The Baroque style appeared in the 17th Century in Italy, as Protestantism grew, the Roman Catholic Church felt it needed to show its superiority and so began creating new elaborate,more theatrical churches and palaces which filtered down into the interiors.
In most interiors the focus was around the stucco, and decoration of the walls and ceilings. The main feature of the Baroque style was symmetry and precision, which made pilasters and elaborate mouldings key elements to creating dramatic spaces.
Walls were filled with oversized mirrors with intricate gilt frames, theatrical paintings in gilded frames with cartouches, carved flowers and sculpted figures, whist floors were commonly solid wood or polished marble.
Baroque furniture was highly detailed and overly ornate, adding to the lavish feel in the interiors. Seating was upholstered in sumptuous , rich, velvet or delicate silks and framed by the gilt-wood and marquetry.
There are several defining characteristics of furniture in the Baroque style, plants were used in a great deal in the ornamentation and motifs frequently appeared on cabinets and tables. Crest and initials were also prominent.
The Baroque era was the time we began to see console tables, whilst small, round and oblong tables become common. Chests and cabinets were extremely popular and were often made with a wooden inlay. Chests were predominately constructed from oak, walnut, chestnut and ebony, with the decorative elements sculpted from rosewood, sandalwood, tulipwood, and other exotic woods.
Curved legs were a staple of the Baroque style and appeared on cabinetry and chairs. Furnishings were often coated in a varnish and gold paint was popular among the wealthy to show social status.
Elegance was heightened by the use of large flamboyant chandeliers, dropped dramatically over dining tables or in entrance halls. Although elaborate the lighting was always formal with a romantic edge.
Although this is a style you may not wish to bring into your home in its entirety, it is most certainly a style when added in small touches can add an elegant, striking look to your modern interiors.
Adding delicate mouldings and cornice can give you a subtle nod to the era, whilst adding a selection of statement pieces, such as arm arm chair or cabinet,within the scheme will emphasis the opulence and elegance known to the Baroque style.
Why not add an oversized mirror over a delicately decorated chest in your bedroom or contrast styles by adding a decorative mirror to a very sleek contemporary scheme.. Or a beautifully carved arm chair in your living room.
