Galivanting through Ancient Greece and an ode to Demeter

 

    The Greek Orders

    When you think of ancient Greece, what do you think of? Temples and columns of course!  Did you know that there are actually 3 different types of Greek columns?  The three types are also known as the classic Greek orders.  The three orders are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.  Lets take a look at the sketch below and discuss the differences.

    The first type of column is Doric.  It is characterized by its simplistic, rounded design.  This column would be considered the most masculine style of the Greek orders.  

The second column is Ionic.  It is recognizable by its volute or scroll detailing on top. It is slightly more decorative than a Doric column.  Unlike the Doric column, the Ionic column also has base detailing.

    Lastly, we have the Corinthian column.  It stands out with its highly decorative capitol.  The capitol is carved to look like Acanthus leaves.  It is the most feminine of the orders.  It also has base detailing like the Ionic column.

An Ode to Demeter

    Demeter is the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest.  She was worshipped by Greek farmers, who depended on her good favor for their survival.  She is often depicted carrying a bundle of grain and wearing a crown.

    

Demeter is also the mother of Persephone, the goddess of spring.  In the ancient legend, when Hades kidnapped Persephone and brought her to the underworld, Demeter was so distraught that she withdrew from her temple located on the island of Naxos.  This caused drought across Greece.

                                Temple of Demeter, Naxos, Greece, Circa 530-520 BC

  Ancient Greece in Today's World

    An easy way to bring a touch of ancient Greece to your home would be to look for a statue bust vase.  These have been very trendy lately, and can be easily found in many home décor stores.  Although they are trendy, ancient Greece is classic and timeless.  Adding this little flair will be classic for decades to come! This is a fun way to add classic Greek elements, such as their beautiful marble sculpture art, to your space.

        Another clever way to add a touch of Greece to your space would be to find textiles with a Greek key motif.  This design was very common and heavily used in ancient Greece.  It is now easily found everywhere but this pillow I have linked below gives a Greek pop to a modern preppy motif. 

       Lastly an easy way to add Greek flair is to incorporate columns.  In modern design it is always nice to find sustainable products and furniture.  One way we can do this is by taking an antique and mixing it with more modern and traditional style items.  I have attached this beautiful, solid wood, carved bedframe that would be the perfect focal point for a room.  It also incorporates Greek elements, such as the fluted wood columns that pay homage to the ancient Greek marble columns.

A Cruise Across Africa

This weeks journey leads us to Ancient Egypt!  Ancient Egyptians had a clear hierarchy, and it shows in the types of furniture and decorations.  The more royal a family was (The Pharaoh), the more ornate and adorned their furniture was.  In the upper echelon we would see lots of gilding in gold leaf and furniture adorned with precious and semiprecious stones.  Egyptians were also big on symbolism and saw cats, especially lions, as a symbol of power and protection.  

Egyptians also used columns with an ornate top called a Campaniform.  This is very iconic Egyptian architecture and can be seen today in Egyptian inspired furniture pieces such as this shelving unit below.

 

This shelving unit is made by Design Toscano.  It is made of resin and costs $3,750.00.