During the Renaissance, the most popular among the European nobility was the Baroque architectural and decorative style. High-ranking people competed to see who could decorate their home more luxuriously. But the capricious French lacked the grace of monumental baroque, and they invented their own version: rococo.
Today's main trend in design - the desire for functionality and space - often gives way to traditionalism and classics when decorating apartments. Do you want your living room to look like the apartments of the French nobility of the 18th century? Choose Rococo.
Main features of the style
The name is a derivative of rocaille (shell, curl). Hence, one of the main techniques is a pattern element in the shape of an auricle. In general, Rococo is similar to Baroque: a lot of gilding, expensive jewelry, emphasized pretentiousness and pretentiousness, and many small decorative details. If you are decorating a small living room, it is important not to overdo it, to maintain balance - otherwise it will turn into a museum reserve.
To understand what historical Rococo interiors looked like, look at reproductions of famous palaces: Chinese Palace (Oranienbaum), Amalienburg (Munich). Mentions of the style in its original version are often associated with the name of the trendsetter of Parisian fashion - the Marquise de Pompadour.
From France, Rococo spread far throughout Europe, including Russia. It was considered the most erotic and was actively used in bedrooms. Since the main pastime of the nobility were social receptions, the living rooms were not inferior to the bedrooms in terms of splendor: they were decorated with the same color, had the same elements of sophistication and eroticism.
Common features:
- a lot of stucco molding - ceilings, walls, ceiling plinths, fireplace portals, window slopes, etc.;
- deliberately colorful decoration of any flat (and not only) surfaces;
- richly decorated multi-layer textiles - drawing, embroidery, silk with patterns;
- hand-carved furniture with rounded contours and legs;
- inlay, gilding (less often - silvering).
Unlike Baroque, where bright, rich colors are actively used, Rococo tends to be pastel and muted. Pink, pale light green, pale purple, blue, and cream are welcome. Popular combinations:
- white with gold;
- beige or sand with gold;
- white and light blue;
- light green and pale pink;
- light tones of blue, pink, light green.
Along with European features, Rococo may contain Chinese elements - in those days this decor became fashionable. In a Rococo living room, Chinese porcelain and corresponding ethnic motifs in painting are appropriate.
Classic apartments are symmetrical, oval in shape. Symmetry in urban planning, as a rule, is present initially, but it is difficult to create an oval shape in a modern interior without losing useful space. But you can emphasize the style through the rounded contours of furniture, arched door and window openings. Columns and decorative arches are welcome.
Walls, ceilings and floors
When decorating, you can use wallpaper (they already existed in that era). For example, velor wallpaper with floral patterns. If you prefer painting, the cladding should have a lot of detailed ornaments, borders, and stucco moldings. Paintings on walls and ceilings are ornamental and narrative.
In Rococo, it is customary to divide the wall into parts and use a different image for each fragment. It is recommended to draw up a sketch plan in advance. Often a wall is divided approximately in half by a horizontal line. Pictures and mirrors are hung symmetrically at the top, preferably in oval-shaped baguettes. The lower part of the wall is decorated with wallpaper or painting. Tapestries are popular.
The ceilings are not made monochromatic; usually there are “frescoes” with images of ancient or biblical characters. The ceiling is also divided into sections, each with its own image. The low one can be made plain light, and cornices with a pattern can be installed around the perimeter. The central chandelier is decorated with a stucco rosette. The transition from the ceiling to the wall is smooth, rounded (a modification of the cornice, called “paduga”).
Rococo floors - glossy parquet, tiles. A rich option is piece artistic parquet. The wood is coated with several layers of varnish and polished to a mirror finish. Carpets with patterns are popular in this style, but they should not be overused, as they hide the highlight of the style - the shiny floor.
Furniture and fireplaces
The furniture is lush, but more refined than baroque. The contours are rounded, the shapes are smooth, excessive massiveness is undesirable. Made from walnut, linden and other valuable woods. Carving, inlay, and gilding are used for decoration. The upholstery is satin, with a pattern or ornament. There are two main groups of items: salon and boudoir.
Salon seating is intended for:
- armchairs, including bergere armchairs - with a wide seat and high armrests, designed for voluminous ladies' toilets;
- sofas;
- canapes;
- couches;
- sun loungers;
- chairs.
Boudoir:
- consoles, dressing tables;
- elegant small chests of drawers;
- cabinets with transparent doors;
- The secretary also appeared during the Rococo era.
A fireplace in a Rococo living room is not uncommon. It differs from classical English in its splendor: stucco, gilding, marble finishing. Accessories are placed on the mantelpiece: figurines, mirrors, clocks.
Accessories and lighting
The distinctive features of the style are ornateness and laden with details. This applies to accessories too: textiles, mirrors, figurines, vases, dishes.
Advice: when decorating a living room (especially a small one), it is recommended to distribute decorations evenly over the entire area so as not to create a museum-exhibition impression.
Traditional Rococo accessories:
- candelabra;
- gilded watch in a figured case with stucco and carvings;
- porcelain figurines, dolls, vases;
- mirrors;
- tapestries;
- paintings;
- screens, including Chinese style.
Mirrors- the bigger, the better. Must be separately hanging (standing) in gilded, carved, inlaid frames. Plus reflective and shiny surfaces. If the living room is small and dark, mirrors will help improve lighting and visually expand the space without going out of style.
Textiles in the living room– first of all, curtains. Lush multi-layer draperies. You can use a classic set of drapes + curtains + lambrequin or hang lush lifting (French, Austrian) fabrics.
The lifting styles differ in that French curtains are gathered along the entire height, while Austrian ones are draped in the lower part, forming one lush wave. Lush tiebacks - heavy tassels (as in Baroque), ribbons, bows. The furniture upholstery is also textile, with embroidery, and the same sofa cushions.
Paintings. The frames are like mirrors, the image style is classic. Subjects – pastoral, landscape, erotica, angels, cupids. Romantic and love themes, including from ancient mythology.
Lots of lighting fixtures. A central multi-arm chandelier is required. In Baroque it is usually gilded and forged, in Rococo it is crystal on a gilded bronze base. Light bulbs in the form of candles. Candelabra along the walls, if space does not allow - stylized sconces. Candles in silver candlesticks.
Advice: You can enliven a “museum” living room with live plants and flower garlands.
The main elements in the patterns of paintings and decorative items:
- the shell (stylized auricle) is included in the vast majority of ornaments;
- cartouche in combination with scrolls is typical for furniture (for example, the backs of chairs are made in this form);
- stylized or detailed images of cupid angels;
- royal lily;
- floral ornaments.
Modern technology and rococo
Today's decorators have many tools at their disposal that were not available in the Rococo era. Is it possible to use some of them without violating the stylistic unity? If yes, which ones and how?
The Rococo style of interior decoration replaced Baroque and amazed the public with its splendor, sophistication and palace luxury. The elegance and elegance of the interior decoration were harmoniously combined with the philosophy of rationalism, which was characteristic of the Enlightenment.
The most famous representatives of this period are Madame de Pompadour, writer Denis Diderot and poet Voltaire. Despite its pretentiousness and unnaturalness, the design direction is still extremely popular and widespread among numerous architects and homeowners.
Peculiarities
Rococo is characterized by a muted neutral palette, which contains delicate pearlescent, peach, light green, snow-white and azure tones.
Also in the interior there is a huge amount of gilding, accessories and decorations, exquisite stylish lacquered furniture, unique ceiling moldings, mirror panels and paintings that fill the decor with incredible charm and charm.
This period was characterized by ease of disposition and dissolute behavior, which was reflected in the interior decoration of the premises. When developing a design project for decorating an apartment in the rococo style, you should use the help of professional specialists and experts.
Only a talented craftsman can fill a room with exquisite objects without turning the living space into a museum with exhibits.
Wall decoration
High-quality paper wallpaper or decorative plaster are great for finishing, helping to create a luxurious environment. In this case, the ideal shape of the room is oval. Try softening corners using plasterboard panels.
Elegant decor will help create a sophisticated atmosphere: pastel shades on the walls and embossed overhead decorations - shells, curls and vignettes. You can achieve an even greater effect with the use of frescoes, artwork and tapestries.
Ceiling finishing
The style of palace luxury involves the use of an unusual architectural element - a holly - in the design of the ceiling surface. It made it possible to replace the cornice and soften the sharp transition.
To stylize the decoration in the rococo style, plasterboards will help you. They will round the corners and form an oval silhouette of the room.
Exquisite elements and interior items - stucco, hand-painted, rosettes and elegant multi-tiered chandeliers with candles - will add special charm to the ceilings.
Floor decoration
The flooring for this style should embody chic and sophistication. The ideal option would be parquet made from valuable varieties of light or dark wood, which can add coziness and incredible warmth to the decor. Only talented, highly qualified specialists can handle this work.
A more budget-friendly option is regular parquet in gold tones. In some cases, marble will look interesting in apartments, as well as a cool wallpaper palette in combination with cold textured stone. As you can see, parquet is the most economical option.
At the same time, rugs and carpets with long pile should be used sparingly, since the main emphasis in the decor should be given to a shiny glossy coating.
Furniture
Choosing the right typeface is an important step in creating a unique design. Whitewashed wood, complemented by exquisite carvings, thin curved legs of chairs and tables, patterned upholstery, an abundance of gilded elements and vignettes - these are the items that help bring to life an atmosphere of true luxury and incredible grace.
Be sure to use small sofas, sofas and ottomans to decorate your apartment. In this case, the epicenter of attention should be a low fireplace with an unusual finish, made using light marble and relief patterns.
In this case, it is better to accent the shelf with a mirror in a gold frame, a clock and a candlestick.
Decorative elements
The decoration is dominated by a variety of women's accessories: bronze and porcelain figurines, vases with large patterns, boxes and chests, lamps in the form of candles. In the decoration of window openings, curtains with lambrequins and tassels are appropriate, and above the bed there is a canopy or a stunning canopy.
Dishes add special sophistication to the room. Incomparable porcelain and ceramics with the finest handles and beautiful patterns will create the atmosphere of a royal palace.
Rococo is a mannered style. But when decorating a house, you shouldn’t copy it completely. Stylized design options using authentic accessories and textiles will help you bring to life the desired atmosphere, and not turn your apartment into a museum of exhibits.
This design direction is perfect for transforming any room - bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and toilet.
Windows and doors have a beautiful arched shape, while other silhouettes can create a dissonance of styles. A great solution would be a PVC profile. It will fit perfectly into the decor due to its lightweight design and snow-white finish. At the same time, select high-quality products from large manufacturers.
In order to bring to life the chic palace atmosphere, the floor must be covered with several layers of varnish. At the same time, it is important to use stucco or plaster analogues in the decoration of walls and ceilings.
An even more budget-friendly option will be polyurethane products accented with gold or white paint.
Try not to overcrowd the room. At present, excessive pomp will look unnatural and grotesque. Apartments need to be decorated by specialists with a high sense of style.
To transform your apartment or house, use chic mirrors in gold frames, located asymmetrically throughout the room. The best choice would be oval-shaped products.
The atmosphere of a true boudoir will be brought to life by flowing curtains. Such curtains and screens were extremely common and popular at that time. A wonderful option is antiques or modern pieces made to order.
Home Decorating Ideas
To create an elegant and unique environment, you should follow the recommendations:
- Choose furniture reminiscent of the Middle Ages with antique patterns, gilding, and lion paws in the form of legs.
- For the illumination system, it is necessary to use a variety of wall lamps with intricate shapes. It is better to place them above mirror panels to enhance the effect.
- Decorate cornices and corners. Hang trellises and carpets with unique patterns on the walls.
- Don't forget about muted colors in the decoration of walls and floors. Dilute such a laconic design with contrasting black and white tones, gilding and silver.
- To decorate your walls, choose wallpaper with a small pattern and curved silhouettes.
- Accent the fireplace with mirrors and beautiful trim. You can steal it with original candelabra, vases and paintings.
- Add charming indoor plants and floral arrangements.
History of style
Rococo is characteristic of the era of the reign of Louis XV, since it was at his court that it acquired its true features. This direction did not make a significant contribution to the development of architecture, but it became widespread in the production of furniture, paintings and accessories.
In the 18th century, fine porcelain was developed by a large company in Saxony, so tableware made from this material is widely used in decoration. The style stemmed from the Baroque and absorbed many of its features, but it flourished more during the Renaissance. But unlike its predecessor, Rococo is characterized by comfort, tenderness and incredible lightness.
It allows you to bring to life a cozy and serene space, devoid of pretentiousness and pomp. Thus, this style became the opposite of Baroque, since it combined fragility and airiness. These two manners are perfectly combined in architecture and modern interior design.
During this period, pastel shades came into fashion - peach, pearl, beige and olive.
The most popular decorations for houses in the 18th century were paintings and tapestries. At this time, large manufacturing enterprises began to produce paintings with incredibly realistic landscapes.
The end of the era was associated with the Great French Revolution and the classicism that replaced it.
How to use the stylist?
Rococo is filled not so much with tenderness as with light eroticism. It resembles a lady's boudoir from the Middle Ages or the bedroom of a royal person. It is most popular for use in rooms for sleeping and relaxing. This manner will allow you to create an atmosphere of playfulness and unique charm.
Conclusion
Creating such decoration requires a significant financial investment and knowledge, so if you want to use it to transform your apartment or dream home, take the help of a professional. In the following photos you can see great options for bringing it to life.
Learn how to decorate your guest salon in this extravagant style by watching this video.
Talented architects will tell you about the main features and subtleties of this direction, and also share their cunning techniques.
The Rococo style originated in France and reached its greatest popularity during the time of Louis XV. Characteristic features of the Rococo style are abundant stucco molding and splendor of decorative elements.
Photo: Rococo style in the bedroom
The most popular pattern in the Rococo style is the auricle-shaped curl. Translated from the French “rocaille,” this term means “curl, shell.”
An interior in this style can be created in any room, be it a nursery, bedroom, living room or bathroom. In such interiors only soft and pastel colors are used.
A characteristic feature of Rococo style furniture is curved legs.
To decorate high ceilings, choose images of heaven or flowers in combination with a variety of stucco moldings
In the 17th century, this style prevailed in bourgeois private houses. Since they were not very high, it was cozy and comfortable to be in them. This is also one of the differences between the Rococo style and the magnificent Baroque style, which was mainly used in spacious rooms with high ceilings.
Chinoiserie
An interesting fact is that Chinese motifs were previously used in Rococo interiors. The Rococo era, with its craving for everything exotic and unusual, contributed to the widespread development of the Chinoiserie movement - the use of Chinese patterns and designs. The exquisite artistic works of Chinese craftsmen, decorated with delicate decorations, were in perfect harmony with the style that flourished in European courts. This is becoming relevant today. Fashionable stylized interiors in the Rococo style are again being done with a Chinese subtheme.
Chinoiserie is the best choice for decorating an accent wall in the living room
You can create a mysterious and fairy-tale atmosphere in a “Chinese” interior using characteristic ornaments and oriental motifs. The most striking symbol of oriental flavor is the Chinese screen, which is simply priceless as a decorative element. Also pay attention to the carved furniture and tapestries depicting Chinese dancers.
General features and features of the Rococo style
Distinctive features of Rococo: stucco decorations in the form of sea shells or curved shapes, fabric wallpaper, carved panels, mirrors, gilded ornaments, rounded corners of walls and arches, and paintings or wall paintings.
Exquisite screen design in Rococo style
Wall decoration
The surface of the walls can become a real piece of art. Walls in the Rococo style are decorated with a variety of paintings, paintings, stucco elements, mirrors, paper and silk patterned wallpaper.
Rococo style in the living room interior
Wall art and designs give this living room a great look
Ceiling decoration in Rococo style
It is desirable that the ceiling be a natural continuation of the wall design. To decorate the ceiling, you should select a variety of openwork stucco in the shape of flowers, angels, shells or curls. The design of the room will look harmonious if the walls, doorways and columns are decorated with similar decor.
Luxurious bedroom decoration
What should a Rococo floor look like?
For finishing the floor, choose glossy laminate, ceramic tiles or artistic parquet. In the living room or bedroom, the floors are covered with carpets decorated with decorative patterns.
Parquet made of precious wood in the bedroom
Rococo style furniture
One of the most important stages in interior design is furniture. Usually it has a convenient design, beautiful design and small size. There are enough pieces of furniture in the Rococo style - these can be armchairs, couches, chairs with high backs, sofas, desks or stools.
Extraordinary wealth and luxury
This interior is distinguished by the use of noble patterns in the design of walls and floors.
The fireplace is a symbol of the Rococo style. It is not only a source of warmth, but also an indicator of luxury. On the mantelpiece there must be elegant boxes, candles in candelabra, Chinese porcelain figurines and other elements. A mirror should be hung above the fireplace, and a small table and armchairs should be placed next to it.
A chandelier with many curls is a basic element of the Rococo style.
Exquisite and sophisticated bedroom design
Beautiful multi-layer curtains with lambrequins will be an excellent window decoration
Pistachio color combined with pale pink creates an atmosphere of grace, nobility and luxury
Fireplace in Rococo style
Light and elegant rococo in light colors
Harmonious combination of light blue and gray in the interior
Cozy bedroom in Rococo style
Modern bright living room
Born at the beginning of the eighteenth century in France, the Rococo style belongs to the late Baroque period, but differs from the latter in a more refined, delicate and at the same time complicated appearance. In the interior, the Rococo style is most often found in the design of estates and country houses.
Rococo style in the interior
The style first appeared during the regency of Philippe d'Orléans. The name Rococo comes from the French word (rocaille), which translates as shell.
In France, the Rococo style was called the period of the reign of Cupid and Venus. Having lost the heavy bombast of Baroque, Rococo, on the contrary, strives for lightness, playfulness, and coquetry.
Conceptual features of the style
The Rococo style in the interior is full of fancy curved lines, decorated with curls and replete with precious decorations. In such interiors there are no bright saturated colors; on the contrary, exclusively delicate, pastel colors are used. 
The interior decoration is filled with comfort, grace and sophistication. The philosophy of style is the world of balls, carnivals, and boudoirs. The graceful ornament is often decorated with gold; mythological subjects and even elements of the other world are traditionally touched upon.
Materials and finishing
The luxury of the Rococo style can only be emphasized by high quality materials. When decorating the ceiling, plasterboard structures will help to achieve roundness in the spirit of a palace style. The ideal decoration for the ceiling is the use of hand-painted genre themes or stucco. Painting and stucco are considered to be fundamental elements of the style.
A Rococo floor should also be rich and graceful. Therefore, when choosing materials, preference is most often given to artistic parquet made from valuable wood species, decorated with intricate patterns. Regular parquet, but in an expensive golden color, will also match the royal style. Carpets and tapestries would also be appropriate.
Rococo style furniture
When decorating an interior, furnishing is one of the most important stages. To emphasize the atmosphere of luxurious palace rooms, choose furniture made of bleached wood, decorated with carvings, gilding, and vignettes. One of the characteristic features is curved legs.
An important element of the interior is the fireplace, which should be decorated with relief patterns.
Fireplace in Rococo style When choosing furniture, pay attention to attributes such as couches and sofas.
Details and decor
Rococo is undoubtedly a feminine style. In the interior, figurines, Chinese porcelain vases with floral patterns, jewelry boxes, gilded wall clocks, lamps, and oval-shaped mirrors with unusual frames come to the fore.
Exquisite porcelain dishes and silver cutlery will create a real palace atmosphere.
Tureens, chocolate bowls and tabletops are often made of silver.
Another important detail is wall painting or painting.
It is appropriate to decorate the windows with lambrequins, and the bed with royal canopies.
The complexity of openwork forms in combination with light colors provide a festive mood.
Lighting
The rooms are decorated with luxurious chandeliers and sconces. To convey all the courtly style, candles in candelabra are chosen for lighting. Of course, nowadays it makes more sense to replace them with stylized lamps.
Candelabra are placed on tables or hung between mirrors.
Colors
The Rococo style is characterized by delicate and soft shades: light blue, white, pale pink, beige, pistachio, light green and, of course, gold.
Rococo is a sophisticated, but at the same time royal style, thoroughly imbued with sensuality and romanticism. The ideological basis of the style is femininity, youth, the illusory world and escape from reality.
Rococo in the interior - photo
Rococo is a style in art and architecture that dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. This movement is distinguished by a special gracefulness, lightness, and the ideological basis is beauty, unfading youth, gallant grace. The Rococo style was most clearly manifested in the interior. Characteristic features of the most “dressy” style are an attraction to all sorts of “feminine things” (jewelry, figurines, luxurious fabrics, smooth lines, muted tones), increased attention to the selection of the smallest details, as well as the desire to ensure that every stroke is brought to perfection .
Rococo is the closest relative of the pompous Italian Baroque, which also worships luxury and willingly flaunts it. But Rococo has significant differences. His aesthetic requires softening the display of wealth and any manifestations of expressiveness. Wealth - painted in delicate pastel colors, expressiveness - paying tribute to grace, lightness, playfulness. In addition, Rococo is a rejection of grandeur, monumental solemnity, and dark colors of the Baroque in favor of lightness, sensuality, and desaturated light tones. Therefore, Rococo is considered to be both the logical conclusion of the ponderous Baroque style and its artistic antipode.
History of style
The style originated in the Kingdom of France at a time when Philippe d'Orléans was regent under the young King Louis XV. Reflecting on the French of that era, A. S. Pushkin noted their “free frivolity,” “madness,” and desire for luxury, with which nothing could compare. It is not surprising that it was during this period that a playful, elegant movement of pompous Baroque appeared - the Rococo style, which was used primarily in the arrangement of mansions of the French nobility (living rooms, boudoirs, bedrooms). The emergence of a new movement, of course, was influenced by changes in philosophical views. But the main incentive for its development was not philosophy, but the lifestyle, tastes, and habits of representatives of aristocratic families.
Born in France, Rococo quickly gained popularity in other countries. This was facilitated by French artists who worked abroad. French architects also helped spread the style by publishing their projects outside their native country. Rococo, which incorporated elements of the Baroque, reached its highest flowering in Austria and Germany. England, too, did not escape the influence of the fashionable style, which manifested itself most of all in the applied arts, such as furniture inlay and the production of silverware. It is worth noting that the development of the Rococo style affected many branches of the production of artistic products. Porcelain manufacturers have a special attitude towards it.
Rococo did not give up its positions, remaining at the peak of popularity until the very end of the 18th century. The gallant style, perfectly combined with the lightness of morals and the enduring festive mood that reigned during the reign of Louis XV, did not reign for long, but left a noticeable mark on the art of interior decoration.
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.
Interior colors and patterns
The color palette is dominated by a muted, pastel palette: shades of pearls, beige, pink, light green, pistachio, lilac, sky blue tones combined with gilding and the base color - white. Watercolor, blurry colors fill the room with calm, turn to the world of feelings, fantasy, subtle, subtle shades of mood.
This is interesting! The main element of the ornamental decoration in the Rococo style resembles a curl of a shell. It is called "rocaille". The French word rocaille translates as "rocky". Initially, this term denoted shells, fossils, rock fragments, and other details imitating natural elements that were used to decorate park pavilions-grottoes and fountain bowls. Over time, all objects resembling a sea shell, an uneven pearl or a stone, due to their unusual, twisting, bizarre shape, began to be called rocaille. The very name of the Rococo style is associated with the mentioned term.
The 18th century somewhat updated the principles of room decoration. The following patterns were widely used:
- garlands of intertwining stems, leaves, developing ribbons;
- fancy ornaments with monkeys and children's figurines;
- images of mythological characters - nymphs, fauns.
Wall decoration
Rococo interiors have always amazed us with their lightness, beauty, and exquisite luxury. This impression was created with the help of carved panels, fabric wallpaper, voluminous draperies, and tapestries in white, soft pink, and blue shades. As a rule, there were no straight lines on the walls; a stucco artistic pattern was used - floral arrangements scattered with slight carelessness, ornate curls, weaves, fancy vignettes, shells. Decorative compositions occupied all the walls, including the planes above the semicircular door and window openings.
Modern design is impossible without the use of wallpaper - silk, dense glossy, as well as without decoration with woven inserts, Venetian plaster. Sometimes the walls are divided into two parts by a horizontal line. This finishing option is often used when the upper part is covered with fabric, and the lower part is covered with high-quality wallpaper.
Frescoes, intricately framed paintings and mirrors are certainly used. Mirrors are usually placed one opposite the other or in the walls between the windows, which visually expands the room. But the role of mirrors is not limited to this alone. The ghostly play of reflections creates a special semi-fairy-tale atmosphere, where the illusory world intertwines with reality.
Features of the design of the walls are rounded corners, as well as an invisible joint line between the wall and the ceiling. A smooth transition from the wall pattern to the ceiling design is ensured by auxiliary decoration, the so-called paduga. This is a type of ceiling between a wall and a ceiling, the main purpose of which is to smooth out corners. Usually the paduga is decorated with stucco and covered with gilding. Sometimes, to create a more austere atmosphere, silver paint is applied to the openwork pattern on the holly.
Ceiling design
The Rococo interior style involves a monochromatic ceiling design or decoration with bright frescoes. As a decor, stucco molding is used to match the finish, often with gilding. The composition of the living room or dining room, where the maximum emphasis is placed on the ceiling, should be completed by a ceremonial chandelier - elegant, crystal, with sparkling pendants or an imitation of a cascade of candles. On the ceilings of the nursery and bedroom, a small amount of stucco decorations, as well as a not too flashy chandelier, are appropriate.
Floor decoration
The floor in a Rococo interior is certainly expensive and flashy. The ideal flooring option is reliable and durable artistic parquet. The elegance of the designs of this coating gives a feeling of comfort, prosperity, and sophisticated aristocracy. Rococo interiors look no less harmonious if the floor is made of marble or covered with ceramic tiles that recreate a marble pattern. It is important that the surface reflects elegant furniture and sophisticated decor. The effect of luxury and comfort in one bottle is achieved with the help of a small painted carpet. This piece of furniture is appropriate everywhere, but the nursery and bedroom are the most suitable places for it.
Features of choosing textiles
The abundance of woven products is one of the interior features of this style direction. Therefore, when decorating windows, intricate designs made from several layers of fabric are encouraged. The key to success is curtains made of natural silk, freely falling to the floor. The effect of palace luxury can be achieved by laying the fabric in waves, flowing folds, decorating with bows, fringes, ruffles, ribbons, embroidery, and appliqués. Furniture covers and tablecloths with elaborate, complex finishes are suitable for the Rococo style.
Lighting
A luxurious crystal chandelier of exclusive design is a real highlight of the living room interior. The aesthetics of the Rococo style requires that this lighting device, in addition to performing its main function, demonstrates the elitism of the house, the degree of respectability, and the excellent taste of its owners. As for the bedroom, a small lamp with a lace lampshade or an interesting shaped lampshade would be quite appropriate here.
Attention! A Rococo interior requires a play of light and shadow, a mysterious twilight, so necessary to create a sensual and intimate atmosphere. Therefore, there must be a place in the room for sconces, floor lamps, and antique candelabra.
You can enhance the lighting of a room without losing the flavor of a gallant age using a simple technique. It is enough to place the lamps next to the mirrors or opposite them. Do you want to plunge into a captivating era of beautiful feelings? Light a candle in a gilded or porcelain candlestick. Let the mirror in the breathtaking oval frame reflect its wavering flame.
Furniture from the Louis XV era
All furniture products of the 18th century were distinguished by elegant shapes and smooth lines. Expensive types of wood were used for their manufacture: maple, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, lemon. Upholstered furniture was upholstered in silk, brocade, and velvet. However, the craftsmen cared not only about the quality of furniture. They turned items for relaxation, relaxation, and pleasure into original works of art that every self-respecting city dweller sought to acquire. In the Rococo era, low chairs, deep sofas and armchairs were considered fashionable, which were united by a common feature - curved legs and backs, decorated with carved openwork patterns. The upholstery of these products featured intricate images of a vine, a flower garland, a diamond-shaped mesh, and a romantic scene.
Figured legs, decorated with inlays, elaborate carvings, bronze overlays and gilding, supported elegant couches, lacquer chests of drawers, benches, and secretaries. In the boudoirs of secular fashionistas, previously unknown filing cabinets - cardboard boxes - took pride of place. Small tables with a round top, the basis of which were black figurines of Moorish slaves, became relevant again. In the Rococo era, these products began to be called gueridons. This was the name of the Provençal ballads that glorified the fearlessness of slaves.
Mandatory elements in the design of the premises were wardrobes and chests of drawers. During the era of Louis XV, these products lost their standard rectangular shape. From now on, they clearly demonstrated the highest level of skill of their creators. Rococo cabinets featured lacquered surfaces, wavy lines, delicate lace patterns on rounded edges, and neat handles inlaid with ivory and gems.
A Rococo style bedroom is unthinkable without a spacious bed with a huge, artfully decorated headboard. In the 18th century, this splendor was complemented by a canopy and carved columns. If desired, such an interior is not difficult to recreate in our time. To completely immerse yourself in the world of palace luxury, you need another sophisticated and incredibly feminine piece of furniture in the Rococo style. We are talking about a movable screen with rich painting.
Use of decorative items
The basic element from which the design of the living room begins is a low fireplace. The design of this luxurious item largely determines how the decoration of the room will look. The most commonly used are Rococo fireplaces made of beige or white marble. The nobility of the appearance of the product can be enhanced by placing candelabra with candles, vases, figurines, and clocks on the mantelpiece. It is recommended to hang large mirrors in spectacular frames above the fireplace, and place a miniature table and armchairs nearby.
Don't forget about the aquarium. It was the Rococo era that turned a transparent container for fish into a decorative element. We also remember about cute trinkets: boxes, porcelain figurines, ivory figurines. They enliven the interior, symbolize prosperity and carefreeness, and these categories are welcomed by the Rococo style. There are also decorations for upholstered furniture - small pillows, all kinds of capes, cushions.
One of the style requirements is the obligatory presence in the room of antiques and objects stylized as bygone centuries. For example, the living room can be decorated with bronze clocks, artistic panels, crystal vases, and porcelain tableware. All this enriches the interior and creates an atmosphere of aristocratic antiquity.
