Dramatic + Dreamy: Baroque and Gothic Design Inspiration
Turn your home into a castle from the 1600s.

Ganly Walters, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
There’s something about Baroque and gothic design that’s both beautiful and haunting. With Halloween right around the corner, plenty of spooky classics are airing on TV, and we’re seeing gothic décor in a new light! Your home doesn’t have to be dark and scary to achieve the look, either. Between rich fabrics and elegant finishes, there’s a reason this dramatic style has been replicated for centuries. If it inspires you, here are a few Baroque and gothic elements to incorporate into your décor.
1. Ornate Embellishments

Kimberly Genevieve
Choose furniture, wall hangings, pictures frames, art, fabrics, trays and sconces that have scrolls, fleurs-de-lis and medieval crosses etched, carved or sewn into them. Items like this will have your place feeling like a medieval castle in no time.
2. Curved Furniture

Kimberly Genevieve
This look is all about opulence and volume. More is more. Baroque and gothic décor is the complete opposite of the sleek lines and minimalist feel of modern design. Go for bold, round pieces, even if they aren’t large in stature.
3. Lavish Fabrics

Jackson Design and Remodeling
Velvet is in this season and easy to find. Use this, as well as silks and satins to add a touch of decadence. Use long, heavy drapery panels to frame not only windows but doorways, too. Consider hanging fringed tapestries on empty, expansive walls.
4. Earthy Elements

Ganly Walters, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
Include wrought-iron, wood and stone pieces to emulate a cozy castle atmosphere.
5. Wallpaper & Crown Molding

Kimberly Genevieve
If you own your place and can make more permanent changes, install crown molding to make the walls look higher and more defined. (You can also add this to the top of your entertainment center and cabinets for less permanent options.) Choose glamorous damask and brocade patterns in your wallpaper. Opt for rich textures and bold colors, but avoid black. If you have a modern piece of art or furniture that you’d like to overhaul, consider covering it with wallpaper for less of a commitment.
6. A Shimmering Glow

The Grubb Company
No Baroque or gothic design is complete without statement-making light fixtures, like chandeliers and candelabras. Whether you go with an iron look or crystal, these pieces will take things up a notch. Create soft lighting by way of candles, too (because I’ve never seen an LED light bulb in any of the Game of Thrones castles).
7. Detailed Tapestries & Artwork

The Grubb Company, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
Stained glass and beautiful artwork always make us think of medieval homes and churches. While you may not be able to install actual stained-glass windows in your home, you can look for hanging pieces in the shape of a lancet window, a tall, narrow, pointed arch common in this time period. Consider adding large, richly colored medieval paintings on your walls. They make great conversation pieces and truly add a gothic vibe to any room.