Romanesque

During a 100 year time span 1,587 churches were built, that is over 15 churches a year! This really represents the growing popularity of Christianity. Churches were becoming larger to accommodate the growing masses.

Semicircular arches, as well as vaulted ceilings, became extremely popular in the new churches being built. Many aspects were changed or added to these churches as builders adapted to the needs of the congregation. Churches during this time were built and decorated using precious and expensive materials. The colors most prominently used were greens, blues, purples, and gold, all of which have a royal or elite feel about them. Bibles were also adorned with precious stones and materials. They would be made of gold, silver, or ivory and set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls. We also see tapestries begin to become popular as well during this time period.

In stark contrast with the extravagance used in some church decoration were the living conditions of the time. Most people lived in relatively primitive housing. Made of wood, mud, or twigs and with dirt floors these homes accounted for a majority of the living quarters for the population, but because of their construction materials they do not survive to this day. While nobility lived in castles made of brick they still had to deal with the draftiness, wetness, and darkness of those structures so it does not seem that anyone was living in luxury during this time period.

Today the semicircular arch is still very popular and used in many different aspects of design, from windows to doors and even over fireplaces as shown in Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Oak Park.

Vaulted ceilings are also immensely popular, especially residentially. Whether those ceilings form an arc or a triangle, with or without beams, or in some other way decorated, you can see vaulted ceilings all over. The photo below even uses the semicircular arch along with the vaulted ceiling in a commercial setting.