The Baroque and the beautiful

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Writer Sara Duck visits Noto, Sicily, uncovering how Baroque design has returned to the contemporary design scene

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Standing on the top step of Noto Cathedral, a sprawling structure piously situated in the middle of the main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you can’t help but notice an entire city awash in honey-toned Sicilian Baroque architecture. It’s a breathtaking vision.

The entire city was rebuilt in all its ornate splendour after a devastating earthquake in 1693. Today, it stands as a bold expression of artistic vision and historical perseverance, a living exhibit of the Baroque style.

This southern Sicilian city — honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has garnered much admiration recently through film and television. Its influence extends beyond the screen to the design world, inspiring design lovers to capture some of Baroque’s old-world sentimentalities in their own homes. Call it a Baroque Renaissance!

Industry experts have also noticed the growing trend. Evelyn Eshun, the founder of the award-winning Toronto-based design firm Evelyn Eshun Design Inc., comments on this comeback. “The resurgence of Baroque design is a testament to our modern craving for drama and meticulous craftsmanship in our living spaces,” she explains.

Dvira Ovadia, owner and designer of celebrated Dvira Interiors, further emphasizes the allure of the Baroque style. “Baroque design not only brings a rich sense of history and masterful artistry, but it also offers a distinctive way to craft personalized, eye-catching spaces,” she says. “Its visual timelessness translates beautifully in so many homes.”

Baroque design is renowned for its dramatic use of bold colours, elaborate ornamentation, grandiose curves, and intricate details that create a sense of movement and exuberance. How does that translate for use in modern day design? Eshun elaborates on its modern adaptation, “In contemporary interiors, it is associated with rich colours and materials, extravagant patterns, and overall dramatic style expression in elements such as fabrics, mouldings, gilded woodwork, and chandeliers.”

You may have even noticed while shopping for fall fashion finds that a rich colour palette, aligning with the Baroque aesthetic, has also saturated the fashion industry. “Incorporating hues such as chocolate brown, deep burgundy, olive green, and indigo blue found on the fashion runways this season can dramatically elevate any interior design,” says Eshun.

If you’re considering adding Baroque elements to your home, the principle of less is more can guide your approach. Ovadia recommends adopting Baroque influences with restraint. “Avoid overwhelming a space with too many ornate details and dark colours,” she advises. “Instead, select pieces and colours that add the desired character while maintaining a light and open feel in the room.”

Additionally, you can enhance your space with well-chosen antiques, such as gilded mirrors and ornate candlesticks, which bring a touch of Baroque elegance. Wallpaper also plays a pivotal role in transforming your environment; choosing a Baroque pattern or a textured solid can significantly boost the ambience.

Art and sculpture add a flexible and impactful dimension — they are movable and interchangeable, providing opportunities for frequent updates to your decor. A pro tip is to place these items against a clean, white backdrop or in a streamlined foyer, whether on a pedestal or wall-mounted, to create a striking visual statement. “The key is to enjoy mixing modern and traditional elements thoughtfully,” Ovadia notes. “This balance prevents the space from becoming overly opulent. And if you’re unsure, it’s wise to consult a designer to navigate your design choices effectively.”

Are you ready to embrace old-world charm in your home? The timeless elegance of Baroque, especially exemplified in Noto, Sicily, shows how historical styles can inspire modern interiors, proving that great style is ageless.