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Baroque Style: Opulence And Style In Your Home

Author: Nancy Dewitt
by Nancy Dewitt
Posted: May 28, 2014

Think of terms to describe baroque and - ornate, flamboyant, dramatic, opulent and theatrical - are sure to come up. This is a French word that spells a regal look, extravagance and much more.

Baroque, by definition, is anything that has the most elaborate ornaments. When this style fused with interior design, it became a status symbol for the prosperous and wealthy.

Style Galore

Baroque style makes use of luxurious textiles, gold, silver, stately furniture pieces, lots of hand carvings, furniture inlay, rich accessories and the glitziest artworks. You are bound to see all the materials that are expensive or have limited supply.

Today’s baroque interpretation has greatly toned down when compared to the days of King Louis XVI. Though still categorized as flamboyant, there is no longer any need to break the bank. All that you would need now is to have an artistic flair and a passion for period pieces and you are on the right track.

So go ahead and hang mirrors and pictures with gilded frames so that they can reflect natural or indoor lighting. As for the colors, use gold or any intense and flamboyant shade. A modern variation uses gold to gild fabrics and as ornaments on many walls. If you want to fuse intense colors such as indigo, red, raspberry, dark green, purple, ochre, umber or strong blue; then this is the time to do so.

For flooring materials, use bricks, stone flags, or tiles combined in more than two colors. This is to create an illusion of varied depth. Use this fusion on the lower levels of your baroque home. For the upper levels, use wooden flooring such as fir, pine or oak; you may also use geometric patterns and have unique shapes painted onto the floor.

Wooden floors often come with combinations of different woods. Experimentation on geometric patterns such as squares, cubes, diamonds, as well as black and white marble is most welcome.

To cover these floors, you may use woven carpets and have them placed under furniture. Carpets, back in the day were considered too costly to walk on. If not, use stone finishes, brick or marbled linoleum tiles.

Capture the beauty of baroque with the use of crewelwork. This is matched with an arabesque or floral design that is made with twisted wool atop a linen base.

As to the fabrics, go for bigger patterns like Chinese designs of birds, trees, butterflies and dragons. Duplicate coordinated table linens, wall coverings and cushion covers. Use festoon curtains with wavy-edged pelmet together with tasseled trim, a plain rectangular pelmet, or braided ruffle.

Indian cotton can also be chosen as fabric. Use the ones that come in checks, block prints, stripes or floral patterns. The wealthiest people use cushion covers and table linens that are coordinated. They also have grandiose window treatments and bed hangings.

Baroque furniture is almost always oversized, painted, ornately carved, or inlaid wood laden with ivory, silver, ebony or mother or pearl. Find high-cushioned arms for your sofa that can be used as a bed in the evening. Use oak cupboards in the kitchen or lacquered cabinetry. For the living room or library, use bookcases with open shelving. As for the dining room, be sure to display the glasses and silverware.

Lastly, take the time to light the interiors of a baroque home. Use lanterns and candles. The candle stands should be made of pewter, brass or wood. Use branch lights that enhance the candlelit interiors. Wall sconces that are made of brass or silver and gilded, crystal or brass chandeliers must be present.

About the Author

Are you someone that appreciates old-styled homes and furniture? Are you fascinated by the grace and timeless beauty of the pieces that have been made many years ago?

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Author: Nancy Dewitt

Nancy Dewitt

Member since: Dec 10, 2013
Published articles: 40

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