La Commedia Dell'arte

If you are thinking of redecorating a room but don't know where to look for inspiration, please read on. Depending on the room you want to decorate and on the atmosphere you want to create in it, you may wish to consider a theme that is of interest to you, and work around it. Think of London, botany, jazz or the theatre!

You like theatre, fine. Which period most inspires you? Which style? Do you prefer Hamlet or Harlequin?

You answered Harlequin? Then why not take Commedia dell'arte as a starting point?

Commedia dell'arte is a form of comedy that started in Italy around 1550 and has influenced theatre and comedy to this day. In Commedia dell'arte, each play is based on a very general plot on which actors improvise in keeping with their character's personality. Each actor specializes in one character, also called a mask, because most characters' costumes include a mask made of papier mâché.

Typical characters include old men, like Pantaloon, doctors, lovers, like Isabel and Leandre, and servants, like Harlequin or Pulchinella.

Commedia dell'arte is everything but serious. Humour is usually expressed through mimics and gestures, and never subtle. Using Commedia dell'arte as a decorating theme would imply using bold or bright colors, exaggerated features, and a lot of fantasy. You could start from accessories like a series of papier mâché masks, or prints of your favorite characters and choose colors from these elements. Of course, you still will have to consider things like the room's orientation and size, its function, and your budget, but if you are seeking a special effect, don't be afraid to go for a total look.

In any case, just remember to set your imagination free and have fun!