Decorating in Shabby Rococo Chic? I
am definitely a girly girl at heart – I may wear a lot of black, but there is
usually something pink on me at all times, too. In my love of shopping, vintage and home décor
everything, I’ve been reading a lot of Rachel Ashwell books lately to see how
she’s mastered her craft from thrifting to decorating and designing. She coined
the décor term “shabby chic”, infamous for its pale pinks, blues and greens
(think, painted furniture) paired with crisp clean whites (especially in slipcovered
sofas). While I love everything about her style, I, personally, still need a
little sparkle, a little brightness, a little bling in my space. While I love
the traditionalism of certain décor elements, like a curvy Queen Anne leg, a
French Provincial dresser and ice cream color palettes, I also love the ornate
scroll detailing of a gorgeous gold, oversized mirror and those decadent glass
dripping with crystals. Think Betsey
Johnson (the ultimate Queen of Black & Pink – with a lot of blinged out gold)
meets Rachel Ashwell. Pair them together, and it’s definitely my design dream
come true. I believe the best fitting term for this style is Rococo. You see Rococo
in the architectural details of Victorian décor as well as in the glitz and
glamour of Hollywood Regency and even in the color palette of Shabby Chic.
The word Rococo itself comes from the French; rocaille, or stone, and coquilles, or shell. Not surprisingly, shells are one of
the signature decorations in this style’s architectural details and designs. With its 18th century origins, it
is also known as late Baroque, encapsulating the curvaceous lines of Louis XV
and the beginning of the architectural fluted posts of Louis XVI. It is famous
for its mixture of pastels with gold, beautifully decadent painted murals, and
curvaceous S lines in all its furniture and ornamentation. I think it is so
elegant, so inspiring and fun all at once. For me, when I think of Paris Glam,
I think of Rococo.
Check out some of the Rococo style home décor
goods in my Etsy store. From Mirrors to clocks, wallpaper,
fabric and more.
Do you have a favorite
decorating style? Are you drawn to any particular artifacts when you’re out treasure
hunting? Share it with me here. Happy decorating
and happy thrifting!