Styles of decorative appliques
Wooden decorative appliques come in many styles, and with such a vast array of designs available, one could be at a loss as to how to choose the appropriate style for their own space; and considering that on Carved Decor, it’s possible to commission custom carvings, the choice gets even harder.
So, how to choose the right applique? These 3D decorations come in many different styles, all with their own specific historic inspirations and legacy. Here’s some of the designs you can find on our site:
- Classic: Inspired by Ancient Greece, Rome, and Renaissance, these appliques are created with principles of symmetry, balance, unity, and proportion as their main theme. They feature mirrored patterns and clean lines - if you want an elegant, geometric decoration, you cannot go wrong with Classic style.
- Baroque: Asymmetrical, ornate, boldly decorated with volutes, scrolls, cartouches, and floral motifs, Baroque-inspired appliques are full of character and drama. The style originates from Italy, and its goal was to express emotion and create illusion - Baroque architects worked hard to make the spaces feel truly grand, and now you can, too.
- Romantic: Inspired by the reaction against the formality of Neo-classicism and industrialization of the society, Romantic style focuses on organic, flowing lines and floral motifs, on feminine touch and human emotion. If your goal is to create a warm, airy and inviting atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with choosing Romantic-inspired decorative appliques.
- Antique: The balanced, proportional, symmetrical look of these appliques harkens back to the ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Their mirrored geometric patterns, such as Greek key, egg-and-dart, and dentil trim, are inspired by the motifs found in ancient temples of these bygone times. The style is clean and orderly, dignified and alluring in its reflection of grand historical legacy, and yet, perfectly versatile.
Modern: Simplicity, straight lines, subtlety and reliance on the natural beauty of a wooden decoration - that’s Modern-style appliques. They favor streamlined, geometric shapes such as circles and rectangles, choosing to emphasize the surrounding interior instead of overpowering it. As such, it can be used in a variety of ways - you can opt for “quiet luxury”, an approach to decor characterized by its subtle look and luxurious materials, or mix it with more opulent elements for your own personal approach, but mainly this style is perfect for a sense of freedom, purity and simplicity.
Rustic: Drawing on the aesthetic of rural, country, and cabin-style design, these appliques emphasize and utilize the imperfect yet beautiful qualities of natural wood. They frequently incorporate motifs such as leaves, branches, fruits and berries, and animal figures, bringing warmth and earthy elements to your home.
Empire: Known for its opulence and neoclassical inspiration, and born during the Napoleonic era, it features laurel wreaths, swags, and acanthus leaves. These onlays are typically carved in high relief, with bold, clear lines and a level of depth that gives a strong presence to the ornamentation. This depth allows shadows to emphasize the detail in each motif, most frequent of which are spears, eagles, and torches. In your home, these Empire-style onlays would be positioned strategically to highlight corners, tops, or central areas, adding a feel of importance. The finished look is both commanding and elegant, reflecting the imperial aspirations of its historical context.
Style of the appliques you pick and the way you utilize it in decor will let you express yourself in your home, make it more inviting and unique, and impress everyone else. Whether you want to make your space feel grand and opulent, subtle and elegant, or charmingly simple, the appliques will be there to help you do it!
