What Are The Classic Gothic Revival Features?
There was much made of ecclesiastical detail, from the highly structured arches and decorative ribbing, to cusping – the projecting point formed where two curves meet. Cusps are found a lot in Gothic painted in stone colour schemes either flat, or to resemble stone with a paint effect, and wallpaper was very ornate – typically red and gold – and heavily patterned. Look for flowers and foliage, stencilled lattice or coats of arms. To create your own handmade motif wall coverings, create stencils from acetate and stamp on your design in a gold metallic paint painted, or alternatively buy a motif stamp of your chosen design.
Flooring largely comprised of boards, which were typically dark (opt for dark oak colour with wood stain), or stone flooring, with giant flagstones – which can be recreated by painting a faux stone block finish.
Lighting tried to emulate the candlelight of authentic medieval ages. Look for huge metalwork chandeliers in black wrought iron and wall sconces in wrought iron and brass.
Big imposing fireplaces were the norm, usually made of limestone, or elaborately carved out of wood. To recreate, the fireplace surround should have a pointed arch shaped inside the smaller surround.
Although furniture with elaborate painted scenes was a hallmark of the Gothic Revival style, top quality solid wood furniture was typical, including pieces such as huge oak dining tables and chairs with barley-twist legs. Old church furniture was integral to some homes – pews offered an authentic touch – and can still be obtained today from salvage yards across the UK.
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