The main principles of interior design in the Rococo style

A little historical background

Few people know, but initially the style was used only for decorating garden grottoes. After all, the name of the design plays on the French word rocaille, which has one of the meanings of decoration made of shells and stones. Later, this expression began to denote a rock garden.

Some rocaille artists have become so successful in their activities that particularly successful design elements have migrated from gardens to room interiors. This happened under King Louis XIV. But official recognition for the Rococo style came much later and Jean Meissonnier is considered the inspiration of the movement. It was in his paintings that asymmetrical forms began to appear.

One of the ornamental elements for decoration in Rococo Source Pinterest

In fact, the prologue to the style was the work of Antoine Watteau, who painted his paintings at the very beginning of the eighteenth century. And although from the middle of the century France was swept by the fashion for classicism with its antique symmetrical ornaments, Rococo confidently lasted in some living rooms until the beginning of the new century.

This is because it was not considered a distinct style until the mid-nineteenth century. At that time, many were sure that Rococo was a logical evolution of the ponderous Baroque. Although in essence the monumentality of the latter was simply softened by a lighter and brighter direction. And no matter what they say later, it was not without reason that the Rococo period in France was called the time of Cupid and Venus.

Canvas by Boucher, painted in the Rococo era Source gallart.by

Features of finishing the floor, ceiling and walls

The palace style floor should be parquet or marble. Parquet boards made from light wood species are usually coated with transparent varnish. Currently, expensive materials are being replaced by high-quality coatings at a more reasonable price. The floor can have a patterned design without sharp contrasts. You can cover the center of the room with a small rug.

The matte floor of the living room goes well with furniture and textiles. Carpeting in the center adds coziness, making the interior complete.

To make the walls match the Rococo style, they are painted with pastel colors, which is convenient and inexpensive. Cover with high-quality wallpaper that imitates fabric.

The pastel walls of an elegant living room allow you to focus on furniture, whose color and decoration are reminiscent of the boudoir of beautiful favorites

Ceilings are usually made light, decorated with complex stucco and gilding. Instead of frescoes, photo wallpapers and paintings can be used. The angle between the plane of the wall and the ceiling must be smoothed out with stucco so that the transition does not seem sharp.

The ceiling, decorated in a classical style, is in harmony with the cupids under the arch and columns. The blue color of the walls adds air and visually expands the area

In the Rococo era, curtains came in different colors and textures - beige, blue, purple, pink and green. They covered the alcove: the area where the bed was placed - so the winter cold and the glances of curious people from outside penetrated there less.

Now the curtains can also be anything: from weightless white to heavy elegant ones, depending on what is more suitable for the setting. One of the signs of Rococo is figured lamps, carved jewelry boxes, figurines, mirrors with designer frames. A figured mirror in an elegant frame is especially suitable for a rocaille atmosphere. You can easily recognize the direction itself by the abundance of porcelain vases and trinkets decorated with floral or oriental patterns.

Vases and trinkets demonstrate not only a passion for the East: in the 18th century porcelain was actively produced, including the famous Sèvres

Main features of Rococo

Since the style was nevertheless recognized as completely independent, some features were identified for it. First of all, you need to decide who this design is suitable for. These are dreamy and sophisticated natures who love sophistication in everything.

But in order to bring to life all the royal luxury of the direction, you need to have a considerable fortune. Because a large country house is needed, and materials for decoration in the Rococo style are not cheap. Exclusive furniture alone will be needed for almost an entire museum. And this is not to mention the drapery and individual pieces of art.

Characteristic features of Rococo:

• Pastel colors predominate, diluted with white and rich gilding. But there are exceptions that, if implemented successfully, look very good.
• Stucco is present on almost everything. It decorates the ceiling and walls. If there are columns in the room, then they cannot do without it. You can even find similar decor on the windows.
• Any surface, be it walls, textiles or the surfaces of furniture items, is covered with patterns, ornaments, embroidery, drawings or mosaics.
• You need handmade furniture from famous masters of the past. Mostly with expensive patterned upholstery and covered with inlays.
• To emphasize the style, you will need multi-layered luxurious textiles.
• Stories from myths and pastorals are welcome.
• Gilding is almost the main element of decoration. Its trace is present on almost all objects in the room.

Particularly zealous connoisseurs actually have to be restrained. Because after all the transformations, the residential building turns into a museum. And although in the eighteenth century the Rococo style in the interior was valued not only for its luxury, but also for its comfort, in modern realities, living among exhibitions can bring significant discomfort to life.

Bedroom decorated in Rococo Source kakpravilnosdelat.ru

But the direction is convenient in that it does not need to be used in its pure form. It mixes well with some other types. And these days it is more often used to emphasize certain areas in the room. Therefore, it becomes possible not to limit yourself only to a country mansion, and to transfer the style to modern city apartments. Moreover, the current interpretation of stylistics is significantly simplified.

What rooms is the style suitable for?

Fans of the Rococo style are still found today. As a rule, these are refined natures prone to daydreaming who prefer aristocracy and sophistication in everything. Of course, not many of them can fully embody the truly royal luxury of this art direction. Refined people who own spacious country houses have a greater chance of achieving success. However, even such lucky ones are restrained by stylists, urging them not to get carried away too much and not to strive to decorate the entire building in the style of bygone times. Firstly, the result of painstaking, hard work can be something more reminiscent of a historical museum, rather than a cozy dream home. Secondly, furnishing premises in the spirit of a gallant century will require quite impressive financial investments. Finishing materials, exclusive furniture, lamps, and other decorative elements - all this is not cheap.

But it is not difficult to achieve success if you apply the Rococo concept in several rooms - living room, nursery, bedroom, bathroom, or include individual elements of the style in the interior of any room. Experts recommend excluding the study room from the list of rooms to be transformed. A creative, cheerful mood should reign here, and not a relaxing sensual atmosphere that evokes pleasant thoughts of relaxation, bliss, and bliss.

There is an opinion that the territory dominated by Rococo is country houses, and the limited apartment framework practically does not allow to accommodate everything that the style direction requires. But is it? Practice shows that the aristocratic, incredibly impressive and, at the same time (if you are smart) fairly budget-friendly Rococo style is available to residents of ordinary city apartments. After all, the modern interpretation of this style is somewhat simplified, and if difficulties arise, you can always count on the help of professionals.

Modern direction

Without exaggeration, today's version of the Rococo style can be called minimalist. Because the characteristic rocaille (curls) remained only on furniture and accessories, and mostly on mirrors. This abolition is necessary, since the urban orientation is slightly distinguished by the paucity of decoration in contrast to the main one.

Rococo style in today's apartment Source stroyka.ru

Living room in an apartment, decorated in Rococo style Source artsten.ru

The Rococo style is no longer used in its original form, but complements classicism and, in some cases, slightly dilutes the monumental Baroque. Therefore, the direction lost its famous pastel colors. The walls are now finished much brighter, and light furniture contrasts with them.

Modern Rococo sometimes even takes on a black and white appearance. And the classic furniture in it acquired more unusual upholstery, often in bright colors. Parquet in the living room is replaced with laminate, and in the kitchen and bathroom - with ceramic tiles. And the soft skin of an exotic animal on the floor will be a wonderful addition to the classics.

Rococo style living room in an apartment Source dizainazona.ru

A room in an apartment decorated in the Rococo style Source comfortoria.ru

We can say that today Rococo manifests itself only in details. Most often only in furniture and accessories. And only a floor lamp with crystal pendants or candelabra and mirrors trimmed with rocaille can remind you of the previous era of luxury and grace.

How to choose rococo furniture

This is one of the most important stages in creating an interior. Light bleached wood, richly decorated with carvings, thin bent legs of chairs and tables, patterned satin upholstery, an abundance of gilding and vignettes - it is these excesses that create the atmosphere of luxury of a palace boudoir, which is what characterizes Rococo furniture.

Miniature sofas, canapés and couches should be obligatory attributes of the furniture. The fireplace is the center of the interior composition. In Rococo it is low, covered with light marble and decorated with relief ornaments. Above the fireplace is an elegant mirror in a gilded frame, and on the stone countertop there is an intricate clock and candelabra.

Patterns and colors

The main idea of ​​the Rococo style is the opportunity to immerse yourself in an illusory, fantastic world. Escape from reality is imbued with youth and femininity, romanticism and sensuality. And although the decoration of the rooms bears the stamp of sophistication, the style is primarily focused on comfort.

Room in light colors, decorated in Rococo style Source bani-nsk.ru

Certain combinations of palettes help achieve this:

• white and gold;
• light blue and white;
• pale pink and light green;
• light shades of blue, pink and green;
• beige and gold.

Initially, most of the patterns had a rocaille element. The curl of a sea shell and uneven pearls were the main details in almost all ornaments. But over time, garlands with intertwined stems and leaves came to Rococo. And also the splendor of bows and developing ribbons.

One of many patterns used to decorate a room in the Rococo style Source in.pinterest.com

The Rococo style is most often recognized by the following patterns:

• shells or shells;
• cartouches;
• winged cupids;
• floral motifs.

Copying the Baroque style, Rococo makes extensive use of artistic painting of walls and ceilings. It may seem that the main storyline is based only on mythology. On the ceilings is the firmament with angels. Fauns and nymphs along with children's figurines. But in the depths lies something purely earthly - a woman and a man, as well as their relationships.

Frescoes with Cupids, decorated in Rococo style Source ar.pinterest.com

Features of Rococo in the interior (general)

The following features are also characteristic of Rococo:

• Creating a single space with the help of arches that unite the surface of the wall and ceiling, giving the room a roundness. The shape of an oval and a circle is very relevant for this stylistic decision.
• Using the “shell” element for interior decoration. Actually, it was from him (“rocaille”) that the style got its name.
• A fireplace is required.
• Numerous accessories - figurines, watches, paintings, etc.
• Active use of gilding and stucco.
• Incorporation of Chinese motifs into the interior.
• Lots of smooth curved lines - in furniture, wall decoration, etc.

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Wall decoration

The Rococo style in the interior of a room has always been distinguished by lightness and beauty. And this is achieved by surface finishing. The walls bore a touch of luxury and this could be expressed with the help of carved panels and voluminous draperies. Expensive textile wallpaper and trellises in airy shades were also used.

Decorating the walls of a room in the Rococo style Source tourcentrum.ru

Classic wall decoration in the Rococo style Source sanberg.ru

Ceiling design

Decorating the top of the room begins with the holly. This is the name for a smooth transition from walls to ceiling. Its main purpose is to smooth corners. The element is richly decorated with stucco and, as a rule, covered with gilding. But if it is necessary to maintain the severity of the atmosphere, then the surface is silvered.

Smoothing corners on the ceiling, used in the Rococo style Source dizainvfoto.ru

The design of the ceiling itself is carried out in two versions. In the first case, the surface is decorated with bright frescoes. Often mythological in theme. In the second, the monochromatic ceiling contains fancy stucco elements and the crown of the decor is a luxurious chandelier.

The latter can be of elegant design with intricate crystal pendants. But the imitation of a cascade of candles also looks fantastic. Such chandeliers are well suited for a living room in the Rococo style. When it comes to bedrooms, you need to use a luxurious but smaller model.

Classic design of the ceiling in the bedroom in the Rococo style Source superpokupka.ru

Floor decoration

Like everything in style, the flooring must certainly be catchy. The classic design option is parquet. This natural material is reliable and extremely durable. It has a beautiful texture that creates an artistic pattern and brings a feeling of comfort to the room.

Finishing floors with parquet for the Rococo style Source liveinternet.ru

Wise choice of textiles

Multi-layering and abundance of fabrics is one of the important components. Therefore, the more intricate the design covering the window, the better. Lambrequins and ruffles, fringe and finishing cords, as well as braid, garters and tassels. All these are indispensable attributes of window drapery in a room in the Rococo style.

Magnificent curtains in the living room in the rococo style Source horosho-doma.ru

The key to success will be the use of materials that are not as heavy and dark as in Baroque. Natural silk curtains that fall freely to the floor look best. If a canopy is used on the bed, then the materials and colors must be selected in unison with the window draperies.

The bedspread is quilted, with openwork embroidery and fringe. You need to find pillows to match it. If there is a large table in the dining area and you want to decorate it with a tablecloth, then you need to choose a material that matches the upholstery of the chair seats.

Drapery of a bed and windows in a bedroom decorated in the Rococo style Source horosho-doma.ru

Lighting

You can’t do without a luxurious chandelier with crystal pendants in the Rococo style. But it performs its direct functions extremely rarely and serves mainly as a chic decor for the ceiling and the entire room. The main accents in room lighting are given to wall sconces. After all, style often requires intimacy and the creation of a little twilight.

Floor lamps and table lamps for the Rococo style Source vorota-ryazan.ru

This is necessary to activate the play of light and shadows to evoke a romantic and illusory environment. For these purposes, floor lamps are often used, as well as candelabra with real candles. By placing them close enough to the mirrors, you can achieve a striking visual effect.

Candelabra in front of mirrors in a Rococo style living room Source archidom.org

Baroque style and modern living room interiors

Refined and elegant, full of intricate decorations and phenomenal additions, this is a Baroque living room that will amaze you with its splendor. With such a huge amount of decoration and wonderful artistic skill, you need a suitable place to present yourself in all its splendor. Spacious, luxurious living rooms are designed for baroque arrangements. How to decorate a modern room in a pompous manner? Here are some tips on how to decorate your interior in the Baroque style and achieve impressive results.

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Luxury furniture

Baroque living rooms reflect a passion for artistry, art, beauty and luxury. Intricately carved furniture with dazzling details and high-quality wood carvings is one of their most characteristic elements. The baroque style of the interior is easily emphasized by an elegant sofa. In the living room you will relax on upholstered furniture with a gilded frame and stylishly profiled legs. The space is filled with chests of drawers and cabinets inlaid with black, red or pink wood, gold candelabra, decorated with figurines. A Baroque living room can be accentuated by a table with intricately carved legs and a top plated with a layer of 23-karat gold.

Sensual colors

An intense and sensual color palette with dominant gold is a feature of the Baroque style. Deep dark shades such as eggplant, ruby ​​red, ocher, emerald and the contrasting combination of gold and black play a starring role. Neutral, muted colors such as beige, gray and white are prominent, especially in modern variations of this design style. The color of gold, so characteristic of the Baroque, appears in the form of gilded furniture, jewelry, wall decor and accessories.

Lighting

Lighting is very important as it brings out the glow and depth of color. A large crystal chandelier and stylish sconces bring warm light and create an atmospheric, mysterious mood that filled ancient baroque interiors

Plaster on the ceiling and walls

Richly decorated walls and ceilings should be a unique piece of art in themselves. Decorated with rosettes, cornices, pilasters, magnificent wall paintings, elegant wallpaper with stunning intricate patterns, they delight in artistic skill.

Effective Supplements

The culmination of the Baroque style is the carefully selected accessories and precious materials. They emphasize style and create the desired atmosphere. It is worth choosing precious fabrics and materials such as damask steel, velvet, silk with beautiful trim, fringe, and decorative embroidery. The windows will be decorated with heavy velvet curtains tied with gold tassels. Openwork lamps with crystal garlands will bring wonderful light to the interior, beautifully reflected in large mirrors with decorative gilded frames. A wealth of textures, patterns and well-balanced details will create a unique effect and chic space in a unique living room.

You will find a wide variety of beautiful living rooms in the photo gallery, which will take you to the world of palace luxury of the Baroque era.

Rococo style furniture

All furniture of that time had elegant shapes. And unlike classicism, with which the style developed in parallel, they had smooth lines. The best and most expensive types of wood were used to make them.

Rococo style chest of drawers Source wearefound.com

For furniture in the Rococo style the following were used:

• Red tree;
• rosewood;
• maple;
• nut;
• lemon.

The furniture was upholstered with brocade, velvet or silk. But besides the high cost and high quality, the craftsmen of that era literally put their soul into every thing. And since all the furniture was only handmade, it often became on a par with objects of art. And any respectful city dweller from a wealthy class was simply obliged to have such an environment in his home.

Living room in the Rococo style with magnificent furniture Source cvetamira.ru Upholstered furniture in the Rococo style with original upholstery Source tiu.ru

Low-slung armchairs and stools, as well as sofas with great depth, were in fashion. These items were united by a common feature. They had curved legs and backs of a similar configuration. The surface was often decorated with openwork carvings. And the seat upholstery either contained romantic scenes or was decorated with floral patterns.

All furniture in the Rococo style had figured legs, which were variously decorated either with inlays and carvings, or with bronze overlays. In addition, the surfaces were generously covered with gilding. Such legs supported couches, chests of drawers, and a large number of various benches.

Bench with bent legs in Rococo style Source mebel-liberty.ru

All cabinets have lost their simple rectangular shape. Now their contours became streamlined, and their surfaces were decorated with wavy lines and thin lace patterns. All furniture was carefully varnished. And inlay with ivory and gems was considered especially chic.

A special bed was selected for the Rococo style bedroom. This is a spacious place to sleep, most often located under a canopy with carved columns. And, as a rule, it had a skillfully made headboard, which was also large in size.

Carved bed for a bedroom in the Rococo style Source aredi.ru

The Rococo era is also famous for giving the world secretaries and cantonnieres. This is what cabinets for important papers were called in those days. Another important detail that the Rococo style could not do without was the screen. Her presence was common not only in the boudoirs of noble ladies, but also in all living rooms. It was usually used to fence off certain areas of a large hall. For example, a place to play cards.

Desk for papers in Rococo style Source remont.boltai.com

Screen in a bedroom decorated in Rococo style Source natural-rattan.com

Rococo in the interior of the hall

If you do not like dark colors, bulky furniture and too pretentious architectural elements, such as stucco molding and columns, but want to surround yourself with luxury, Rococo design elements will suit your taste.

Living room design features

A room in the Rococo style will look luxurious, but more comfortable. You won't find anything massive or heavy here. There are no contrasts in such an environment. Light, pastel colors (blue, pistachio, cream, pale pink, white) smoothly flow into each other, gathering into one, rather light and idyllic picture.

The Rococo living room is associated not with an official, ceremonial reception, as is the case with the Baroque, but with a meeting in a circle of equals. The interior does not overwhelm the guest with its pomp, but makes him feel that he has come to a respected person, elegant and with a delicate taste.

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Details play the main role in a Rococo interior. It is impossible to imagine that in such a hall there would be no figured figurines, various vases, decorative dishes, draperies, curtains, all kinds of lamps and other elegant decorations.

The following video will help you get to know the Baroque style better:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iuu9cxTGRog

Furniture

The main difference between Rococo furniture is the absence of straight lines. Everything, from the bed to the chest of drawers, becomes ornate and winding, it’s not for nothing that the name of this style is translated as “sink”.

The pieces of the set are decorated with carvings and bronze plates covering a carefully polished and varnished colored surface. It is also important that all the furniture represents a single ensemble, and the unfinished line of one thing is continued in the contours of another. Particular piquancy and intimacy are given to the Rococo interior by pieces of furniture considered exclusively feminine: cardboard boxes, secretaries on high and, of course, carved legs, soft low poufs, dressing tables and other attributes of a flirtatious housewife.

Particular piquancy and intimacy are given to the Rococo interior by pieces of furniture considered exclusively feminine: cardboard boxes, secretaries on high and, of course, carved legs, soft low poufs, dressing tables and other attributes of a flirtatious housewife.

Since the goal of the Rococo style is to create a comfortable interior for the owners, even a living room cannot do without a soft and comfortable sofa.

Modern "Gothic" Rococo

Materials

• Quite expensive materials are used for upholstery and decorations for furniture, as well as for sewing curtains and draperies in Rococo, as in Baroque: mahogany, bronze, velvet, satin, brocade, etc.
• A marble fireplace fits perfectly into such an interior.
• In addition, Chinese porcelain is of particular value in Rococo, from which exquisite vases and decorative dishes are made.
• A rococo style room is not complete without a crystal chandelier.

Minimalist rococo in the living room interior

Design techniques and photographs of luxurious living rooms in the Rococo style

Trying to recreate the Rococo style in modern living rooms, designers resort to the following techniques:

• Rounding the walls (in Rococo sharp transitions are not acceptable) and covering them with textiles (ideally silk) of light shades, carved wooden panels and mirrors in fancy frames. The space should visually expand;
• Ceramics, marble or wood can be chosen as the flooring material. The main thing is that the baseboards are high and curved;
• A rather significant object is the marble fireplace, the shelf of which is decorated with figurines, clocks, dishes and all kinds of figurines made of bronze, porcelain, ceramics and wood;
• The lighting should be bright, so in addition to a hanging crystal chandelier, consisting of many parts, the living room should have sconces and floor lamps, as well as candlesticks and candelabra (stylized lamps can also play this role).

Photos of luxurious living rooms in the Rococo style

With fireplace

Bright interior

So, we can safely say that a common feature of Baroque and Rococo is the desire for luxurious decoration, elegance of lines, pretentiousness of furniture and decorations. At the same time, the main difference lies in the scale and color schemes: if Baroque is odiousness and contrast, then Rococo is grace and smoothness of lines.