Rococo - a style in art and architecture, which dates back to the beginning of the XVIII century. This current is distinguished by a special grace, lightness, and the ideological basis is beauty, unfading youth, gallant grace. The most pronounced rococo style in the interior. Characteristic features of the most "elegant" style - to all sorts of "female stuff" (jewelry, statuettes, luxurious fabrics, smooth lines, muffled tones), increased attention to the selection of the smallest details, as well as the desire to ensure that every bar was brought to perfection .
Rococo is the closest relative of the pompous Italian Baroque, who also worships luxury and readily exposes her. But the rococo has significant differences. His aesthetics require a softening of the demonstration of wealth and any manifestation of expressiveness. Wealth - painting in delicate pastel colors, expressiveness - paying tribute to grace, lightness, playfulness. In addition, Rococo is a rejection of the greatness, monumental solemnity, dark colors of the Baroque in favor of lightness, sensuality, unsaturated light colors. Therefore, Rococo is considered to be simultaneously considered the logical conclusion of a ponderous Baroque style, and its artistic antipode.
History of style
The style originated in the French kingdom at the time when Philip of Orleans was the regent for the minor 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 during this period a playful, elegant flowering of the pompous baroque appears - the rococo style, which is used primarily in the design of the 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 way of life, 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 home country helped spread the style. Rococo, which absorbed baroque elements, reached its highest peak in Austria and Germany. England, too, did not escape the influence of fashionable style, which manifested itself most of all in the applied arts, such as furniture inlay and the manufacture of silverware. It is worth noting that the development of the Rococo style was reflected in many branches of the production of artistic products. Porcelain manufacturers developed a special attitude towards it.
Rococo did not give up their positions, remaining at the peak of popularity, right up to the end of the XVIII century. The gallant style, perfectly combined with the ease of morals and the enduring festive mood that prevailed during the reign of Louis XV, prevailed not for long, but left a noticeable mark in the art of interior decoration.
For which rooms is the style suitable?
Rococo style fans can still be found today. As a rule, these are prone to dreamy refined natures, who prefer aristocracy and sophistication in everything. Of course, not many of them can fully embody the truly royal luxury of this area of art. More sophisticated persons owning spacious country houses are more likely to succeed. However, even such lucky stylists restrain, urging not to get involved too much, not to strive for the design of the entire structure in the style of bygone times. First, 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 expensive.
But it is easy to succeed if you apply the Rococo concept in several rooms - the living room, nursery, bedroom, bathroom, or incorporate individual style elements into the interior of any room. Experts recommend to exclude a study from the list of rooms to be converted. Here a creative, vigorous attitude should reign, and not a relaxing sensual atmosphere, evoking pleasant thoughts about relaxation, bliss, and bliss.
There is an opinion that the territory of rococo domination is country houses, and the limited apartment frames practically do not allow to contain everything that requires a stylistic direction. But is it? Practice shows that the aristocratic, incredibly spectacular and, at the same time (if you show ingenuity), a fairly low-cost 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 muted pastel colors: shades of pearls, beige, pink, light green, pistachio, purple, sky-blue tones in combination with gilding and base color - white. Watercolors, blurry colors fill the room with tranquility, turn to the world of feelings, fantasy, subtle, subtle shades of mood.
It is interesting! The main element of the ornamental decoration in the Rococo style is reminiscent of a curl shell. It is called "rokkayl". The French word rocaille translates as "rock". Initially, this term designated shells, fossils, fragments of rocks, other details that imitate 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 an unusual, wriggling, bizarre shape, began to be called rocaille. The name of the Rococo style itself is associated with the term mentioned.
The XVIII century slightly updated the principles of interior decoration. The following patterns were widely used:
- garlands of intertwining 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 ease, beauty, and exquisite luxury. This impression was created with the help of carved panels, fabric wallpaper, volumetric draperies, trellis of white, pale pink, blue shades. As a rule, there were no straight lines on the walls, a stucco artistic pattern was used - flower compositions scattered with slight negligence, ornate curls, weaves, fancy vignettes, and seashells. 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, glossy thick, 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 a cloth, and the lower part is covered with high-quality wallpaper.
Murals, intricately framed paintings and mirrors are used without fail. Mirrors usually have 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 game of reflections creates a special semi-fantastic atmosphere where the illusory world intertwines with reality.
Features of the design of the walls - rounded corners, as well as, invisible line of junction between the wall and the ceiling. The auxiliary transition, the so-called padug, provides a smooth transition from the wall pattern to the ceiling design. This is a kind of overlap between the wall and the ceiling, the main purpose of which is to smooth the corners. Usually padug decorated with stucco, covered with gilding. Sometimes, to create a more strict atmosphere, silver paint is applied to the openwork pattern on the paduga.
Ceiling design
Interior Rococo style suggests a monochromatic decoration of the ceiling or decoration with bright frescoes. As decoration used stucco to match the finish, often with gold. The composition of the living room or dining room, where the maximum emphasis is placed on the ceiling, should be completed by the front chandelier - elegant, crystal, with sparkling pendants or imitation of a cascade of candles. On the ceilings of the nursery and the bedroom is appropriate a small amount of moldings, as well as a not too catchy chandelier.
Floor decoration
The floor in the interior of the Rococo is certainly expensive and catchy. The ideal flooring option is reliable and durable artistic parquet. The elegance of the drawings of this coating gives a feeling of comfort, wealth, and sophisticated aristocraticism. Rococo interiors look no less harmonious if the floor is made of marble or covered with ceramic tiles, recreating the marble pattern. It is important that the surface reflects the elegant furniture and elegant 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 the bedroom are the most suitable places for it.
Features of textile selection
The abundance of woven products - one of the features of the interior of this stylistic direction. Therefore, the design of windows welcome intricate designs of several layers of fabric. The key to success - curtains made of natural silk, falling freely to the floor. The effect of palace luxury is achieved by laying the fabric with waves, flowing folds, decoration with bows, fringe, ruffles, ribbons, embroidery, appliqués. Furniture covers and tablecloths with an elaborate, sophisticated finish 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, a small lamp with a lace shade or an interestingly shaped ceiling can be quite appropriate here.
Attention! The interior of Rococo requires the play of light and shadows, the mysterious twilight, so necessary to create a sensual and intimate setting. Therefore, the room must have a place for wall lamps, floor lamps, antique candelabra.
Strengthen the lighting of the room, without losing the flavor of the gallant century, you can with the help of simple reception. It is enough to place the lamps near the mirrors, or in front of them. Want to plunge into the captivating era of beautiful feelings? Light a candle in a gilded or porcelain candlestick. Let the mirror in the magnificent oval frame reflect its oscillating flame.
Louis XV era furniture
All furniture products of the XVIII century were distinguished by elegant forms and smooth lines. For their production used expensive woods: maple, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, lemon. Upholstered furniture upholstered with silk, brocade, velvet. However, the master cared not only about the quality of the furniture. Objects for rest, bliss, enjoyment, they turned into original works of art that every self-respecting citizen sought to acquire. In the Rococo epoch, low chairs, deep sofas and armchairs were considered fashionable, which united a common feature - curved legs and backs, decorated with carved openwork pattern. On the upholstery of these products adorned intricate images of the vine, flower garland, diamond mesh, romantic scene.
The figured legs, decorated with inlay, elaborate carvings, bronze overlays and gilding, were supported by elegant couches, lacquer dressers, stools, secretaries. In boudoirs of secular women of fashion, previously unknown lockers for papers, cardboard boxes, took pride of place. Small tables with a round tabletop, which was based on black figures of slaves-Moors, became relevant again. In the Rococo era, these products began to be called the Geridons. So called Provencal ballads, glorifying the fearlessness of slaves.
Compulsory elements in the design of the premises were cabinets and dressers. 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. Cabinets in the rococo style differed varnish surfaces, wavy lines, thin lace patterns on the rounded edges, as well as neat handles inlaid with ivory and gems.
A rococo bedroom is unthinkable without a spacious bed with a huge, artfully decorated headboard. In the XVIII century, this magnificence was supplemented with a canopy and carved columns. If desired, such an interior is not difficult to recreate in our time. For a complete immersion in the world of palace luxury, another sophisticated and incredibly feminine piece of interior in the rococo style is needed. It is a mobile screen with a rich painting.
Use of decor items
The basic element that begins the design of the living room is a low fireplace. From the design of this luxury item depends largely on how it will look room decoration. Rococo fireplaces made of beige or white marble are most commonly used. The nobility of the look of the product can be enhanced by placing candelabra with candles, vases, figurines, clocks on the mantelpiece. Above the fireplace, it is recommended to hang large mirrors in spectacular frames, and next to put a miniature table and chairs.
Do not forget about the aquarium. It was the Rococo era that turned the transparent fish bowl into an element of decor. We also remember cute knick-knacks: caskets, porcelain figurines, ivory figurines. They enliven the interior, symbolize wealth 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 for the past centuries. For example, the living room can be decorated with bronze clocks, art panels, crystal vases, and porcelain dinner sets. All this enriches the interior and forms the atmosphere of aristocratic antiquity.
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