The Evolution of the Grand Living Room
With its plush sectional sofas , leather armchairs , accent tables , cushions and lighting , the grand living room is a stunning showcase of contemporary design and elegant sophistication. It has, though, come a long way since its inception in European aristocratic houses and palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Grand Parlour at the Palace of Versailles Having evolved from the design aesthetics of the late Renaissance period, the Baroque and Rococo eras witnessed the rapid proliferation of the ‘parlour’ – a formal space used for entertaining guests, which was often the most lavishly decorated room in the house. It typically featured ornate architectural details such as high ceilings, large windows, and elaborate mouldings, as well as luxurious furnishings such as chandeliers, paintings, and sculptures. It was only during the 19th century though that the concept of the grand living room would spread to other parts of the world as a symbol of wealth and social status. Grand ...