Lasting from the mid-12th century through the 16th century, the Gothic movement is characterized by its ornate, heavy and dramatic style. Our immediate thoughts turn dark and sinister when we hear the word. However, art of this style was originally created more for practical application than anything else. During the medieval period, masons needed a way to support the heavy vaults of elaborate buildings. As a result, Gothic architecture emerged with pointed arches, wide windows and ribbed vaults.
The ancillary beauty made a lasting impression. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a world-renowned Gothic structure. The style was picked up again during the Victorian era in the 17th century, and many of our current understandings of Gothic art stem from that time period.
Aside from the castles and extravagant buildings, Gothic style has made its way into modern interior design. Find out how you can incorporate this preeminent look into your home:
Dramatic entryways
Architecture was a fundamental contributor to this movement. So, incorporating Gothic qualities into the structure of your home is perhaps the most appropriate way to portray the style. The pointed arch is a signature detail, and it can be incorporated in windows or doorways. Should you choose to build a front door fit for Queen Victoria herself, think wood and stone. A solid wood door against brick or stone walls gives the authentic elegance of this style. However, you can always modernize this look by choosing your own materials. Keeping that pointed arch shape is the most important factor when incorporating Gothic design.
Elaborate lighting
Chandeliers were popular in the Victorian era, just as Gothic art was. However, the chandeliers from this time were marked by their elaborate and ostentatious designs. When incorporating light into your Gothic style, a chandelier in itself will satisfy the artistic details. However, a more ornate fixture will best highlight the romantic, picturesque vibe.
Consider making a chandelier the focal point in your foyer, as it will brighten up an otherwise dark room. If you’ve incorporated the Gothic style in a pointed arch doorway, a chandelier can also draw attention towards the ceiling, highlighting this architectural element.
Another common place for a chandelier is in the dining room. The brilliancy of this installation will provide ample light across the whole room, which is especially important for a Gothic-inspired dining area. Long dining room tables were a common fixture in Gothic-style homes, and you may choose to incorporate that feature into your house as well. However, the distance between diners sitting around your extra-long table may deter from the warm vibe common in modern homes. The extra shine from the chandelier will compensate for that imbalance while adding an authentic flair.
Dark colors
While black is the instant shade that comes to mind when you think of this design, it uses other, equally dramatic colors. You can paint your walls to reflect Gothic art in your interior design without making your home look like a haunted house. Dark purples, reds, greens and blues are all colors homes have used to incorporate the Gothic movement.
If these colors are too intense for your taste, you can include them in more subtle ways. Consider painting just the ceiling in one of these vibrant shades. This idea is especially useful if you want to draw attention to the pointed arches of your doorways and the beauty of your chandeliers. Additionally, use these colors in accent pieces and artwork to pick up the theme without overdoing it.
By implementing these design tips into your home, you can effectively bring the Gothic style back to life.
Photo Credits
- Photo by Rik Hopkinson on Unsplash