Is there a place for Gothic railings and balustrades in the XXI century?
Ironworks has always been a way to secure and endure a property and a means of decoration and self-expression. We all know and admire the breathtaking examples of ironworks from medieval and renaissance Europe or French-inspired balconies at New Orleans balconies and gates.
However, once you decide to introduce ironworks to your property, it is important to understand that an iron staircase railing, gate, or balustrade is not a simple accessory that you will replace effortlessly once it goes out of fashion. It is a big decision that will determine your property’s exteriors and atmosphere for many years and will become your legacy in a way.
That is why so many people today address professional designers who are supposed to help them find a perfect balance between classic solutions of ironworks and modern design trends. An here comes the main question: is it possible to adapt gothic railings to a modern house? Don’t those sophisticated gates belong to ancient castles and mansions?
To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at the history and development of ironwork and how this artistry looks today.
A balustrade seems to be something that belongs to ancient times and hardly can find a place in a modern building. However, the word itself comes from an Italian “balusters” and means a row of small columns connected with a common rail. This term was introduced in the 17th century, but the construction itself seems to be pretty familiar and common for modern architecture.
Balustrades have often had several meanings and purposes. Except for decorating the property, they also prevent people from falling off balconies and organize the space. They also provide privacy and, of course, create a stunning indoor-outdoor sense that becomes an airy extension for a house.
Originally used for their safety features mostly, balustrades have soon enough become a popular design solution in Italy and all over Europe. It gave a new life and evolution spin to the art of ironworks that has turned simple railings into ultimate masterpieces.
Today’s balustrades come in all shapes and sizes and become an ultimate statement for property owners. The whole concept adapts to the modern design trends, customer’s vision, and such factors as local climate and landscape.
Tradition ironworks are becoming a hot trend in modern architecture and interior design. However, just like any trend, it will definitely change and evolve in a way. That is why once you decide to follow this stream in your property, it is essential to adapt the classic shapes and solutions to modern silhouettes, so your ironwork railings or gates won’t look artificial and forced into the overall landscape.
It might be the first thing that comes to mind once we talk about classic ironworks. Gothic architecture appeared and evolved during the times when ironwork became a popular way among citizens to protect their houses from raiders and conquerors. Inspired by the edgy spiral shapes and flower-like design of Gothic Architecture, blacksmiths started to offer their customers innovative solutions to protect and endure their houses and decorate them. Since then, Gothic Style has gone through numerous revelations and evolutionary spins. It gained and lost its significance in the architecture of different cultures numerous times. But it has always remained strangely attractive while being an example of power, strength, and sophistication. Spiral shapes and geometric flower designs that define the gothic style are the trademarks of ironworks artistry. And as long as they remain as popular and attractive today as they were 500 years ago, you simply cannot go wrong with choosing gothic ceilings or gate design for your property.
This solution is a perfect example of how ironwork artistry can combine classic silhouettes’ sophistication with the elegance of modern minimalism. Twist design involves single or double twisted balusters that look pretty unusual yet not overloaded with decorative solutions. This design fits perfectly any architecture – from a Victorian style that has originally introduced it to the public to modern geometric and minimalistic designs.
This style might have always been the most joyful in the history of architecture and design. Originating from France, it is usually associated with pompous palaces, waterfalls, and parks. However, it has gone through the ultimate rebirth during the Victorian era, which has also introduced it to the American public. Just like Gothic, this ironwork style is all about spiral shapes and flower designs. But baroque is more lightweight, which makes it appropriate for a wider range of designs and interiors. Baroque railings will become a perfect safety and decorative element for a balcony, staircase railing, or even a nursery window. They combine different techniques of ironwork artistry which makes them the most versatile solution.
Elegant, simple yet sophisticated and durable – ironwork artistry combines all those things becoming the evergreen classics of architecture and design. Throughout humankind’s history, this art has been developing and evolving together with our culture, traveling with us to the edge of the world and preserving our legacy for offsprings. Introducing ironwork railings and balustrades to your property today will help you make a statement and preserve the memory about your impact on your family’s history for many years.