Fact: The term Baroque was originally ‘barocca’ the name for highly prized, irregular pearls incorporated into fabulous, courtly jewels. It now defines a design period which evolved out of the Renaissance’s formal, mannered style in the 1600s favoured all across Europe by Kings and aristocracy, but most famously in Varsellies, Italy - which also boasts the glittering Hall of Mirrors- allegedly the brightest room in Europe from that era.
Of late I have been dreaming of tall ceilings.
Why? I am not sure and a google search revealed a paradoxical interpretation to say the least. On on hand, a tall ceiling in your dreams means realising your biggest achievement but also means literally a ceiling per se - as in there is no where else to go, you can't soar higher and are hampered by its very presence. Huh! I thought, that is so typical of everything I do - waking or sleeping ambiguity abounds- no clear answers, no clear direction ...So, I chose to interpret it the way I thought - which is my fascination and love of tall rooms and of course all tall rooms (mostly reminiscent of the past) have the most remarkable ceilings, worthy of a mention anywhere, let alone my dreams!
I strongly think, ceilings are the most overlooked part of any interior design process these days - one that has great potential that is sadly unrealised ninety percent of the time. Artisans from the Baroque era would shudder to think what we do with ceilings these days - whitewash it and sweep away the occasional cobweb - maybe splash out on a chandalier or a couple of spotlights if our pocket permits and then sit back and ignore it - choosing rather to stare at the walls or TV than glance up, because there really is no need to!
In parallel to Baroque era in Europe, where ceilings were mostly gilded, intricately plastered and painted with pictures of saints, a similar design movement across the Ottoman Empire gave us many grand buildings with the most amazingly decorated ceilings adorned with mirrors, mosaics, geometrical patterns and floral designs with an arabesque, islamic influence- but essentially baroquess in nature in its grandness and intricacy of design.
I think its high time that decorated ceilings make a comeback. We have done enough designing on floors and walls, doors and windows. The focus needs to shift upwards and onwards. But I do not believe that we should blindly copy and paste from the past. I am all for following tradition as long as tradition seamlessly incorporates into your world and enhances your life experiences. Todays design sense requires a more subtle, pared down approach - where elements of baroque design could be selected and used with new materials for a fresher feel. Whether you are minimalist or prefer choas, there is no reason why you cant draw inspiration from Baroque era. For example, an all white intricately plastered ceiling would go very well in a minimalist, monochrome room. Similarly a painted ceiling with an overlay of wooden, tin or copper trellis in geometric patterns would suit a traditional decor to a T.
A very select number of designers, not many I must say, are looking at the ceilings in their clients home and looking to hang not just a chandelier, but are shifting some of the accent colours and design elements to the ceilings, while paring down on the design on the floor to create a balance - because that is the one thing that determines the success of a room with a decorated ceiling. It has to even out, what's on floor must balance whats overhead - otherwise you end up with a room strangely lopsided.
As for me, I will keep on dreaming, one day I intend to design my own retreat with the most amazing ceiling to look at lying on my time-worn leather couch! Meanwhile enjoy and start taking in inspiration of bringing on baroque in your residences...
Of late I have been dreaming of tall ceilings.
 |
| Hall of Mirrors, Varsellies |
Why? I am not sure and a google search revealed a paradoxical interpretation to say the least. On on hand, a tall ceiling in your dreams means realising your biggest achievement but also means literally a ceiling per se - as in there is no where else to go, you can't soar higher and are hampered by its very presence. Huh! I thought, that is so typical of everything I do - waking or sleeping ambiguity abounds- no clear answers, no clear direction ...So, I chose to interpret it the way I thought - which is my fascination and love of tall rooms and of course all tall rooms (mostly reminiscent of the past) have the most remarkable ceilings, worthy of a mention anywhere, let alone my dreams!
I strongly think, ceilings are the most overlooked part of any interior design process these days - one that has great potential that is sadly unrealised ninety percent of the time. Artisans from the Baroque era would shudder to think what we do with ceilings these days - whitewash it and sweep away the occasional cobweb - maybe splash out on a chandalier or a couple of spotlights if our pocket permits and then sit back and ignore it - choosing rather to stare at the walls or TV than glance up, because there really is no need to!
In parallel to Baroque era in Europe, where ceilings were mostly gilded, intricately plastered and painted with pictures of saints, a similar design movement across the Ottoman Empire gave us many grand buildings with the most amazingly decorated ceilings adorned with mirrors, mosaics, geometrical patterns and floral designs with an arabesque, islamic influence- but essentially baroquess in nature in its grandness and intricacy of design.
I think its high time that decorated ceilings make a comeback. We have done enough designing on floors and walls, doors and windows. The focus needs to shift upwards and onwards. But I do not believe that we should blindly copy and paste from the past. I am all for following tradition as long as tradition seamlessly incorporates into your world and enhances your life experiences. Todays design sense requires a more subtle, pared down approach - where elements of baroque design could be selected and used with new materials for a fresher feel. Whether you are minimalist or prefer choas, there is no reason why you cant draw inspiration from Baroque era. For example, an all white intricately plastered ceiling would go very well in a minimalist, monochrome room. Similarly a painted ceiling with an overlay of wooden, tin or copper trellis in geometric patterns would suit a traditional decor to a T.
A very select number of designers, not many I must say, are looking at the ceilings in their clients home and looking to hang not just a chandelier, but are shifting some of the accent colours and design elements to the ceilings, while paring down on the design on the floor to create a balance - because that is the one thing that determines the success of a room with a decorated ceiling. It has to even out, what's on floor must balance whats overhead - otherwise you end up with a room strangely lopsided.
As for me, I will keep on dreaming, one day I intend to design my own retreat with the most amazing ceiling to look at lying on my time-worn leather couch! Meanwhile enjoy and start taking in inspiration of bringing on baroque in your residences...
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| Sheesh Mahal, Lahore |
