11 Ways to Go for Baroque
Apply a fanciful style in the right dose to make your room shine
Becky Harris
February 29, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Baroque style hit its ornamental, over-the-top stride in the 17th and 18th centuries, but lately it’s been making its way back into even the most modern of homes. Though less fussy and more minimalist style has reigned for the past few years, today’s designers know that elements of Baroque style like ornate mirrors, brilliant jewel tones, gilded finishes, curvaceous lines, opulent moldings, luxe patterns, architectural details and elegant marble create interesting juxtapositions when paired with contemporary elements. Here are some rooms that show us how to use the right dose of Baroque with different styles.
Use a lot of white. Midcentury modern Eames chairs and a modern dining table are juxtaposed with ornate moldings and an intricate crystal chandelier in this dining room. Using a lot of white is a modern way to tone down the drama of Baroque.
Fearlessly mix eras. This beautiful foyer in a French chateau combines Baroque elements like an antique Louis XV lantern, curved ironwork and ornate console table with modern art. The result is an interesting balance of time periods.
This office in a Tudor-style home has walls covered in Baroque-inspired opulent metallic wallpaper, with a large, dark image of a raven providing stark contrast. An Italian glass disc chandelier, modern desk lamp and modular credenza create an engaging mix of eras and styles.
Create one Baroque focal point. In this elegant kitchen, an ornate island and chandelier ground the center of the room with Baroque style, while the light cabinetry and backsplash update the overall look.
Carved wood Italian chandelier: via Renaissance Collection, Dallas; island: custom; island top: Bianco Macaubus quartzite with a Dupont edge detail
Carved wood Italian chandelier: via Renaissance Collection, Dallas; island: custom; island top: Bianco Macaubus quartzite with a Dupont edge detail
Make it cozy. Baroque-inspired touches like the fanciful crown molding and cornices, a trompe l’oeil ceiling and gilded accessories add elegance to this small and comfortable sitting room. Soft colors and cushy upholstery tone it down and keep things cozy.
Add glint. Gilded touches on the ceiling via wallpaper and a starburst mirror add Baroque shine to comedian Joel McHale’s streamlined living room.
Sofas: custom, upholstered in Donghia herringbone; table lamps: Surrey tray table lamps, Circa Lighting; wallpaper: custom; starburst mirror: Global Views; screen: Oly
See the rest of this home
Sofas: custom, upholstered in Donghia herringbone; table lamps: Surrey tray table lamps, Circa Lighting; wallpaper: custom; starburst mirror: Global Views; screen: Oly
See the rest of this home
Create the forms with new materials. Going Baroque can certainly be playful. This rustic bathroom combines tramp art traditions with Baroque style — the Rococo-form mirror is crafted from bottle caps and wood.
Mirror by New York artist Rick Ladd
Mirror by New York artist Rick Ladd
Use solid colors. Rococo style was born out of the Baroque movement and is also known as Late Baroque. Pairing the elaborately ornamental style of this all-white bed with solid-colored bedding makes it work with the tropical leaf wallpaper, giving the room a Rat-Pack-in-Palm-Springs feel.
Wallpaper: Palm Leaves 66, Cole & Son
Wallpaper: Palm Leaves 66, Cole & Son
Play up whimsy. The fanciful attitude of original Baroque style is alive and well in this bathroom. The vanity fashioned from repurposed Baroque-style piano legs, the spartan farmhouse elements and a mirror that combines mosaic with electric green combine in a truly eclectic tableau.
Maintain straight lines. Parisians make mixing Baroque and modern look effortless and fresh. A modern sectional is right at home in this formal room full of beautiful moldings, gilt and glass.
Play up neutrals. In this Boston home, chic contemporary pieces like the sofas, chaise and coffee table blend with the elaborate console table, gilded mirror and crystal chandelier. Calming neutrals on the wall and rug help tie it all together.
Wall paint: Tapestry Beige by Benjamin Moore; trim paint: White Dove by Benjamin Moore; sofas: B&B Italia; chaise: Sinus, COR; coffee table: Ovo, from Arketipo; rug: Steven King Rugs
Wall paint: Tapestry Beige by Benjamin Moore; trim paint: White Dove by Benjamin Moore; sofas: B&B Italia; chaise: Sinus, COR; coffee table: Ovo, from Arketipo; rug: Steven King Rugs
Interior designer Darryl Carter’s unique new traditionalist style is full of juxtapositions, such as this hefty carved baroque table and classical bust paired with a stark zigzag chair. Carter often ties everything together with a palette of light neutral colors, black and dark woods.
Pare down frescos. Frescos were common in the Baroque era, and this unique Malibu home is full of them. Created by
fresco artist iLia Anossov of iLA Designs, they’re stripped down from the imposing murals we usually associate with frescos, their carefully edited curvaceous elements balanced by the straight lines of the architecture and furnishings.
Floors and fireplace: Ancient Surfaces
fresco artist iLia Anossov of iLA Designs, they’re stripped down from the imposing murals we usually associate with frescos, their carefully edited curvaceous elements balanced by the straight lines of the architecture and furnishings.
Floors and fireplace: Ancient Surfaces
Anossov was able to create the look of a replastered aged wall in the bedroom of the home.
Share: Have you incorporated a bit of Baroque in your decor? Let us know in the Comments.
More: 10 Elegant Home Details
Share: Have you incorporated a bit of Baroque in your decor? Let us know in the Comments.
More: 10 Elegant Home Details
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I need help with the arm chairs wood painting .. what will be suitable with this style ? i actually don't know what type of colors ppl do . I only know gold ,aged gold , white , aged white . Thank you
I don't understand the question. Are you asking what color to paint the arms of a chair? Can you post a photo? It all would depend on the colors of the room, and the chair itself.
A great selection of Baroque inspirations here! We are an antiques gallery so we definitely prefer the more traditional interpretations but it's interesting to see how traditional Baroque is often incorporated into our customers' contemporary homes. One mirror or other decorative piece to make a statement.