Rococo is a style in art and architecture that dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. This trend is distinguished by special grace, lightness, and the ideological basis is beauty, unfading youth, gallant grace. The rococo style was most pronounced in the interior. Characteristic features of the “smart” style are the attraction to all kinds of “feminine little things” (jewelry, figurines, luxurious fabrics, smooth lines, muted tones), increased attention to the selection of the smallest details, and the desire to ensure that every stroke is brought to perfection .
Rococo is the closest relative of the pompous Italian Baroque, who also worships luxury and eagerly flaunts it. But Rococo has significant differences. His aesthetics require cushioning the demonstration of wealth and any expressiveness. Wealth - coloring in gentle pastel colors, expressiveness - paying tribute to grace, lightness, playfulness. In addition, Rococo is a rejection of greatness, monumental solemnity, dark baroque colors in favor of lightness, sensuality, unsaturated light colors.Therefore, Rococo is simultaneously considered both the logical conclusion of the heavy baroque style and its artistic antipode.
The style originated in the French kingdom at a time when Philip of Orleans was regent under the infant king Louis XV. Reflecting on the French of that era, A. S. Pushkin noted their “free frivolity”, “madness”, the desire for luxury, with which nothing could compare. It is not surprising that it was during this period that the playful, graceful flow of pompous Baroque appeared - the Rococo style, which finds application, first of all, in the arrangement of mansions of the French nobility (living rooms, boudoirs, bedrooms). The emergence of a new trend, of course, was influenced by changes in philosophical views. But the main stimulus for its development was not philosophy, but the lifestyle, tastes, 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 who published their projects outside their native country also helped spread the style. The highest prosperity of Rococo, incorporating the elements of Baroque, reached in Austria and Germany. England, too, did not escape the influence of the fashionable style, which was manifested most of all in the applied arts, such as inlaid furniture, the manufacture of silverware. It is worth noting that the development of the Rococo style was reflected in many industries of the production of art products. Porcelain producers developed a special attitude towards it.
Rococo did not give up his positions, remaining at the peak of popularity, until the very end of the XVIII century.The gallant style, perfectly combined with the ease of morals and the enduring festive mood that reigned during the reign of Louis XV, did not dominate for long, but left a noticeable mark in the art of decorating the interior.
What rooms is the style suitable for?
Rococo fans are meeting today. As a rule, these are refined natures inclined to reverie, 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 are more likely to succeed. However, even such lucky stylists hold back, urging not to get carried away excessively, not to strive to design the entire structure 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, the arrangement of premises in the spirit of a gallant century will require quite impressive financial investments. Finishing materials, exclusive furniture, lamps, other decorative elements - all this is not cheap.
But success is not difficult if you apply the Rococo concept in several rooms - a living room, a nursery, a bedroom, a bathroom, or include individual style elements in the interior of any room. Experts recommend excluding the study from the list of converted rooms. A creative, cheerful mood should reign here, and not a relaxing sensual atmosphere, inspiring pleasant thoughts about relaxation, bliss, bliss.
There is an opinion that the dominant territory of Rococo is suburban houses, and limited apartment frames practically do not allow accommodating everything that requires a style direction. But is it? Practice shows that it is aristocratic, incredibly spectacular and,at the same time (if you are smart), a fairly budgetary Rococo style is available to residents of ordinary city apartments. Indeed, the modern interpretation of this style is somewhat simplified, and in case of difficulties you can always count on the help of professionals.
The color scheme of interiors and patterns
The color palette is dominated by muted, pastel colors: pearl shades, beige, pink, light green, pistachio, purple, sky blue tones in combination with gilding and the base color is white. Watercolor, blurry colors fill the room with tranquility, turn to the world of feelings, imagination, subtle, subtle shades of mood.
It is interesting! The main element of the rococo ornamental decoration resembles a curl of a shell. It is called rocaille. The French word rocaille translates as “rocky”. Initially, this term meant shells, fossils, rock fragments, other details that mimic the natural elements that were used to decorate the park pavilions, grottoes and fountain bowls. Over time, all objects resembling a sea shell, an uneven pearl or a stone, began to be called rocaille due to the unusual, wriggling, bizarre shape. The very name of the Rococo style is associated with the mentioned term.
The XVIII century somewhat updated the principles of decorating rooms. The following patterns were widely used:
garlands of interwoven stems, leaves, developing ribbons;
fancy ornaments with monkeys and children's figures;
images of mythological characters - nymphs, fauns.
Wall decoration
The interiors of Rococo at all times amazed with lightness, beauty, sophisticated luxury. This impression was created with the help of carved panels, fabric wallpaper, voluminous draperies, trellises of white, pale pink, 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 decorating with woven inserts, Venetian plaster. Sometimes the walls are divided by a horizontal line into two parts. Often this finishing option is used when the upper part is covered with fabric, and the lower part is covered with high-quality wallpaper.
Frescoes, fantastically framed paintings and mirrors are certainly used. Mirrors are usually placed one against 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 atmosphere where the illusory world is intertwined with reality.
Features of the design of the walls - rounded corners, as well as an invisible line of junction between the wall and the ceiling. A smooth transition from the wall pattern to the ceiling design is provided by the auxiliary decoration, the so-called hollow. This is a type of overlap between the wall and the ceiling, the main purpose of which is smoothing corners. Usually the hollow is decorated with stucco, covered with gilding. Sometimes, to create a more rigorous atmosphere, silver paint is applied to the openwork pattern on the hollow.
Ceiling design
The interior style of the rococo implies a monophonic decoration of the ceiling or decoration with bright frescoes. As a decor, stucco is used to match the finish, often with gilding. The composition of the living room or dining room, where maximum emphasis is placed on the ceiling, should be completed by the front chandelier - elegant, crystal, with sparkling pendants or an imitation of a cascade of candles. On the ceilings of the nursery and the bedroom, a small amount of stucco decorations is appropriate, as well as a not too catchy chandelier.
Floor decoration
The floor in the interior of the rococo is certainly expensive and catchy.Ideal flooring is a reliable and durable art parquet. The grace of the drawings of this coating gives a feeling of comfort, prosperity, refined aristocracy. Rococo interiors look no less harmonious if the floor is made of marble or covered with ceramic tiles that recreates the 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 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 the choice of textiles
The abundance of woven products is one of the features of the interior of this style direction. Therefore, when designing windows, intricate designs of several layers of fabric are welcome. The key to success - curtains made of natural silk, freely falling to the floor. Laying the fabric with waves, flowing folds, decorating with bows, fringe, ruffles, ribbons, embroidery, appliques helps to achieve the effect of palace luxury. Furniture covers and tablecloths with elaborate, complex finishes are suitable for the Rococo style.
Lighting
Luxurious crystal chandelier of exclusive design is a real highlight of the living room interior. Aesthetics of the Rococo style requires that this lighting device, in addition to performing the main function, demonstrate the elitism of the house, the degree of respectability, the excellent taste of its owners. As for the bedroom, here a small lamp with a lace lampshade or an interesting shaped ceiling would be quite appropriate.
Attention! The interior of the rococo requires a play of light and shadow, a mysterious twilight, so necessary for creating a sensual and intimate atmosphere. Therefore, the room must definitely find a place for sconces, floor lamps, antique candelabra.
To enhance the lighting of the room, without losing the color of the gallant century, you can use a simple technique.It is enough to place the lamps next to the mirrors, or opposite them. Want to plunge into the captivating era of beautiful feelings? Light a candle in a gilt or porcelain candlestick. Let the mirror in the breathtaking oval frame reflect its vibrating flame.
Louis XV era furniture
All furniture of the 18th century was distinguished by elegant shapes and smooth lines. For their manufacture, expensive wood species were used: maple, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, lemon. Upholstered furniture upholstered in silk, brocade, velvet. However, the craftsmen cared not only about the quality of the furniture. They turned objects for rest, bliss, pleasure into original works of art, which every self-respecting citizen 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 pattern. The upholstery of these items showed off intricate images of the vine, flower garland, diamond-shaped mesh, and a romantic scene.
The curly legs, decorated with inlay, skillful carving, bronze plates and gilding, were supported by elegant couches, lacquered dressers, benches, and secretaries. In the boudoirs of secular fashionistas took pride of place previously unknown lockers for paper - cardboard. Once again, small tables with a round tabletop, based on the black figures of the Moor slaves, became relevant. In the Rococo era, these items came to be called the geridons. This was the name of the Provencal ballads, praising the fearlessness of slaves.
Mandatory elements in the design of the rooms were cabinets and chests of drawers. In 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-style cabinets featured varnished surfaces, wavy lines, delicate lace patterns on rounded edges, and neat handles,inlaid with ivory and gems.
A rococo bedroom is unthinkable without a spacious bed with a huge, skillfully designed headboard. In the XVIII 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. It is a richly painted mobile screen.
Using decor items
The basic element that begins with the design of the living room is a low fireplace. The design of the room will largely depend on the design of this luxurious item. Most often, rococo fireplaces made of beige or white marble are used. The nobility of the appearance of the product can be enhanced by placing candelabra with candles, vases, figurines, watches on the mantelpiece. It is recommended to hang large mirrors in spectacular frames above the fireplace, and put a miniature table and chairs next to it.
Do not forget about the aquarium. It was the era of Rococo that turned a transparent container for fish into an element of decor. We also remember cute trinkets: caskets, porcelain figurines, ivory figurines. They revive the interior, symbolize prosperity and carelessness, and these categories are welcomed by the rococo style. For upholstered furniture, there are also decorations - small pillows, all kinds of capes, rollers.
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, art panels, crystal vases, porcelain dinner sets. All this enriches the interior and forms the atmosphere of aristocratic antiquity.
Rococo is a style in art and architecture that dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. This trend is distinguished by special grace, lightness, and the ideological basis is beauty, unfading youth, gallant grace. The rococo style was most pronounced in the interior. Characteristic features of the “smart” style are the attraction to all kinds of “feminine little things” (jewelry, figurines, luxurious fabrics, smooth lines, muted tones), increased attention to the selection of the smallest details, and the desire to ensure that every stroke is brought to perfection .
Rococo is the closest relative of the pompous Italian Baroque, who also worships luxury and eagerly flaunts it. But Rococo has significant differences. His aesthetics require cushioning the demonstration of wealth and any expressiveness. Wealth - coloring in gentle pastel colors, expressiveness - paying tribute to grace, lightness, playfulness. In addition, Rococo is a rejection of greatness, monumental solemnity, dark baroque colors in favor of lightness, sensuality, unsaturated light colors.Therefore, Rococo is simultaneously considered both the logical conclusion of the heavy baroque style and its artistic antipode.
Content
Style story
The style originated in the French kingdom at a time when Philip of Orleans was regent under the infant king Louis XV. Reflecting on the French of that era, A. S. Pushkin noted their “free frivolity”, “madness”, the desire for luxury, with which nothing could compare. It is not surprising that it was during this period that the playful, graceful flow of pompous Baroque appeared - the Rococo style, which finds application, first of all, in the arrangement of mansions of the French nobility (living rooms, boudoirs, bedrooms). The emergence of a new trend, of course, was influenced by changes in philosophical views. But the main stimulus for its development was not philosophy, but the lifestyle, tastes, 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 who published their projects outside their native country also helped spread the style. The highest prosperity of Rococo, incorporating the elements of Baroque, reached in Austria and Germany. England, too, did not escape the influence of the fashionable style, which was manifested most of all in the applied arts, such as inlaid furniture, the manufacture of silverware. It is worth noting that the development of the Rococo style was reflected in many industries of the production of art products. Porcelain producers developed a special attitude towards it.
Rococo did not give up his positions, remaining at the peak of popularity, until the very end of the XVIII century.The gallant style, perfectly combined with the ease of morals and the enduring festive mood that reigned during the reign of Louis XV, did not dominate for long, but left a noticeable mark in the art of decorating the interior.
What rooms is the style suitable for?
Rococo fans are meeting today. As a rule, these are refined natures inclined to reverie, 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 are more likely to succeed. However, even such lucky stylists hold back, urging not to get carried away excessively, not to strive to design the entire structure 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, the arrangement of premises in the spirit of a gallant century will require quite impressive financial investments. Finishing materials, exclusive furniture, lamps, other decorative elements - all this is not cheap.
But success is not difficult if you apply the Rococo concept in several rooms - a living room, a nursery, a bedroom, a bathroom, or include individual style elements in the interior of any room. Experts recommend excluding the study from the list of converted rooms. A creative, cheerful mood should reign here, and not a relaxing sensual atmosphere, inspiring pleasant thoughts about relaxation, bliss, bliss.
There is an opinion that the dominant territory of Rococo is suburban houses, and limited apartment frames practically do not allow accommodating everything that requires a style direction. But is it? Practice shows that it is aristocratic, incredibly spectacular and,at the same time (if you are smart), a fairly budgetary Rococo style is available to residents of ordinary city apartments. Indeed, the modern interpretation of this style is somewhat simplified, and in case of difficulties you can always count on the help of professionals.
The color scheme of interiors and patterns
The color palette is dominated by muted, pastel colors: pearl shades, beige, pink, light green, pistachio, purple, sky blue tones in combination with gilding and the base color is white. Watercolor, blurry colors fill the room with tranquility, turn to the world of feelings, imagination, subtle, subtle shades of mood.
The XVIII century somewhat updated the principles of decorating rooms. The following patterns were widely used:
Wall decoration
The interiors of Rococo at all times amazed with lightness, beauty, sophisticated luxury. This impression was created with the help of carved panels, fabric wallpaper, voluminous draperies, trellises of white, pale pink, 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 decorating with woven inserts, Venetian plaster. Sometimes the walls are divided by a horizontal line into two parts. Often this finishing option is used when the upper part is covered with fabric, and the lower part is covered with high-quality wallpaper.
Frescoes, fantastically framed paintings and mirrors are certainly used. Mirrors are usually placed one against 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 atmosphere where the illusory world is intertwined with reality.
Features of the design of the walls - rounded corners, as well as an invisible line of junction between the wall and the ceiling. A smooth transition from the wall pattern to the ceiling design is provided by the auxiliary decoration, the so-called hollow. This is a type of overlap between the wall and the ceiling, the main purpose of which is smoothing corners. Usually the hollow is decorated with stucco, covered with gilding. Sometimes, to create a more rigorous atmosphere, silver paint is applied to the openwork pattern on the hollow.
Ceiling design
The interior style of the rococo implies a monophonic decoration of the ceiling or decoration with bright frescoes. As a decor, stucco is used to match the finish, often with gilding. The composition of the living room or dining room, where maximum emphasis is placed on the ceiling, should be completed by the front chandelier - elegant, crystal, with sparkling pendants or an imitation of a cascade of candles. On the ceilings of the nursery and the bedroom, a small amount of stucco decorations is appropriate, as well as a not too catchy chandelier.
Floor decoration
The floor in the interior of the rococo is certainly expensive and catchy.Ideal flooring is a reliable and durable art parquet. The grace of the drawings of this coating gives a feeling of comfort, prosperity, refined aristocracy. Rococo interiors look no less harmonious if the floor is made of marble or covered with ceramic tiles that recreates the 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 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 the choice of textiles
The abundance of woven products is one of the features of the interior of this style direction. Therefore, when designing windows, intricate designs of several layers of fabric are welcome. The key to success - curtains made of natural silk, freely falling to the floor. Laying the fabric with waves, flowing folds, decorating with bows, fringe, ruffles, ribbons, embroidery, appliques helps to achieve the effect of palace luxury. Furniture covers and tablecloths with elaborate, complex finishes are suitable for the Rococo style.
Lighting
Luxurious crystal chandelier of exclusive design is a real highlight of the living room interior. Aesthetics of the Rococo style requires that this lighting device, in addition to performing the main function, demonstrate the elitism of the house, the degree of respectability, the excellent taste of its owners. As for the bedroom, here a small lamp with a lace lampshade or an interesting shaped ceiling would be quite appropriate.
To enhance the lighting of the room, without losing the color of the gallant century, you can use a simple technique.It is enough to place the lamps next to the mirrors, or opposite them. Want to plunge into the captivating era of beautiful feelings? Light a candle in a gilt or porcelain candlestick. Let the mirror in the breathtaking oval frame reflect its vibrating flame.
Louis XV era furniture
All furniture of the 18th century was distinguished by elegant shapes and smooth lines. For their manufacture, expensive wood species were used: maple, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, lemon. Upholstered furniture upholstered in silk, brocade, velvet. However, the craftsmen cared not only about the quality of the furniture. They turned objects for rest, bliss, pleasure into original works of art, which every self-respecting citizen 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 pattern. The upholstery of these items showed off intricate images of the vine, flower garland, diamond-shaped mesh, and a romantic scene.
The curly legs, decorated with inlay, skillful carving, bronze plates and gilding, were supported by elegant couches, lacquered dressers, benches, and secretaries. In the boudoirs of secular fashionistas took pride of place previously unknown lockers for paper - cardboard. Once again, small tables with a round tabletop, based on the black figures of the Moor slaves, became relevant. In the Rococo era, these items came to be called the geridons. This was the name of the Provencal ballads, praising the fearlessness of slaves.
Mandatory elements in the design of the rooms were cabinets and chests of drawers. In 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-style cabinets featured varnished surfaces, wavy lines, delicate lace patterns on rounded edges, and neat handles,inlaid with ivory and gems.
A rococo bedroom is unthinkable without a spacious bed with a huge, skillfully designed headboard. In the XVIII 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. It is a richly painted mobile screen.
Using decor items
The basic element that begins with the design of the living room is a low fireplace. The design of the room will largely depend on the design of this luxurious item. Most often, rococo fireplaces made of beige or white marble are used. The nobility of the appearance of the product can be enhanced by placing candelabra with candles, vases, figurines, watches on the mantelpiece. It is recommended to hang large mirrors in spectacular frames above the fireplace, and put a miniature table and chairs next to it.
Do not forget about the aquarium. It was the era of Rococo that turned a transparent container for fish into an element of decor. We also remember cute trinkets: caskets, porcelain figurines, ivory figurines. They revive the interior, symbolize prosperity and carelessness, and these categories are welcomed by the rococo style. For upholstered furniture, there are also decorations - small pillows, all kinds of capes, rollers.
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, art panels, crystal vases, porcelain dinner sets. All this enriches the interior and forms the atmosphere of aristocratic antiquity.