Italian Baroque interior decorations and designs were very popular in Italy during the late 1600s until the mid-1800s. It gained popularity in Europe and was considered the first style that had spread worldwide and is still somewhat relevant today. The design often featured exaggerated elements with fine details focusing on precise symmetry while being very flavorful to the eyes. Baroque is used to imply power and greatness due to its dynamic, theatrical, and dramatic visuals.
The Roman Catholic church used the style most effectively. Their goal was to create more majestic and awe-inspiring buildings. The furniture and other interior decorations inside the buildings became extraordinarily large and were highly detailed, featuring carved plant motifs and cherubs, nymphs, and angels as additional elements. The reason for this change of style is the protestant movement which was taking over Europe. It also represented a separation from the renaissance style of classical elements and balanced proportions. In other words, the Roman Catholics just did it out of spite.
Of course, paintings and wall decorations have also applied this design. They feature the Baroque style of using vivid colors and dramatic contrasts. Mirrors are much larger and had very detailed frames. Other decorative elements featured fine woven textiles, brightly colored wallpapers, bronze sculptures, and large chandeliers. Taking liberty in spending more on extreme detail and decoration is key to taking this style to heart.
Another important element of Italian Baroque interior decoration is the raw material used to crafting art, furniture, and other decorative objects. These were often made with expensive or rare materials. New exotic materials became available for use due to the inception of modern science and colonization of other cultures. These materials include lacquer and porcelain from East Asia. Techniques involving laying multiple veneers of wood with varying colors onto surfaces to form shapes and patterns, also known as marquetry, became highly prized.
Basically, the Baroque style is rich and luxurious and uses highly detailed elements in all aspects of its design. One important feature of this style was how it unifies the art of painting, architecture, and sculpting. It shows the holistic and comprehensive approach to design so that every single element conveyed its design philosophy. Baroque elements, regardless of size, can still often be found in modern interior homes and buildings to this day. The Italian Baroque interior’s extreme detail and luxurious design truly show the power and greatness that the original creators wanted to convey to both their allies and enemies.
