This 300-Year-Old Decor Style Is Coming Back, and It Looks Fit for Royalty
Romance has recently been all the rage — and I’m not referring to meet-cutes and butterflies, but rather the pursuit of making our surroundings more swoon-worthy. Maximalist approaches to design are on the upswing after years of being overshadowed by minimalism, which is probably why Rococo style is currently in the midst of a comeback.
“Rococo lets elegance, femininity, charm, and whimsy blend effortlessly,” says designer Alisia Sophia. “Every room can have a sense of lightness and romance.”
As bows became home decor staples and shows like Bridgerton spiked in popularity, it’s no wonder that curiosity around Rococo started trending, too. But what exactly is it? Two designers share what you should know about Rococo style, and hint at why it may be gaining so much traction right now.
What Is Rococo Style?
Nicholas Potts, an architect and designer practicing in Washington, D.C., and New York City, says that Rococo style is most often associated with Marie Antoinette — but that’s not actually historically accurate. While Rococo took hold in Antoinette’s adopted home, aristocratic France during the 1720s, Potts says her style was more about neoclassicism (save this fun fact for trivia night!).
“Rococo is forever associated in the public consciousness with Madame de Pompadour, a member of the court and a mistress of the king,” Potts says. “It’s recognizable because of its ornamental style and pastel colors.”
For about 50 years, Rococo style gained a following for its ornate flourishes on paneled walls and heavy furnishings, where depictions of flowers and vines were free to grow. “With its themes of romance and excess, if not outright frivolity, Rococo is ultimately a form of escapism — after all, it emerged in a time of great social and technological upheaval,” Potts says. “And to those today who are troubled by the messiness of modern life, politics, and discourse, it can similarly provide recourse in a nostalgic way.”
Characteristics of Rococo
Rococo can sometimes be tough to distinguish from other highly elaborate architectural styles, so don’t worry if you can’t exactly tell one royalty-worthy detail from the other. “Think of romantic paintings by [Antoine] Watteau, [Jean Honoré] Fragonard, and [François] Boucher set into curved architectural wall panels with irregularly shaped frames,” Potts says. “Then throw in an obligatory seashell motif or two.”
Asymmetry is often seen in Rococo-style furniture and decor, with pieces taking on undulating “S” or “C” silhouettes, according to Britannica. The florals commonly present in Rococo were also typically colored with pastels, which is why its palette tends to lean on these shades. Ultimately, it’s highly decorative and opulent, but with a soft, ethereal, and — of course — romantic feel overall.
Rococo vs. Baroque
Rococo and Baroque architecture styles hit their peaks around the 17th century, and while they certainly share a sense of drama, they’re not the same. “Baroque feels formal, while Rococo feels playful,” Sophia says. Potts agrees, explaining that it has to do with the eras in which these architectural styles came to be. He notes that at one time, these styles were thought of as modern — even if that’s tough to believe!
“Baroque style predates Rococo, and by the time Rococo came into fashion, tastes were starting to diverge between a more severely neoclassical aesthetic — like the Petit Trianon commissioned by Marie Antoinette — versus a more playful and purely decorative taste of Rococo,” he says.
How to Use Rococo Style in Your Home
Potts advises against going full Rococo in your home, simply because the style calls for a high degree of artistry and craftsmanship that’s probably outside most people’s budgets. Instead, be strategic.
“A far more achievable approach is to revisit some of its iconic motifs,” Potts says. “Seashell shapes are having such a moment right now, and they would be an obvious place to start. Work with fabrics and mirrors to evoke the style without going full Las Vegas. If you do want to go the full pastel-and-gold-paneling route, do it in a small space, such as a dressing room or a vestibule, where there are more wall surfaces to play with.”
For her part, Sophia recommends browsing secondhand websites to score furnishings. “I would explore 1stdibs or Chairish for an ornate pastel chest of drawers or a curved chair to elevate a corner,” she says. “On a smaller budget, I would go to a local flea market and look for a gilded mirror to enhance a powder room or add fringe throw pillows to a sofa for a touch of elegance.”
Why Is Rococo Trending Now?
Rococo is likely trending because of its transformative quality, particularly given how far removed society is from its origins. It’s also a fun excuse to experiment with fancier and more romantic designs. “After years of minimalism, I feel there’s a growing desire for craftsmanship and unique pieces that tell a story, blending old with new,” Sophia says. “With gilded gold accents, curves, and luxurious materials, Rococo is like stepping into a fairytale.”
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
