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Rampant arches, stained glass windows and gloomy atmospheres: the Gothic style doesn't initially seem like a warm and welcoming style suitable for a home. But a modern Gothic interior should capture the timeless class and elegance of the High Middle Ages, an era long disregarded which is finally being reevaluated by historians and academics. A time when human architecture transcended functionality and focused more on form, creating some of the most impressive structures our world has ever seen.
So here are 5 tips for incorporating Gothic grandeur and elegance into the style of your home:
Materials
The Gothic style is characterized by solid furniture made of carved dark woods, often with wrought iron or brass elements: cabinets, chairs, large and imposing sideboards, as well as regal armchairs with carved legs and arms that resemble the spires of a cathedral. For upholstery for seats and sofas, always opt for velvet, satin and silk in bright, dramatic colors. These are the materials closest to the imagery of the Gothic home, but how to give a more modern effect? Alternating with reflective or transparent surfaces, such as glass coffee tables or crystal chandeliers, helps maintain the regal look and lightens the final effect.
The motifs
During the High Medieval period, the most common motifs were those related to nobility such as heraldic coats of arms or religious themes, but very often we also find rich floral motifs, damask fabrics with peaks of virtuosity which gets close to Baroque. For a modern Gothic style, you can focus on repurposing these motifs alternating with more minimalist inspirations, for example, by juxtaposing an armchair with a richly decorated fabric with a piece of furniture with simpler, more restrained lines. In this way you will maintain the Gothic atmosphere without weighing down the look of the room.
The decor
What about the decor? On the walls, aim for richly ornamented mirrors with carved and gilded scrolls, almost Baroque in taste, as well as antique portraits of all sizes, always alternating with more modern paintings that keep the atmosphere mysterious and intimate. Rugs and tapestries with intricate designs are particularly good for giving a more luxurious and sophisticated look.
Colors
Gothic style colors are usually dark and rich, such as black, ruby, gold and purple, and evoke a sense of boldness and extravagance. Use black in moderation to avoid falling into the Hollywood stereotype of the scary, abandoned house; instead, use a combination of dark blue, burgundy, dark forest green and ruby red. These colors, alternating with lighter shades, will draw attention to the gothic elements in the room.
Lighting
The Gothic aesthetic relies on soft, warm, indirect lighting. An antique or modern chandelier is ideal, as are large candelabras if your home has sufficiently high ceilings. Complete the picture with table lamps or wrought-iron sconces to emphasize the dramatic, lived-in effect.
What are you waiting for? Embrace your dark side and be inspired by the Neo-Gothic style objects on intOndo!
