The Season to be Inspired by Gothic

Halloween is upon us next week and is the inspiration for our interior design theme this week, however this does not mean it has to be haunting. Gothic interior design often conjures up images of black, dark, cluttered rooms; spooky and depressive yet the gothic style is far from this when it is implemented in the homes interior properly, it then evokes grandeur and drama.

The Gothic style dates back as far as the 12th C, reliant heavily on arches in designs, stained glass and ornamentation, it saw a revival in the Victorian period. The style draws inspiration from the medieval period, with dark woods stereotypical of the look; think wooden beams and dramatic fireplaces.

Opulent and rich, with touches of gold, is often seen in examples of gothic interior design. To modernize gothic design when decorating your home, think imposing furniture, expansive windows, and featured patterned wallpaper, avoid excess; ornamentation is not as intricate and detailed as previously with the style. Incorporate the traditional arches of the gothic style through furniture, such as dining room chairs or mirrors, or carvings in the furniture.

Gothic interior design is not all gloom, lighting is intrinsic to illuminating your space, creating just the right level of ambience, light fixtures such as chandeliers, candelabras and pointed lamps, are all in keeping with a gothic themed room. It is possible to incorporate a combination of light fixtures into the space.

The gothic revival is all about elegance through drama; think textured wallpaper with a bold pattern. If you do use black in your interior, do so sparsely; there is no need to overcompensate with this colour to recreate the style. For instance the Victorian gothic revival style favoured rich ruby reds, emerald greens and deep plum purples. Incorporate silk or velvet fabrics, it is best to stick to heavy fabrics, this design style is indicative of glamour, the fabric in the room should be suggestive of decadence.

In the home accessorise with metal, stone, wrought iron and wood pieces, whether it be a stone statute, a metal room divider, heavy candlesticks or a wrought iron chandelier. A lancet mirror makes for the perfect accessory, featuring a tall, long, pointed top, or a lancet stained glass window hung as piece of artwork within the room.

Exposed brick or stonewalls are very in keeping with the look, and if at all possible a stone or brick feature wall will extenuate the style, flooring tends to be wooden or stone in this type of design. Fireplaces are also excessive, featuring carved wood or stone, and very much dominate the space visually. A welcome addition to a gothic themed interior would be gargoyles and mythical animals, however they can be placed subtly so as not to appear too theatrical. 

Medieval style tapestry also features quite largely in the gothic revival style and antique church pews make for a good replacement for seating instead of chairs. It is possible to purchase antique furniture from the gothic revival period of the mid 19th C, and this will look particularly authentic and effective within the space.

The gothic revival saw an increase in popularity in the middle of the 1800’s, its origins featuring in public buildings, such as the Houses of Parliament, designed by Sir Charles Parry and Pugin, which is a typical example. The gothic style also featured in churches and later domestic interiors embraced the trends. It is a style that has endured the test of time and adds more than a touch of interest to an indoor space, whilst maintaining an element of glamour and grandeur.

 

Image Credits:

Image 1- http://www.interiordesignschooldaily.com/?p=5189

Image 2- http://www.design-brothers.com/gothic-interior-design/gothic-furniture-tumblr-interior-design-ideas-pinterest-with-gothic-interior-design-gothic-interior-design/

Image 3- http://messagenote.com/interior-inspiration/25-interior-designs-with-steampunk-style

Image 4- http://www.interiordesignschooldaily.com/?p=5189