The ornate and romantic world of Rococo interior design is experiencing a modern-day resurgence. Originally flourishing in 18th-century France, Rococo — or Late Baroque — is known for its exceptional detail, playful asymmetry, and pastel color palette. Today, designers and homeowners alike are rediscovering its charm, weaving elements of this historic style into contemporary spaces. Here’s why the Rococo revival is capturing imaginations and how you can bring a touch of this timeless aesthetic into your rental home in Franklin, TN, apartment in Charlotte, NC, or home in Atlanta, GA.
What defines Rococo interior design?
Rococo design is characterized by its lightness, elegance, and decorative flair. Unlike the grandeur and heaviness of earlier Baroque styles, Rococo emphasizes refinement and whimsy. Key features include:
- Intricate ornamentation: Curving shapes, floral motifs, and gilded accents.
- Soft, pastel colors: Delicate shades of blue, pink, and green paired with creamy whites and gold.
- Luxurious textures: Silks, velvets, and damasks.
- Furniture with fluid lines: Chairs and tables feature curved legs and elaborate carvings.
- Asymmetrical design: A hallmark of Rococo, asymmetry adds a dynamic and playful quality.
“Fluidity, asymmetry, and three-dimensional sculptural wonders come to mind upon imagining Rococo design. Rococo revival, as the name suggests, has had multiple resurgences throughout history and is perhaps in dire need and evermore relevant in today’s society,” Albert Suzuki with Artisan Antiques details. “With no shortage of ornateness and opulence, Rococo designs provide a stark contrast to modern-day minimalism and ‘fast-fashion’ consumerism with a distinguished sophistication of quality, artistry, and cultural heritage.
An interior adorned with antique Rococo ware immediately sets the tone, guaranteed to make a stunning and lasting impression on anyone who has the pleasure of experiencing the historically rich and romantic ambiance. Notwithstanding, we also believe that sometimes a single piece of Rococo ware can be extremely effective in juxtaposing and creating contrast within a modern interior – as purveyors of fine antique silverware and jewelry, some of our customers have come up with creative modern-day ideas of using shell shaped silver dishes with contemporary uses such as a jewelry tray, canape servers or even as a most stylish ashtray.”
Additionally, the rise of the coquette aesthetic, with its emphasis on romantic and feminine details, aligns beautifully with the charm and whimsy of Rococo design.
Why Rococo now?
In addition to Suzuki’s revival explanation, the resurgence of Rococo interior design speaks to a broader cultural shift toward maximalism and individuality in decor. “The resurgence of Rococo Revival aligns beautifully with the growing embrace of maximalism in home décor,” Susie Batsford with The Illustrarium emphasizes.
She continues, “After years of minimalist dominance, many are rediscovering the joy of ornamentation, decoration, and color. Rococo’s ornate curves, soft pastel hues, and richly gilded details invite us to create spaces that feel vibrant, uplifting, and full of personality. I love how this style offers a sense of escapism – bringing elements of whimsy and romance into our homes, where they can transport us to a world of artistry and beauty, away from the troubles of everyday life. Incorporating Rococo-inspired accents, like decorative mirrors, an ornate chandelier, or hand-painted delicate floral patterns such as Chinoiserie, allows us to embrace maximalism in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal”.
As people seek to make their homes more expressive and unique, Rococo’s ornate and whimsical qualities offer a stark contrast to minimalist trends that have dominated in recent years. “Rococo Revival is making waves in modern interiors, tapping into the broader resurgence of romanticism seen across film, fashion, and home design,” Jordan Flitcroft with Flitcroft Interiors exclaims. “I believe the appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotion and storytelling through ornate details, pastel hues, and gilded finishes. For example, I love the look of a Rococo-style fireplace as a statement piece, grounding a space in timeless elegance while adding contrast with contemporary furniture or sculptural accents. This trend invites homeowners to embrace the whimsical and poetic aspects of design, adding depth and character to their interiors without losing a modern edge.”
What experts are saying about the Rococo Revival
“The resurgence of Rococo Revival seems to reflect a broader shift away from minimalism, as people look for more expressive and romantic design elements in their spaces. At the same time, digital platforms like Instagram and Pinterest amplify this trend, rewarding visually intricate designs that capture attention. Influencers showcasing Rococo-inspired décor create a feedback loop that makes this whimsical aesthetic increasingly desirable, blending personal preferences with the dynamics of modern digital culture.”
Marc Köhlbrugge, Room AI
“As a luxury eyewear designer, I’ve noticed a strong connection between the Rococo Revival in home décor and its influence on fashion. Clients are drawn to the ornate beauty of Rococo, from gilded accents and soft pastels in interiors to accessories that showcase intricate craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Just as Rococo-inspired eyewear elevates personal style, adding ornate mirrors or carved furniture to modern homes brings artistry and opulence into everyday life, blending classic design with contemporary living.”
CJ, Sires Eyewear
“We notice that people naturally associate the Rococo style with French influence. That’s where it originated: France. Today we witness a Rococo revival in the sense that customers love to find vintage French-inspired furniture pieces full of lines and curves. They are enchanted by elegant details and patterns based on flowers, vines, and shells.”
Francisco Pereira, White Tree Furniture
“Rococo Revival is making a stylish comeback in modern home decor, blending its opulent charm with contemporary sensibilities. Today, we see intricate floral motifs, gilded accents, and curved furniture reimagined in softer, more subtle tones, making them adaptable to current interiors. This trend celebrates craftsmanship and adds a touch of timeless elegance to spaces, whether it’s through statement mirrors, ornate lighting fixtures, or plush upholstery. By pairing these luxurious elements with minimalist backdrops, homeowners can strike a balance between historic grandeur and modern simplicity.
Sierra Turnkey Contracting team
The result is a sophisticated, curated look that feels both rich in history and fresh in design. Also, the Rococo Revival is influencing home decor by bringing a sense of grandeur and artistry into modern spaces. Curved silhouettes, elaborate carvings, and gilded finishes are being blended with contemporary designs to create a unique fusion of old-world elegance and modern flair.”
Image courtesy of Artisan Antiques
Incorporating Rococo into modern spaces
While a full Rococo interior might feel overwhelming for most homes, incorporating elements of the style can create a balanced and elegant look. “Another age of elegance is upon us with the resurgence of Rococo influences in interior design. With the recent comeback of yellow gold, arrived a new emphasis on creating a sense of luxury in even the simplest space,” Monica Nyenhuis with 9 House explains.
“Integrating Rococo-inspired elements, like gilded mirrors, ornate furniture, pastels, florals, and curvaceous accessories can literally transform a room from basic to opulent. The rococo aesthetic is romantic, elegant, and tells a story. Therefore, using Rococo embellishments will truly make your home unique and set it apart from the rest.” Here are some tips for curating a Rococo-inspired interior:
Start small
Introduce Rococo through decorative accents such as mirrors with gilded frames, porcelain figurines, or intricate chandeliers. These pieces can serve as focal points without overpowering the room and help those new to design feel less overwhelmed.
Blend old and new
Pair Rococo-inspired furniture with contemporary pieces for a curated and eclectic feel. “At Barnebys, we’ve noticed a growing interest in Rococo items at auction, as collectors embrace this opulent style,” the team at Barnebys shares. “The pastel colors and gilded details of Rococo pieces can bring elegance to modern spaces. For a contemporary twist, pair a gilded Rococo mirror with minimalist furniture or a gold chandelier with pastel-colored walls. This creates a stunning focal point, blending old-world charm with modern simplicity.”
This renewed interest in Rococo’s elegance highlights its versatility, seamlessly blending antique sophistication with modern design — a sentiment echoed by experts in the design world. “Rococo Revival is making waves in modern home décor, offering a whimsical blend of opulence and charm that feels both timeless and fresh,” Jo with Objet D’Art Stuff explains.
“Incorporating ornate furniture with curvaceous silhouettes, pastel color palettes, gilded accents, and floral or shell-inspired motifs can add a romantic touch to contemporary spaces. To balance this lavish aesthetic, pair Rococo-inspired elements with sleek, minimalist furnishings or neutral backdrops, creating a harmonious interplay between old and new.”
Play with color
Embrace a pastel palette but add depth with contrasting colors or modern patterns. “With a world full of neutral/gray tones and featureless modern finishes, the uniqueness of historically-inspired color palettes and ornate flourishes in the home has the ability to uplift one’s spirit, fill a place with inspiring beauty, and connect us to the past,” Sara L., founder of Yore Finery details.
“During the historical Rococo era, romanticized and ethereal nature-themed motifs were quite popular in tandem with pastel colors like green, lilac, pink, yellow, and blue, accented with cream and gold… think antique silver or gold botanical accents, and of course romantic ribbons and ruffle trims.”
Focus on textures
Incorporate luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk for curtains, cushions, or upholstery. “Rococo Revival is far from a relic of the past; it’s a sophisticated choice that resonates with a range of styles, from Grandmillennial charm to traditional French country elegance,” Allison Cook, owner and CEO of CastleHome.co unveils. “This opulent look is particularly striking in bedrooms, where regal bedding set in Egyptian cotton or satin creates a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. To elevate your space, choose bedding with subtle hints of gold or ornate details like embroidery, ruffles, or lace. Complement it with elaborate furniture and rich drapery to craft a chic, cohesive sanctuary that exudes timeless elegance.”
Embrace ornamental art
Rococo art often features romantic and playful scenes. Look for reproductions of classic Rococo paintings or create a gallery wall with ornate frames to create a grandeur focal point.
Invest in quality pieces
To truly capture the essence of Rococo, consider investing in a few high-quality statement pieces. “For those historians looking for a touch of opulent luxury, a home decorated in the style of the Rococo Revival is an instant draw, particularly for hosts looking to stand out in the competitive AirBnB market,” Roisin Miller with Roabouttown shares.
“Its opulent curves, intricate details, and flair for dramatic elegance evoke a sense of luxury and escapism which is perfect for enthusing modern travelers looking for an Instagrammable stay. The style’s blend of historic charm with modern comforts means hosts cannot skimp on budget – they need to invest in the decor to ensure that it gives the desired experience and that guests feel as if they have stepped into a storybook retreat.”
Bringing Rococo interior design into the modern era
The revival of Rococo interior design proves that elegance and romance are timeless themes. “After two decades of minimalism in home decor which borders office-like perfection, people have started yearning for features and familiarity,” Tulika Bhatnagar, founder of Parrot and Lily explains.”History has once again become relevant and the classics are being celebrated again. Rococo has resurged because it takes to an era where things were done by the heart.”
By thoughtfully incorporating elements of Rococo, you can create a space that comes from the heart and is a true celebration of beauty and creativity. Whether you’re drawn to gilded details, a pastel palette, or luxurious textures, Rococo offers endless opportunities to express your personal style. Embrace the romance of the 18th century and make your home your own.
