Ceiling décor | Then and now
FROM THE SISTINE CHAPEL TO THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES, THE CEILING HAS BEEN USED THROUGH THE CENTURIES AS A SHOW OF WEALTH AND A CANVAS FOR SOME OF THE MOST PROMINENT STORIES OF MYTHOLOGY AND RELIGION, EACH REFLECTING THE CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THEIR TIME. BUT WHY HAVE THESE SPACESUTILISED THE FIFTH WALL AND WHAT SIGNIFICANCE HAS IT REPRESENTED OVER TIME?
HEAVENLY DESIGN
The Vatican’s world-famous Sistine Chapel fresco by Michelangelo, commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 took four years to complete and illustrates much of the doctrine of the Catholic Church. A dramatisation unlike any other, Michelangelo’s high renaissance art created an immersive experience which aimed to elevate worshippers' prayer through art that was considered closer to heaven.
COMPLEMENTING ARCHITECTURE
Historical architecture is a subject close to our hearts and varying ceiling styles from vaulted cathedrals to Roman domes demonstrate the impressive and innovative architectural elements used over time. Working to decorate these vast ceiling spaces, some artists used techniques such as trompe-l'œil, giving the illusion of grander scale. Others beckoned viewers to look up and admire not only the art but the incredible architecture supporting it.
MAKING A STATEMENT
Without doubt the most famous of all the rooms at The Palace of Versailles is The Hall of Mirrors. Dating back to the 1660’s, this striking room pays tribute to the domestic, political, and military success of France under Louis XIV. The ceiling comprises 30 works of art each depicting stories of victory and prestige. Any visitor to this room would have been in little doubt of the power and achievement of France’s absolute monarchy. Quite the historical PR piece!
SOCIAL STATUS
It is not just paintings which have adorned ceilings in the hope to impress those that visit. From ancient times, through to the Georgian and Victorian era, decorative plasterwork has been used as a mark of social status. Highly ornate plasterworks were used to amplify the grandeur of the room and showcase high levels of craftsmanship. We take great pride in restoring and where required reinstating these stunning details to much the same effect.
Fast forward to present day and we still see the ceiling playing a pivotal role in luxury contemporary interiors, whether it be the use of colour, wallcoverings or experimenting with fabrics. The ceiling is an integral part of the design helping to elevate a space. You can see more of the ceilings we admire over on our curated Pinterest board.
We are fortunate enough to receive multiple CV’s, portfolios and applications for internships arriving in our inbox daily, alongside requests for advice on how to become an interior designer.
We are fortunate enough to receive multiple CV’s, portfolios and applications for internships arriving in our inbox daily, alongside requests for advice on how to become an interior designer.
We are often asked as a design studio, where do we source our creative inspiration from. The answer is not a short one! We like to live by the philosophy that design is everywhere around you, you just have to know where to look. From the buildings that tower above you to the organic shapes in nature, we look far and wide for the influences that shape our luxury homes. Below we share just some of the many places we source inspiration.
We are often asked as a design studio, where do we source our creative inspiration from. The answer is not a short one! We like to live by the philosophy that design is everywhere around you, you just have to know where to look. From the buildings that tower above you to the organic shapes in nature, we look far and wide for the influences that shape our luxury homes. Below we share just some of the many places we source inspiration.
This month, we've been hooked on the Olympics, from Simone Biles' outstanding performance following her Netflix sensation to our very own Toby Roberts winning the first gold medal in climbing at just 19 years old. It’s an event that inspires us all, as grit, determination, and teamwork combine for success. Here in the studio, we’ve also been discussing everything from Blake Lively’s latest vogue cover to our thoughts on lab-grown materials in the luxury sphere. Read on to hear our insights and the questions we're pondering.
This month, we've been hooked on the Olympics, from Simone Biles' outstanding performance following her Netflix sensation to our very own Toby Roberts winning the first gold medal in climbing at just 19 years old. It’s an event that inspires us all, as grit, determination, and teamwork combine for success. Here in the studio, we’ve also been discussing everything from Blake Lively’s latest vogue cover to our thoughts on lab-grown materials in the luxury sphere. Read on to hear our insights and the questions we're pondering.