Rococo style in interior design, architecture, and fashion: 7 key features.
What is the Rococo style? Rococo is an artistic and architectural style. The term "rococo" derives from the French word "rocaille," which means 'shell' or 'pebble' and symbolizes the decorative elements of the style, often reminiscent of curls, shells, and whimsical shapes.
Alex Locklear , a realtor and founder of NC Cash Home Buyers , explained to NUR.KZ:
In contrast to the monumentality of Baroque, Rococo aims for lightness, sophistication, and ease. Where did the Rococo style originate? The official website of the Victoria and Albert Museum states that Rococo emerged in France in the 1720s and 1730s as a style developed by craftsmen and designers rather than architects.
The Rococo style is characterized by smooth, curved lines and shapes. This applies to both furniture and architectural elements within the interior. As stated by the Britannica encyclopedia, in Rococo style, walls, ceilings, and plasterwork were adorned with elegant interweavings of curves and contours based on the basic forms of the letters C and S, as well as shells and other natural forms.
Interior specialist and CEO of Handy Gardeners Matthew Wilson shared in an exclusive comment to NUR.KZ:
In Rococo fashion, intricate and flowing lines also played a significant role. They emphasized the elegance and refinement of the fashion of that era.
How does the Rococo style manifest in interiors? The director of Heritage Windows and interior designer Chris Langley explained in an exclusive comment to NUR.KZ:
Sven Wang , an interior design expert, art historian, and CEO of Clafbebe , added:
In architecture, Chris Langley notes that Rococo is expressed through elaborate facades and interiors adorned with plasterwork, decorative mirrors, and ceiling frescoes.
Interior design expert Sven Wang explains that one often-overlooked feature of the Rococo style is the use of humor and playfulness:
The lightness of Rococo is evident in the departure from the massive forms and excessive heaviness characteristic of Baroque. Instead, the style is defined by delicate, refined lines, whimsical shapes, and decor that often evokes fanciful motifs.
Interior specialist Matthew Wilson adds:
This lightness extends to the furnishings. Rococo furniture is crafted with an emphasis on grace and comfort. It is characterized by rounded shapes and curved legs.
The color palette of the Rococo style reflects its distinctive features. Traditionally, pastel tones and soft, gentle shades predominate. Daniel Anderson, an interior expert and CEO of GoRubbishGo, states:
Gilding and silver accents were frequently applied to furniture details, plasterwork, and decorative elements. While soft pastels formed the foundation of Rococo, there are also small vibrant accents, such as richer shades of pink, green, or blue.
The base colors for Rococo attire often included various shades of cream, ivory, and beige. Clothing was adorned with delicate floral patterns and embroidery executed in colors characteristic of the style.
Wood, particularly expensive varieties, was the primary material for furnishings. Furniture was often embellished with carvings, and gilding was widely used. It was extensively applied in the decoration of not only sofas, beds, wardrobes, chairs, and tables, but also frames for mirrors and paintings, as well as small decorative elements.
Founder of NC Cash Home Buyers, Alex Locklear, notes:
Common types of textiles in the Rococo style include satin, brocade, and lace. The latter played an important role in Rococo fashion, especially in the adornment of dresses, cuffs, and collars.
In interiors, luxurious fabrics were used for curtains, upholstery, and even wall coverings. Additionally, walls were decorated with tapestries featuring intricate narrative scenes. The Rococo era marked the flourishing of artistic ceramics, with vases, figurines, and porcelain tableware used to embellish interiors.
The abundance of decorative elements is one of the most characteristic features not only of Rococo interiors but also of the fashion of that time. What are the features of the Rococo style in clothing? Designer Chris Langley shared with NUR.KZ:
In its original form, the Rococo style does not appear in everyday fashion, yet some elements of the style remain relevant today. The lightness, romanticism, and playfulness of Rococo are reflected in designers' collections through the use of airy fabrics, ruffles, flounces, drapes, lace, ribbons, and other embellishments.
Rococo outfits also typically feature silhouettes that emphasize the waist, voluminous skirts, and corsets. The latter are particularly trendy today and are used not only as standalone pieces but also as fashionable wardrobe elements worn over other garments.
Rococo has become a symbol of refined luxury and playful elegance. It encompasses various aspects of art—from architecture and painting to fashion and interiors. Complex ornaments, curved lines, playful motifs, and an abundance of decor—all these components of the style convey its unique atmosphere.