Design Style: Rockin’ Rococo
From the keypad of Peggy Pardo…
Imagine you’re living in France in the 1700′s. What’s the latest interior design trend that is sweeping the country? Why Rococo, of course!
Rococo (sometimes spelled “roccoco”) style emerged in the 18th century during the reign of King Louis XV in France and over the centuries there have been several revivals. It is also referred to as “Late Baroque” and “Louis XV”. The asymmetry, fluidity and grace of Rococo was a reaction against the symmetry, strict regulations and haughtiness of the previous Baroque period. (Evidently they felt that if it was Baroque they should fix it. Ba dump bump…I know, but I had to do it.)
This is a reproduction of a Rococo armchair. It’s a great example of the asymmetry found in the style…
Source: Indofur
On this Rococo console you can see the use of the shell design while the plant motif is evident in the acanthus leaves. I love the finish…
Source: All That Is Interesting
This is a silver Claret jug. A Claret jug is a wine jug usually made of glass and silver that was used to hold Claret, which is a French Bordeaux wine. Notice the elaborate asymmetrical shell decoration…
Source: McFaddin-Ward House , Beaumont, Texas
This piece is very feminine and is an ideal example of the graceful lines that are present in Rococo furniture…
Source: Best Home News
Made by Charles Frederick Kandler, this mirror boasts the Russian Imperial Arms and Crown. Abundant use of plant designs, asymmetry and curves define this as Rococo…
Source: Naturalistic Spoon
Even today, Rococo influences can be found in contemporary design. The dark brown finish on the wall and contemporary accessories update this classic look…
Source: Neiman Marcus
Continuing with contemporary Rococo, I think you’re going to love how playfully it’s been used to influence the design of these 3 sofas…
Source: Captivatist
Here are a couple of close-up views of Rococo shell details on two fireplace mantels…
Source: Westland London
To add a bit of Rococo just about anywhere, you could use shell motif stencils like the ones shown here from Royal Design Studio…
Source: Royal Design Studio
In Rococo, you’ll find the frequent use of creamy pastel colors, curved lines and gold finishes along with plant, flower and shell motifs. Refined cabriole legs, the scroll foot, c-scrolls and s-scrolls were also used in abundance. Though not as excessively decorative as Baroque, Rococo is still a bit ornate. However, it seems to have an intelligent sense of humor about itself and isn’t quite as serious minded.
Classic designs never go out of style. You can keep them traditional or update them to fit today’s aesthetic. I love to see examples of contemporary design that was influenced by Rococo; so if you have any great links to share, send them on!
Cheers to all,
Peggy
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