Bring some theatricality into your home decor

Over the past half century, we have had varying degrees of  “less is more” home design trends.  

Industrial architecture and brutalism has its roots in the conversion of old warehouses and factories into living spaces. Originating in urban centres during the late 20th century, this style celebrates raw, exposed materials—brick, steel beams, concrete floors, and visible ductwork. It embraces functionality and rugged aesthetics. Open-plan layouts and oversized windows are common, reflecting its utilitarian past while offering a modern, edgy appeal. 

Scandinavian architecture blends form and function with a deep respect for nature. Popularised in the 20th century across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, this style is known for its bright, airy interiors, light-coloured woods, simple lines, and a focus on warmth and coziness (“hygge”). It values sustainability, craftsmanship, and user-centric design, making spaces feel inviting and practical.  

Take Note: A modern iteration of “Scandi” is “Japandi” which can be a lovely fusion of east and west. 

Minimalist architecture emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the chaos and excesses of post-war design. It emphasises simplicity, functionality, and clarity of form. Structures are often characterised by clean lines, open spaces, neutral palettes, and an intentional absence of ornamentation. Materials like concrete, glass, and natural wood are common, with the philosophy of “less is more” at its core.  

There is merit in all three of these, and we have written often about the benefits of an uncluttered life.  

But…  

What if less is just less? 

What would be the antithesis of a minimalist home? The obvious answer is maximalism, which we have also discussed before but while maximalism has its virtues, we want a more cohesive and overarching design philosophy to break away from the aforementioned beige gang.  

Are you fed up with the trendy kids? The “less is more” gang of minimalist, modernist, clutter-free, “stealth wealth” and earth toned anti-hedonists with their beige homesteads and chalk paint mason-jars? 

*Dramatic drumroll, fireworks, orchestral overture, let the white doves free and cue the trumpeters*…Roll out the red carpet for:  

Baroque, his flirty wife Rococo and their love child, Burlesque 

Baroque architecture originated in late 16th-century Italy and quickly spread across Europe, flourishing in Catholic regions like France, Spain, and Austria. It was a powerful tool for the Church and monarchies, designed to inspire awe and communicate grandeur and divine order.  

Take note: Over time, Baroque evolved into regional variants—Italian Baroque was bold and theatrical, while French Baroque was more controlled and symmetrical. 

Baroque is unapologetically big. There is nothing stealthy about this “wealth”. 

Deep shadows and plays of light

Baroque art, (and therefore buildings) are known for their dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) through ornate elements like grand staircases, elaborate ceilings with frescoes, gilded detailing, curved forms, domes, and ornamented facades. Architects used visual contrast and a sense of movement to create dynamic, emotionally engaging spaces. Interior spaces often featured symmetry, layered textures, and opulent finishes like marble and gold leaf. 

Baroque at it’s best: The palace of the Sun King 

The Palace of Versailles, commissioned by Louis XIV, epitomises French Baroque architecture. Its vast scale, axial symmetry, mirrored halls, manicured gardens, and ornate rooms influenced palace and civic architecture across Europe. Versailles demonstrated how Baroque could serve political power, projecting dominance and divine right through architecture. Baroque is the masculine to the delightfully feminine Rococo which developed a little later on. 

Baroque goes soft: Baroque vs. Rococo 

Though both styles are ornate and rooted in European aristocracy, Baroque is grand, dramatic, and architectural in nature—often tied to power and religious themes. Rococo, which emerged in early 18th-century France, is lighter, more playful, and decorative. Rococo favours pastel tones, asymmetrical designs, whimsical motifs (like shells and scrolls), and intimate, feminine spaces. 

Take note: While Baroque evokes awe, Rococo invites delight.  

How does this translate into my home?  

Today, both Baroque and Rococo influences can be found in luxury interior design – think carved furniture, oversized mirrors with gilded frames, richly patterned wallpapers, dramatic chandeliers, and ornamental mouldings. Contemporary designers may reinterpret Baroque details in black or white to create a modern, monochrome version of opulence, while Rococo is brought forth in pastels, rose-golds, enamels and crystal or pearl accents.  

Baroque is the bathroom with the imposing ornate claw footed tub with black hardware, and Rococo gives you the dainty crystal chandelier and pearl-inlay trinket box on the white marble countertop.  

Burlesque, or cabaret, is a unique hybrid of these two opulent styles. More glamorous, more on the nose and utterly unapologetic, burlesque is, simply put, tantalisingly fun. Rounded, feminine furniture , feather trim, velvet, a celebration of the early 20th century Champagne culture of the Moulin Rouge and its contemporaries.  

Three Ways to Bring Baroque Opulence into Your Home 

• Statement Lighting: Incorporate a large, ornate chandelier in your foyer, dining room, or bedroom. Crystal or gilded options evoke immediate Baroque glamour. A big chandelier with large reflective elements will be baroque, but a smaller, dainty chandelier will evoke Rococo, while a black and gold, or purple crystal chandelier screams Burlesque.  

• Decorative Mouldings and Wall Panels: Install ceiling medallions, cornices, or wainscoting. These architectural embellishments create layered visual interest reminiscent of Baroque interiors. Wallpaper is another easy way to create visual opulence. By playing with colours and patterns, you can easily shift between baroque, rococo and burlesque.  

• Rich Textures and Finishes: Use velvet or brocade textiles, carved furniture, and gold or brass finishes. Pair these with deep hues like royal blue, burgundy, or emerald to enhance the dramatic effect. Pastels and light-coloured surfaces will spin the finishes towards rococo, while contrasts like black and purple or deep red with fringe or feather trims will once again carry your design into the burlesque realm.  

Don’t pussyfoot around baroque.  

Whether you go with baroque, rococo or burlesque, if you do it right, more will be more! Like our very own Nataniël says: “Too much is too much, but way too much is just enough.”  If you want to go big, stick to it. This is a design aesthetic that craves commitment. Few things are as depressing as an anaemic attempt at opulence. If you choose gold, gild everything! You make the rules after all…