Rococo is a design style that originated in France in the early 18th century. It’s an ornate style but not as ornate as Baroque—the dominant style of the 17th century, that is full of grandeur, drama, symmetry, and dark, rich, saturated colors. Rococo, on the other hand, while still ornate, is a lighter style that uses pastel colors, gilding and asymmetry that features C and S curves.
Baroque started in Rome, Italy around 1600. The design style’s main objective was to create great emotional impact and make people feel the grandeur of the Catholic Church, so the motifs were mainly religious. On the other hand, Rococo designs used asymmetrical forms of shells, acanthus leaves, flowers, vines, birds, and cherubs.
The Opulence of Rococo
It may not be tasteful to mention opulence during these times when so much money is siphoned and misused by a few to sustain a lifestyle that is offensive and crude in its ostentation.
No offense meant though. I am writing about it because this is one of the home decor trends that Pinterest predicted for 2025. Maximalism is a theme that runs through the design styles of today, and the embellishment of Rococo is the epitome of the spirit that more is more. Would you be surprised to know that this aesthetic is driven by Gen Z (1997-2012) and Boomers (1946-1964)?
I do remember seeing in my childhood home cherubs peeking out from a gilded foliage that framed a mirror, including those gold, curved, asymmetric ornamentations on walls, headboards, and cabinets. These are not something I’d like to see in my home now, especially not those heavy brocade curtains with the intricate scrolling patterns.
A Yearning for an Elegant Residence
Perhaps, those who long for this design style want to give in to the nostalgic yearnings. If you dream of living a life of elegance and wealth, and think Rococo expresses the sophistication that you aspire for, perhaps this could be something you can have in your home. Just remember that this style demands space. All that ornamentation needs to breathe.
Some of us would want to sleep and to awake on a pink cloud made of silk. To feel like a princess who is loved and protected. To have no cares in the world except to pursue pleasure. If these are your yearnings, then I wish you all the best with your Rococo dreams. May you live a life of whimsy, elegance, lavishness, intricate ornamentation, surrounded by the lightness and glow of pastel colors and the gleam of gold.
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