Rococo style in the interior
Rococo in the interior a style characterized by the predominance of fanciful curves, rounded shapes and sophisticated details in the furnishings of rooms. Rococo-style premises are filled with graceful grace and devoid of monumental grandeur. Pastel colors blend perfectly with the cozy atmosphere, while the playful decorative elements are easy to see the erotic motives.
The Rococo style in the interior is an invention of the French aristocrats of the second half of the 18th century, for whom life seemed like a series of merry parties and festive celebrations. He became a visual display of the frivolity of life of people belonging to the richest strata of society, and their burning desire to hide from reality in an illusory idyllic world.
The Rococo style in the interior these days cannot be attributed to the number of the most popular design trends. There is too much pretentiousness and light-heartedness in it, which are not too combined with the realities of modern life. But for the decoration of luxurious rooms in hotels that host wealthy guests, this setting is ideal.
The main features of the style:
- The predominance of delicate pastel shades combined with gilding and white trim.
- A large number of artsy stucco moldings in the design of walls, ceilings, windows and doorways.
- Rich wall decoration with painted wallpapers with sophisticated patterned ornaments and charming angel figures.
- An abundance of expensive textiles decorated with intricate designs, including soft decorative pillows and curtains with lambrequins.
- Installation of glossy parquet or ceramic tile floors with luxurious natural wool carpets.
- Refusal to use massive cabinets in the room in favor of small pieces of furniture (sofas, dressers, tables, chairs and armchairs with high backs on curved legs).
- A huge amount of exquisite decor.
- The presence of a luxurious crystal chandelier in the room for bright illumination of the space in the dark.
- An integral attribute of a bedroom decorated in the Rococo style is a spacious bed with painted headboards and a canopy made of dense expensive fabric. Furniture in the rooms is arranged asymmetrically to emphasize the elegance and decorativeness of the furnishings.
History of the Rococo style
The history of the Rococo style in the interior is inextricably linked with two other classic design directions. In the second half of the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV, the dominant position in all spheres of French art was occupied by the baroque, and after the death of the almighty monarch, a short era of the Regency began. Both previous styles had a great influence on the formation of the foundations of Rococo. From them, the new direction inherited the desire for ostentatious luxury, an abundance of gilding, stucco molding and a variety of decor.
In 1743, Louis XV, after the death of Cardinal de Fleury, finally managed to concentrate absolute power in his hands. At the same time, the young monarch fell under the influence of the charming Marquise de Pompadour, who adored Rococo. The young favorite did her best to promote the new style, not only in the visual arts, but also in interior design.
In the shortest possible time, Rococo gained great popularity, first in France, and then in other European countries (Austria, England, Prussia, Czech Republic, Russia). Influential persons from the royal entourage vied with each other to decorate their homes in accordance with the latest fashion trends.
At the same time, mass production in the Rococo style of pieces of furniture with curved legs and asymmetric shapes began, which took its rightful place in the mansions of the nobility. And the painted porcelain of the Meissen manufactory began to be in great demand among the richest people in Europe.
By the end of the second half of the 18th century, Rococo gave way to neoclassicism, and then was gradually superseded by the Empire style in all spheres of art. But many masterpieces of furniture and porcelain, made by skilled craftsmen, still adorn the displays of private collections of patrons of art and the best museums in the world.
The Rococo interior has long been an important part of the history of world culture, although today it has a small army of adherents. Modern designers, unfortunately, very rarely receive orders for decorating a home in a sophisticated and carefree style, which the Marquis de Pompadour loved madly.