The 17th century design style from Europe is being redefined in home decor this year. We show you how to do up your home in a modern baroque finish With vintage pieces thriving in the world of home decor, baroque is reemerging as the must-have design style for architects and interior designers. It started out as an ornate design aesthetic in Europe in the 17th century. This year, it’s being reinterpreted to suit current lifestyles and tastes. Traditional baroque furniture and art was heavily ornamented and profusely detailed. It sported gold, marble and featured shepherdesses, cherubs, angels and other mythical creatures.

What is modern baroque? Not everyone wants to live in a decadent, over-elaborate house, but mixing present styles with vintage baroque elements can take your home to another level.

Modern baroque is all about marrying old-world design with new age finesse. Imagine a futuristic-looking chair in front of baroque wallpaper or a vintage baroque mirror looking over your white bedroom. It is becoming popular for homeowners who like opulence, albeit in a toned-down way. Pay homage to Europe’s classical past in a new way through our shortcut to modern baroque decor.

Contrast with gold Use gold to contrast brighter colours. The introduction of gold brings the other colours to life and also creates a buffer between them. This was trick used in baroque interiors in the past. An alternative to gold is matte gold or chrome yellow.

Build a foundation Approach this step tastefully and with restraint. Use black, grey and white as your foundation colours and build on them. The remaining colours in the scheme are preferably romantic. Incorporate silver or gold — never both together — with mirrored surfaces and crystal into your home.

Invest in glam pieces Invest in baroque items and furniture that will bring glamour to your home, like a chair with baroqueembroidered upholstery or an ornate mirror. Scour through the lanes of furniture markets in Chor Bazaar, Oshiwara and Malad for inexpensive reproductions. High gloss black or soft white pieces look the most authentic. If you don’t have kids at home, you can safely buy damask upholstery to do up your seating or curtains.

Avoid going over-the-top Unless you want your home to resemble Louis XIV’s palace in Versailles, don’t be excessive. Arrange not more than one to three statement pieces carefully in each room for effect. Have one focal point piece — like crystal lighting and one ‘surprise’ piece, something guests don’t expect to see.

Marry the old with the new For a contemporary spin, mix fabric in a baroque pattern with striped wallpaper in the same colours. The modern-classic choice is vertical stripes since they lend clean lines to furniture in the room, create a sense of space and bring height.