Luxurious and elegant designs, sophisticated composition, and expert handcraftsmanship all contributed to the rise of hardwood parquets during the Baroque Period in 17^th century Europe. Back then, parquets – as an exclusive style of floor décor – were a symbol of royalty. Parquetry first appeared in the Palace of Versailles, one of the most extraordinary landmarks in France, and later became a popular aristocratic decoration of many historic palaces in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Belgium.