Rococo Design

Rococo design started during the early 18th century till around 1760's.  By the early 18th century, Italy was in trouble as it lost most of its power and lost its position as the European Cultural Leader to France.  During this time the Baroque style went out of fashion and the Rococo style took its place.
The Rococo style was a much lighter and delicate style in comparison to the Masculine and harsh Baroque style.

Rococo concert room of Sansoucci palace
in Potsdam, Germany
By Eduard Gaertner (1801-1877)

Baroque-styled room.

The Baroque interior style was developed by craftsmen and designers instead of architects.  Baroque interiors were considered extentions to the over all architecture of the building.  Designers would commission artists to design and sculpt the interior of a room and would not think about what the furniture would look like once placed in the room.

The Rococo interior style considered the interior and the furniture of a room as one element which would harmonize and tie the whole concept together.  Furniture was often custom made and freat though was given to the placing of the furniture.
Designes of this style were considered to bring joy and movement.  Rococo styled rooms usually made use of soft pastel colours and asymmetry to create movement.

During the Rococo period, trade with the far east had improved greatly and this influenced many designers. Oriental patterns and lacquerwork became more popular.

The Rococo style has influenced many designers today.  For example:

                                  D&G, Givenchy and Wes Gordon

Alexander McQueen Fall 2013