The word gothic is often enough for you to imagine decrepit buildings, black walls, and windows with blackout curtains that shut out any light—a place fit to be Count Dracula’s castle with its scary atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine. However, this is the point where the
Gothic style is often misunderstood. Gothic is an architectural movement that started in the early 12th century and is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, towering stained glass windows, and ornate decorations. It lasted well into the 16th century but come the 18th century, the Gothic Revival (also termed Victorian Gothic and Neo-Gothic) began as a conscious movement to revive Gothic forms in Europe. It draws features from its predecessor, including decorative elements like porches, front-facing gables, and steep-sloped roofs.
Today, Gothic continues to be a style that modern homeowners seek to replicate in their living spaces. What follows are the several factors that make up modern Gothic interior design along with some tips to incorporate this opulent style into your home.
How to Achieve a Gothic-Inspired Home
1. Style: Think Dramatic and Elegant
A Gothic-style interior is all about making a lavish statement. It is composed of high-end Gothic furniture, rich fabrics, bold colors, chandeliers for grandeur, and plenty of other decorative accents. But, the most defining features of the style would be the black walls or the wallpaper with vibrant textures and patterns of brocade or damask. You can accent it with intense colors like deep burgundy, gold, and other metallic colors.
2. Colors: Use Black in Moderation
While black is the foundation of the traditional Gothic style, it should be used in moderation—unless you’re after a stereotypical, dark, haunted mansion look. Consider other rich, bold, dramatic colors like deep burgundy, ruby red, emerald green, and midnight blue. Introduce earth elements like bricks, stones, and dark, rich wood panels or jewel-tone colors to further emphasize the bold design.
3. Furniture: Decorate with Highly Intricate Surfaces
The furniture in Gothic architecture is usually complex in style, featuring intricate, ornate designs and a variety of patterns and moldings that are present across the room. The chairs, tables, cabinetry, and other furniture items are largely made of sturdy oak, making an opulent and aristocratic statement. You can also look into using furniture and ornaments with geometrical shapes to achieve a modern yet luxurious feel.
4. Fabrics: Introduce Luxury Fabrics Like Silk and Velvet
When seeking out the Gothic design, look towards rich fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet in bold patterns and colors. You can use these fabrics in curtains, upholstery, even beddings, and pillows. Essentially anything that suggests glamor and opulence is key for fabric choices. The same goes for your draperies—use long, heavy drapes adorned with opulent tassels and fringe to evoke the feel of a secluded retreat. You can finish off by adding tapestries and rugs as part of your home’s textiles, suggesting glamour and prestige.
5. Lighting: Add Drama with Candles
Elevating the style of your gothic living space would be the dazzling chandeliers and other dramatic lighting fixtures such as candles. You can choose to hang candle holders on the wall or place them on your furniture. Either way, they tend to add a warm, inviting look to space. While it seems to be contrary, the Gothic architecture also makes use of natural light, owing to the towering stained glass windows that emulate a church-like feel.
Takeaway
There are several other layers of Gothic style to add to your living space. But, these fundamental elements should be enough to accurately reflect this architectural design to your home.
As a final note, the last pieces that would complete your gothic-themed home are some well-placed accessories like pottery bowls, wrought-iron candle holders, and maybe some gargoyle stone statues that you can easily find online. You can also opt to introduce plants into your home, but make sure to select appropriate pots and holders that go with your theme.
Would you transform your space into a Gothic-inspired home? If you have any other tips to share, let us know by leaving a comment below.
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