Historical design styles that originated many centuries ago often make a comeback in the modern architectural and interior design industry. One such style is Gothic design, whose popularity continues to create frequent waves of trends across the world even today. This blog focuses on Gothic interior design, outlining its key features and evolution, and provides tips on how you can incorporate the Gothic style in your home interiors. Continue reading to learn more.
What is Gothic Design?
Gothic architecture is an architectural design approach that developed during the Middle Ages and Gothic interior design is an extension of the same. Characterised by bold and dramatic features like pointed arches, high ceilings and stained glass, Gothic design was created to showcase the strength of Christianity, a religion that had just taken over Europe in the 12th century. Due to the richness and sophistication that the style represents, it is popular even today in the design of modern residential and commercial interiors.
How did Gothic Interior Design Develop?
Three phases have been studied to exist under the Gothic architectural style:
- Early Gothic (1140–1250): Often called “French Gothic,” this era saw the creation of pointed arches and ribbed vaults as well as the construction of the first Gothic building, the Abbey of Saint Denise in Paris.
- High Gothic (1250–1350): Gothic structures grew taller and larger throughout this period. With the help of flying buttresses, extremely large buildings with thin walls were constructed. These structures were then adorned with stained glass and rose windows, which produced breathtaking patterns of light.
- Late Gothic (1350–1500): With the use of elaborate tracery (stonework windows), carving, and symbolism, more magnificent structures were constructed during this time. In addition to grandeur and scale, lavish ornamentation was highly valued.
Today’s Gothic interiors are mainly a representation of Late Gothic design and architecture. They feature lavish ornamentation, intricately detailed decor items and rich fabrics and patterns, showcasing the grandeur of Gothic architecture and interior design.
Key Features of Gothic Design Interiors
A Gothic house typically has the following characteristics:
Architectural Features of Gothic Design
The following architectural features shape the interiors of Gothic houses:
- Pointed Arches: Pointed arches exert lesser thrust on their supports than semicircular arches and were used in Gothic Victorian interiors as symbols that point towards God and heaven. Such arches can be seen above doors, windows and other openings.
- High Ceilings With Vaults: The magnificence and luxury of Gothic house design are enhanced with high ceilings that have ribbed or vaulted structures.
- Large Windows and Stained Glass: Large, high windows adorned with stained glass patterns bathe the interiors of Gothic buildings with ample natural light, creating interesting plays of shadow and light.
Moody Colour Palettes
Deep, saturated colours (generally in darker tones) are used in Gothic-looking homes. Rich reds, purples, emerald greens, and midnight blues, along with neutral backdrops of black, charcoal, and deep gray are often used in wall, ceiling and floor finishes. Highlights of metallic colours like gold, bronze, or silver are also added to enhance the dramatic effect of these interiors.
Heavy Furniture and Materials
Dark-coloured and heavy-looking furniture and finishing materials are generally used as part of Gothic decor. This includes elements like dark hardwood flooring (mahogany, oak, walnut, etc.), intricate wood panelling and carving in storage cabinets, as well as marble or granite stone work elements (flooring, table/ kitchen countertops, sculptures and gargoyles).
Rich Textiles and Patterns
Rich, luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, satin and brocade are used to make curtains, wall tapestries, carpets, rugs and upholstery for furniture in Gothic design for interiors. These fabrics often showcase elements and patterns of Gothic architecture, such as floral motifs, tracery patterns, trefoils (three-lobed leaves) and quatrefoils (four-lobed leaves).
Dramatic Lighting
Deep shadows (in niches or recessed walls, ceiling portions) as well as brightly-lit spots are created using dramatic lighting features in Gothic room decor. Such lighting in historic times was used to create dramatic effects that created a fear of/ respect for God. However, in modern times, it is used to enhance the rich textures, colours and patterns used in the interiors. Generally, having lights in warm colour shades (warm white or yellow), these fittings also highlight Gothic art pieces.
Tips to Incorporate the Gothic Building Style in Interiors
You can follow some of the tips below to create the best Gothic design for your home’s interior:
Gothic Design Doesn’t Mean Dull, Dark or Gloomy
Although the Gothic style conventionally utilises dark colours on most surfaces, this can lead to very dull or gloomy-looking spaces. Instead, create feature walls using dark Gothic colours like forest green, midnight blue, deep reds and royal purples. The effect of these colours can be enhanced with furniture and decor items in similar or complementary colours (such as gold and brass), thus creating brighter spaces that still retain the Gothic aesthetic.
Use Rich Flooring and Wall Finishes
Use flooring and wall finishes that showcase local craftsmanship and also reflect your personality. For example, dark coloured Athangudi tiles, black granite or marble flooring and intricately patterned wallpapers often create a sophisticated look. Use heavy or embroidered fabrics for curtains, tapestries, cushions and other upholstery with Gothic motifs like florals, quatrefoils and trefoils. Despite their heaviness and richness, these fabrics and finishes can add a softness to the interiors.
Add Statement Gothic Interior Decor Features
You can use vintage or recycled Gothic era furniture, which may include intricately carved woodwork, wrought iron railings, stained glass windows, stone gargoyles and sculptures, high-backed chairs, canopy beds and steel armours. Such Gothic home accessories can be sourced from vintage/ scrap stores or during the demolition of older structures, and are often cheaper than buying or getting new accessories made.
Blend Old With the New
Although old, vintage items are a part of Gothic home decor and look beautiful, they may sometimes be impractical or irrelevant for modern lifestyles. It is thus important to include modern features such as smart systems, modular kitchens and storage elements. For example, stainless steel modular kitchens with brass-coloured finishes can be a practical option while still maintaining the Gothic look.
Ensuring the Best Construction of Gothic Buildings
As modern construction systems develop, it is important to update our spaces with new technologies while also incorporating historical architectural styles like Gothic design for home interiors. Brick & Bolt, a design-build company in India, employs architects and designers who are experts in blending new technology with traditional styles. With 10,000+ completed homes and assured quality, the company is a leader in the construction industry. To get your Gothic building designed and constructed by experts, reach out to Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar