The history of home decor began in ancient times with Egyptians decorating mud houses with murals and simple furnishings, a practice advanced by the Greeks and Romans who used furniture and mosaics to reflect status and wealth. From the elaborate styles of the Renaissance to the simplicity of the 20th century, home decor has evolved to reflect societal changes, cultural influences, and individual tastes. Key periods include the Baroque era's dramatic grandeur, the Gothic era's emphasis on windows and open plans, and the 20th century's focus on clean lines, modern materials, and mass-produced designs. 

1. Ancient Origins
   Ancient Egyptians: Decorated mud homes with murals, sculptures, and basic furnishings, with more elaborate gold ornaments used by the wealthy to show status.
   Greeks and Romans: Expanded on Egyptian ideas, with the Greeks creating intricate furniture and the Romans focusing on comfort with cushions and tapestries, reflecting wealth and social standing. 
   
2. Middle Ages and Renaissance
   Dark Ages: Interior design was not a priority, with homes featuring simple wooden walls, stone floors, and limited furniture.
   Gothic Era: Saw a return to bolder colors and the use of more windows for brighter interiors and open floor plans.
   Renaissance: Flourished with grand furnishings, rich colors, luxurious textiles like silk and velvet, and marble surfaces. 
   
3. Baroque and Georgian Eras
   Baroque (17th Century): Characterized by grandeur, drama, and opulence, used to display power, featuring large scale and ornate details.
   English Georgian (18th Century): Influenced by the Palladian revival and other styles brought back from the Grand Tour, resulting in a blend of neoclassical and Rococo elements. 
   
4. 19th and 20th Centuries
   Mid-19th Century: Candace Wheeler and Edith Wharton were influential figures, with Wharton co-authoring "The Decoration of Houses" in 1897.
   Early 20th Century: The Federal style emerged in America, influenced by English Adam designs and classicism. The style was followed by the Greek Revival, which incorporated Greek and Egyptian details.
   Mid-20th Century: Saw a shift toward simplicity, practicality, clean lines, and modern materials like aluminum and chrome.
   Late 20th Century: The 1990s saw a minimalist reaction against the maximalism of the 1980s, favoring clean, bright, and simple designs with blonde woods and a Scandinavian influence.