Living in Middle-Earth is a new column about non-playable character’s homes in Lotro. Each week we’ll discover a new location with a distinctive way of life and decoration style, looking at the little details we often pass by.
I was a bit apprehensive about my visit to Rivendell because it felt like something everyone already knew about. We’ve all been to visit Elrond so many times, how could the Last Homely House still impress me?
So I went, just because it was on my way to the Misty Mountains. And then something happened. I stopped and look, I mean really look. That was it: I fell in love with Rivendell a second time.
Let’s start by some obvious pieces. There are some nice tapestries up there that I would really like to have in my in-game house.
Some beautiful Indian lamps.
And a great set of furniture in dark wood and iron work. I’m a bit confused because we’ll see this design later in Moria. So really, who designed it first? The elves of the dwarves?!
Notice the different wall paper in this room? This is Rivendell exclusive!
I’ve also noticed a couple of unique pieces of furniture, like this table and wall decoration. 
But my favourite ones are definitely the bench and urns. 
What is this? A new rug? Me want.
Then we get in the core essence of the Last Homely House: its architecture. Oh my! All of Rivendell designs are strongly inspired by Art Nouveau, an aesthetic that I absolutely love. You can find it in its walls, ceiling and even statues.
Amazing, right? Well, ok, given that Alphonse Mucha is one of my favourite artists of all time, I might be a little bit biased, hehe. But the fun doesn’t end here. Rivendell continues to blow us away with its stained glass art work:
The details of the fireplace are awesome as well.
And finally, , the cherry on top of it all, the ceiling in the Halls of Fire. Deep blue draped silk, hanging banners, starry painting on the arches: Drools.
Could they have made Rivendell more magical then this? I think not. So next time you’re passing by on a levelling alt, stop a second to admire the amazing features of Elrond’s home. Who knows, you may remember all of a sudden why you like Lotro so much 
November 21, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Wow. Its amazing how I’ve never really noticed (or appreciated) these beautiful details much, or enough, before. Great series Kia.
November 21, 2011 at 1:02 pm
I’m guessing that the dark wood and iron furniture is from Hollin.
Remember, Imladris (Rivendell) began as a hiding place for refugees from Hollin, and Hollin had extensive trade with Khazadum (Moria).
Of course it is possible that the elves in Hollin got it from the dwarves rather than vice versa, but it looks to me like something a Noldo craftsman might come up with.
November 21, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Oh, you’re right about the Art Nouveau influence. Those ladies on the fireplace looks like a painting from Mucha.
We pass through the Last Homely House so often that we have forgotten to look all its beautiful details.
I love the vitraux!
November 21, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Thank you Kia. Awesome and inspiring article again. I am a big fan of the Rivendell style and architecture as well and often hop into the Hall of Fire for no reason other than to look around. It is always breathtaking and never gets old. You made a wonderful compilation of all the intricate details. Great work!
November 21, 2011 at 4:52 pm
I’m still amazed by the fact that most people prefer to gather in simple/crude places like Bree and Galtrev. The detail and amount of beaty in Rivendell (and other Elven places) its just overwhelming! If only the dev team could remove those bridges (I always end up swimming when i try to play lotro in my poor laptop)….
November 21, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Last Homely House has been my favourite place to take screenshots since I first saw it, but I never noticed some of the details you did, Kia! Amazing!
November 21, 2011 at 6:36 pm
The first time I went to Rivendale I called my sister on Skype, made her sign on to the game and then I dragged her low level main to there and we both had a glorious time exploring and ooohing and ahhhhing. It’s one of the reasons we stayed to play LoTR.
I remember most how everyone looked so grand in their maxed toons and outfits. We kept falling off the bridge cuz we were looking around and not at the path. lol
good times….
November 22, 2011 at 12:32 am
Another great post, thanks!
November 22, 2011 at 1:25 am
i always loved those benches
November 22, 2011 at 7:29 am
You forgot the table cloths and candle stands in the Hall of Fire. I would love to have that in house. Some of the statues hold up a ring. The Homely House is the only place I can turn my graphics up to ultra high and I do so when I just want to look around so if you see a Hobbit staring at the walls in there don’t wonder what I’m going cause I am looking at the pretties.
November 22, 2011 at 10:39 am
I love the style of rivendell. Pity all the good places are so far apart.
love this series. Really makes you look as stuff you normally just run past.
I actually have 5 Alphonse Mucha tapestries having in my home ( IRl, not Lotro’s ) and they are amazing!
have the 4 season in my living room, and Ruby from the stones series.
Also have a tapestry of Klimt’s “The Kiss”
November 23, 2011 at 1:54 am
Kia, you did a great job at capturing views that most of us have missed. Really impressive artistry that the Elves (through Turbine) have decorated their home with. I’ve certainly not noticed most of these details, however, the overall effect of them does influence us, and the splendor of the view on first sight is very memorable. Still one of the most influential places in Middle-Earth.
Great Article.