I introduced the Petit Trianon yesterday, which features a front elevation of this cute mini palace. I call it mini because it’s tiny compared to the Palace of Versailles, but it’s a grand and wonderful structure compared to any other average residence. If I were given the Palace of Versailles tax-free to live in, I would reject it. It’s too large and impersonal. However, I would gladly take the Petit Trianon. It’s a lovely building with more than enough size and amenities. Today, I have a photo essay of its interior.

We start with the grand staircase near the entry, both from the bottom looking up and from the top looking down. I shot this picture with a slow shutter speed to blur the visitor walking up.

This area appears to be the living room, though no seating was on display. While I love the architecture and its detailing, I prefer modern and clean-lined interiors. However, keeping the wall decorations intact, wouldn’t it be great to contrast this with sleek modern Italian furniture?

I have to admit the bedrooms and sitting rooms are too fussy, even though they are significantly toned down from the main palace. But I have the taste of someone with modern sensibilities. I imagine these rooms were simple and casual for a royal in the 18th century.

The minimal stone interior looks great, though this lower-level kitchen area would’ve been much messier and cluttered when in actual use.

Finally, the billiards room seems modern and similar to what we still have. It’s masculine enough without oppressive ornamentation that I could go for a room like this. In its day, this room was super casual, though today, it would be equivalent to an elaborately decorated old-world gentleman’s club frequented by the upper crust attending elite institutions.

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