoration of our interior.

Often associated or confused with the contemporary style, the modern style is however very distinct. It has its own codes and characteristics. Temporarily, contemporary decoration is more recent: it takes root in the 70s and is constantly evolving.

The novelties fit into this contemporary style, which is not defined by a particular period unlike modern, but rather a break with it. In the modern style, no futurism or fanciful lines, nor bright and daring colors, more akin to contemporary.

Materials

In the darling materials of modern style, opt for fabrics in linen, silk or soft cotton. This household linen dresses with refinement and simplicity your sofas, armchairs or even bedspreads.

A cocoon of softness is created and invites you to relax as soon as you enter your home. Interior and exterior are more and more linked: those who have a garden, a terrace or a balcony will be able to invest them as a new room in the house.

Modern garden furniture, in harmony with the rest of your decoration, allows you to enjoy these spaces as soon as the weather permits.

What furniture for a  modern neoclassical interior design?

The design of the Bauhaus movement, the  neoclassical interior design emphasizes a geometric aesthetic, unadorned, timeless. The practical and functional side of the chosen pieces is essential.

A multitude of vintage pieces: art deco, Scandinavian, pop … find their place in a neoclassical interior design  habitat. And this is a fantastic opportunity!

Indeed, you will be able to mix genres and create a very personal interior. Just keep in mind that your spaces should be free and airy, without excess decoration, while being comfortable and beautiful.

Iconic pieces find their place in this modern decor. Imagine Le Corbusier’s LC4 lounge chair in a living room. Elegant, comfortable and refined silhouette, it corresponds in every way to the definition of modern style.

The Pipistrello lamp by Gae Aulenti, in the bedroom, reveals simple, but innovative lines and materials.

Recycling is on the rise, don’t hesitate to take a walk through the garage sales to find a beautiful 1950s dresser or a 70s table, which will be welcome in a modern office too.

The  neoclassical interior design style makes possible to adapt to many decorative atmospheres.

For a Scandinavian interior, imagine a light wood sideboard with sliding door and a modular corner sofa with matching wooden legs. Is your interior more industrial in style?

Opt for a vintage solid wood dining table with compass legs (airy space) and a black metal desk with clean lines. For a modern country vibe, set up a velvet rocking chair in your room around it and a large bamboo shelf in your living room.