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Brenda Reeves > Intel > How to Design a Unique Gothic Theme Living Room

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How to Design a Unique Gothic Theme Living Room

By Jessica Stockton

Gothic architecture and design originated during the Middle Ages and can still be found today in the remnants of castles and cathedrals that linger from that period. The style is defined by religious and allegorical stained glass windows, pointed arches, rich jewel color tones, and elaborately carved wood and intricate stone facades.

A Gothic Backdrop for the Walls
To set a backdrop for Gothic style, you can choose to go with a deep rich shade, such as sapphire blue, emerald green or cranberry; add brightness with a light over wash of metallic paint in a corresponding color. If your living room has lots of natural light, you may try sponge painting to mimic the effect of stone, in shades of gray or brown. You can also add medieval drama by hanging tapestries in Gothic patterns such as Celtic knots, fleur-de-lis, or castle and feudal landscape scenes.
Ornate patterns are appropriate for walls and furnishings. For instance, an opulent diamond pattern in shades of red and gold or purple and gold can be used as a wall border, in wallpaper and repeated in upholstery, fabrics, throw pillows and window treatments.

Gothic Furniture
Look for styles that are heavy and bulky and characterized by dark wood with intricate carvings and elaborate wrought iron accents. Antique stores or private sales of old church furniture are good places to look. Chairs, wall mirrors and benches with pointed arch backs or sides will capture the defining architectural shape of Gothic style. Cabinets and armoires with carvings of castle scenes, lion’s or dragon’s heads and the like are appropriate as well. Keep in mind that the size and impact of Gothic furniture is imposingly dramatic, so just a few pieces displaying stylistic hallmarks will do the trick in an average size living room. Appropriate upholstery and fabric choices include brocade and velvet in deep opulent gem-like colors.

Lighting and Accessories
A large black chandelier hung from the ceiling is a central decorative element in Gothic style. If you don’t have overhead clearance for a large piece, choose appropriate sized wall sconces and candelabra made of wrought iron or pewter. If your living room has an adjacent foyer/entry, a smaller chandelier may be used there along with other elements that introduce Gothic style.

Stained glass is an integral part of Gothic style: Small windows or sidelights and transom windows around the front door are ideal candidates for stained glass replacements. Or, hang a framed stained glass panel from hooks installed inside the top casement of windows. You may consider using resin arched panels to bring an architectural gothic arch to your windows. Choose panels as wide as the window frame and stain them to match your window trim. Or, you may choose a smaller width resin panel and hang velvet or damask draperies to either side of the window from above the top of the arch, letting the panels overlap the window frame.

Now bring in Gothic style accessories like metal plates and dishes, earthenware vases and bowls with heraldic designs, such as crowns, shields and regal lions. Gothic stone art, wrought iron wall decor and paintings of Gothic scenes can be used to embellish the walls. Use draperies and throw pillows with tassels, cording and fringe in jewel toned colors and opulent brocaded surfaces. Finish by bringing the style all the way to the floor with an area rug featuring floral, fleur-de-lis or heraldic patterns.

Photo from Flickr - "Gothic Style Furniture" courtesy of 22280677@N07 .

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Contributed by Brenda Reeves on December 15, 2009, at 1:56 AM UTC.

PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
Contemporary Metal Wall Art and Decor
Wide selection of modern wall sculptures.
www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/contempo....html

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