Interior design is a mirror that faithfully reflects our inner world. But throughout our lives we change and evolve, and this change can be reflected in our homes. If you’ve been drawn to the dark and dramatic world of dark romanticism, but now want something lighter and more streamlined, it’s time for a change.
That said, if you keep the dimmable candle bulbs to a minimum in the evening, you can still bring back the dark gothic – and bring out the animal in you! 🙂
But how can we uniform our former more extreme emotions without completely losing our former identity? The answer lies in a “softened” modern Gothic style.
The “softened” modern Gothic style: rethinking the dark romanticism
This reimagined Gothic style combines elements of Gothic, Dark Romantic and Transitional styles. The aim was to lighten up the dark romantic while preserving the elegance of the gothic elements and the atmosphere of the “dark romantic” trend. The result is a discreetly elegant, sophisticated and unique space.
Features of the style mix:
- Gothic heritage: the space features elements typical of the Gothic style, such as chandeliers, wall frames, wrought iron elements, candle-shaped light bulbs, plasterwork on the walls and divided window sills.
- Colour palette: instead of dark colours, beige and lighter shades predominate, but for contrast, darker wood finishes and some dark grey elements are retained, and some of the deep red of the dark romantic are left, as well as a few cushions, draperies and floral compositions.
- Transitional elements.
- Discreet elegance: the quality of the materials used in the space suggests luxury, but not in an ostentatious way. The emphasis is on quality, sophistication and individuality.
How to transform your home into a softer modern Gothic style?
- Brighten up your spaces: paint dark walls beige or light grey.
- Replace dark furniture: or reduce the amount of it. Choose furniture with lighter upholstery, or move old furniture.
- Keep the gothic elements: chandeliers, wall chandeliers and wrought iron elements should be accentuated rather than replaced.
- Use quality materials: furniture, textiles and decorative elements should be made of quality materials. This will compensate for the high proportion of beige or ecru colours. After all, these colours are the basic colours of unstylish interiors. When the tenant is afraid to take a chance, they buy the cheapest, most unremarkable furnishings. That’s very much not the case here, so special care must be taken to avoid the nondescript category with your new interior.
- Don’t forget the details: use accessories and decorative elements to create the mood of the space.
This softer modern gothic style is the perfect choice for those who want to keep the elegance of the gothic style and the “dark romantic” feel, but at the same time want a brighter and more modern home.