The term "baroque" has been thought up by the Italian pearl divers. They used it in "pearl of irregular shape" value. Later there were also another, more generalized values – fancy, strange, elaborate. In the 17-18th centuries Baroque style was characteristic of magnificent palace interiors. In modern interior of baroque still remains synonym of splendor and wealth.
Main lines of baroque interiors
For the first time in the history of interior of baroque has united concepts of style and way of life. The main lines of baroque – contrast, dynamism, thirst for splendor and decorative effect. Ceremonial interiors in Baroque style get various bizzare shapes which are complemented with sculpture, stucco molding and twiddle. Rooms get out of usual rectangular shape. Numerous mirrors and paintings visually increase space, and colourful plafonds (ceilings) create illusion of lack of roof. In interior arch designs and twisted ladders are often used.
Rooms in Baroque style are always filled with light which gets through numerous windows. Besides, on walls and ceilings numerous lamps become stronger. In registration of windows and furniture dynamic oval spirals, difficult on outlines, are used. In carved and modelled ornaments motives of the curling stalks, sinks, flower daisies are used.
Features of furniture in Baroque style
Baroque furniture has difficult outlines. At it there are forms of ovals and spirals, numerous cambers and concavities. The most part of pieces of furniture becomes covered with varnish. Furniture for sitting has bent legs. As upholstery expensive tapestry materials – for example, tapestry and brocade are used. Furniture is decorated with tarsia, thread and bronze pads. For the first time there is concept of headsets – set from several furnishings which are in harmony with each other. There is new kind of table – the console, or console table which is put to the wall plane. In cabinet furniture cabinets, bureau and offices receive popularity. Also there is new form – dresser. The bed becomes the most richly removed subject of interior. It gets form of the tent built from magnificent curtains and draperies. In color gamma turquoise combinations with white in gold frame are used; white and blue or green with gold; burgundy and celestial-blue.
Piece home decoration
One of elements of dressing of interior in Baroque style is emphasis of attention on piece home decoration – such as fireplace, vases and other jewelry of porcelain and faience, small figurines from silver. It would seem, Baroque style is not really appropriate in modern interior. Nevertheless it still keeps popularity. This solemnly great style transfers its influence of the person which has got to the sphere in the left times long ago and allows it to feel the aristocrat living in environment of luxury and magnificence.