Week 12 – English Renaissance (Early & Mid)

INT-History of Interiors Blog

By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil

Week 12 – English Renaissance (Early & Mid)

 This week we examined the English Renaissance, concentrating on the Early Renaissance (Tudor & Elizabethan periods) and the High Renaissance (Jacobean period). England, unlike Italy or France, combined Renaissance ideals with very strong medieval traditions, thus making the interiors more heavy, timber-centric, and craftsmanship-bound.

The Gothic elements still prevailed during the Tudor period but Renaissance motifs were also visible. The interiors were characterized by dark oak wood, half-timbered structures, and the extensive use of rich textiles such as tapestries and embroideries. Decorative strapwork, linenfold paneling, and huge fireplaces were the style's main attributes.

The Elizabethan era played a big role in bringing about more comfort and greater symmetry to the interiors. Houses got bigger and lighter, boasting long galleries, broad stairways, and elaborate plaster ceilings. The furniture was still very large but the decoration became more subtle with arabesques, grotesques, and geometric carvings.

During the Jacobean period, Renaissance ideals were stronger. The interiors were extremely ornate with heavy decoration, bulbous legs, high-backed and more classical detailing. Oak furniture was still the top choice but the impact of the Italian and Flemish craftsmen made it more sophisticated and decorative.

Historical Images 

Tudor half-timbered house façade

 

Shows the characteristic black-and-white exterior and steep gables.

Elizabethan plaster ceiling from Hardwick Hall

 

An example of geometric and strapwork patterns

Jacobean high-backed chair with bulbous legs

 

Heavy, carved, and symmetrical, classic Jacobean style

Long Gallery at Hatfield House

 

A signature Elizabethan interior filled with light and ornament.

Tudor oak linenfold paneling

 

One of the most iconic woodcarving techniques of the era

Current Applications

Exposed Wooden Beams in Modern Homes

Inspired by Tudor timber construction.

Decorative Plaster Ceilings

Revival of Elizabethan strapwork for luxury interiors.

Carved Wood Furniture

Echoes the Jacobean focus on sculptural, architectural pieces

Modern Long Hallways Inspired by Elizabethan Galleries

Used today for museums, estates, and residential corridors.

Tudor Revival Exteriors

Steep roofs, half-timbering, and brick patterns recreated in new homes. 

 One Step Further – Inigo Jones  

  

For this week’s “One Step Further,” I studied Inigo Jones, one of the most important architects in English history. Active in the early 17th century, he introduced true classical architecture to England after studying in Italy.

Jones designed the Queen’s House in Greenwich and the Banqueting House at Whitehall, both inspired by Palladian ideals. He emphasized mathematical proportion, clarity, and pure classical orders, quite a contrast to the heavy Tudor and Jacobean interiors that came before him.

The Queen’s House, Greenwich, pure Palladian symmetry

 

Banqueting House interior, classical columns and a coffered ceiling

 

His work helped transition England from medieval-influenced interiors to a more rational and classical architectural language.

Reflection

The English Renaissance was a period that I could easily identify with because it was both traditional and innovative at the same time. Rather than merely imitating, England mixed the Italian Renaissance dream with its own medieval character. It was a delight to visualize how the spaces changed from the dark, oppressive Tudor interiors to the more classical and balanced Jacobean style.

The evolution of design through culture, craftsmanship, and global influence is depicted very well in this period. The English Renaissance made me realize that every generation modifies design and uses it as a mirror to their values blending the past with the present to come up with something that is theirs alone.