The name baroque comes from the word barocco (odd). This style of art history lasted from the end of 16th to the middle of 17th century.
The penetration of baroque began in the ages when the catholic church started counter-reformation. The marks of the style helped it and vice versa: the catholic church urged the evolution of the baroque because thought it to be an instrument for showing its own grandeur.
The main feature of baroque is monumentality that can be found not only in sacral architecture. The palaces of the ruling class showed this also and incarnated the absolute monarchy. The Palace of Versailles in France was built this time on the order of Louis XIV. The buildings were over-decorated: gilding, noble materials (e.g. rare type of woods, marble, gobelin), murals, volutes, rich colors. The domed solution was common. Sculpture and painting was marked by the scenic presentation of figures, allegoric portrayal, movement and vigorousness.
The high-ceilinged interiors were heated by fireplaces in winter. The canopy beds were protected by around curtains from cold. In that times it was fashionable welcoming guests abed, that way not only community spaces (salon, corridors, lobbies) but also the bedroom, which belongs to the private area was made for representation.
The techniques of veneer, intarsia, marquetry (bone, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, porcelain etc.) culminated in the art of making furniture. Using ormolu decorations on his furniture made André Charles Boulle, the furniture maker of Louis XIV., world famous. The seats were already upholstered (gobelin), their backs were straight, legs were arched and carved (cabriole), the frames frequently gilded. The commode with drawers appeared this time. The standing and table clocks as decorative objects also showed their owners’ wealth.
Using baroque style requires space. If we would like to apply it nowadays, in a common interior, its glimmer and monumentality should be held in – but this is not impossible. Ask for help of an interior designer creating a classy interior.