There’s something about the glittering splendour of Byzantine art that feels perfectly attuned to the festive season. Gold mosaics catching every flicker of light, deep jewel tones shimmering like treasures from an emperor’s hoard—it’s an aesthetic that exudes grandeur while embracing the warmth and celebration we crave during winter’s gloom. Byzantium’s layered opulence and rich palette are quietly reclaiming their place as a source of inspiration for interior decoration. And at Christmas, its sumptuous maximalism feels like an especially enchanting choice.
Byzantium was a world steeped in divine splendour. Take the interiors of Hagia Sophia, for instance, where skilled artisans meticulously angled a myriad of tiny mosaic tesserae to capture the bright Mediterranean light, creating an ethereal glow that seems to dissolve the boundaries between heaven and earth. Softly veined marble slabs dress floors and walls in intricate patterns, as if nature itself had guided the artists’ hands. Far from mere decorative accents, these elements are invitations to gaze upward, marvel, and believe in otherworldly beauty.
Quite unsurprisingly, the magnificence of Constantinople’s palaces and churches captivated the West. From Aachen to Palermo, Eastern architects, painters, and artisans were in high demand by kings and popes eager to bring a touch of this city’s magic to their courts. In Sicily, the Norman king Roger II enlisted some of these masters to craft the interiors of his royal palace, ensuring they would leave an indelible impression on foreign diplomats. Their artistry endures in a handful of rooms, where thousands of golden and emerald green mosaic tesserae weave a luminous tapestry of Byzantine, Western, and Persian Sassanid influences. Centaurs, peacocks, and exotic animals roam a Garden of Eden, their forms brought to life by shimmering light and vibrant colour.
While Byzantium’s political power didn’t outlast the Middle Ages, its artistic legacy has proven remarkably persistent, popping up in the most unexpected places. In the 19th century, the Victorian obsession with all things eclectic and historical sparked a full-blown revival in both religious and secular buildings across Britain. Westminster Cathedral in central London may be the grandest example of this infatuation, but perhaps the most surprising examples are found in Bristol. There, an eccentric style dubbed “Bristol Byzantine” flourished between the 1850s and 1890s, mixing Constantinople grandeur with a dash of Moorish flair. For sheer theatricality, however, nothing beats Ludwig II’s Throne Hall at Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria—a riot of gold and lapis lazuli blue so unapologetically over-the-top it makes Hagia Sophia look positively modest.
Today, designers and interior decorators are finding fresh ways to channel the exotic allure of the Byzantine aesthetic. A bathroom adorned with a rare specimen of veined marble, for instance, can echo the intricately panelled surfaces of Constantinople’s lavish imperial baths, creating a striking focal point even in minimalist surroundings.
“When I think about the Byzantine aesthetic, I think of a unique orientalist richness,” says Francis Sultana. “Strong colours have always appealed to me, particularly in the stones and marbles I source. They bring an inherent sense of luxury to a space while remaining deeply rooted in nature.” The interior designer also highlights his affinity for metallic accents. “I enjoy incorporating gold or bronze into light fittings, decorative accessories, or furniture. Pairing these with textures like rattan or leather creates a contemporary narrative with a touch of exotic opulence.”
The layering of textures and materials offers countless ways to reinterpret Byzantine grandeur, evoking its essence without overwhelming a space or making it feel overtly “historicist.” Gilded mirror frames or brass side tables can reflect the brilliance of domes, while crimson velvet and silk-draped cushions evoke the sumptuous elegance of ancient robes. These elements bring richness and depth, crafting spaces that feel warm and inviting.
For interior decorator Alidad, the allure of Byzantium lies in its enduring beauty. “Every time I visit one of Istanbul’s early churches, I’m captivated by the interplay of textures and precious materials,” he explains. “It’s not just the mosaics but also the intricate inlays of marble panels, the patterned floors of jewel-toned stones, and the exquisite craftsmanship evident in every detail. There’s an aura of refinement that sparks the imagination—you can almost picture the layers of rare fabrics and ornate details that once adorned Constantinople’s lost palaces."
Alidad’s approach centres on distilling this timeless essence. “I’ve never aimed to replicate the Byzantine ‘look’ in my interiors,” he says, “but rather to channel its ageless charm. Whether it’s a dining room for gatherings with family and friends or a cloakroom, I strive to create something that feels fresh and beautiful even years later—like the vivid colours and intricate patterns of those ancient mosaics.”
Whether it’s a subtle nod with gilded details or a bolder statement like richly veined marbles and velvet upholstery, the sumptuous palette and textures of Byzantium perfectly capture the festive spirit, bringing warmth and brilliance to even the coldest winter days!
