Though not very popular in India, Rococo style of architecture and furnishing remains one of the highest in terms of oozing luxury and a statement of the elite. Conceived to be of a very European signature, Rococo has made its place on all lands across the world. Beautifully ornate ceilings, walls and furnishings, mostly accompanied by gold gilding with complex and intricate carvings and patterns to let your home have just enough pomp.

Also known as 'Late Baroque', Rococo emerged in the mid-18th century in France and Italy as a fading reminiscence of the highly ornate Baroque style. There are ample similarities between Baroque and Rococo, just like Latin and Italian, the curvatures, undulations and exaggerated expressionism. The style was the taste of affluent oligarchy and spanned across its influence from Spain to Russia within a few decades. The exaggerated expressionism and romanticism of Rococo could be found in cutlery, jewellery and clothing amongst other art forms. It was not just a trend but an art revolution.

Today, Rococo is present in every corner of the world, thanks to the European colonisation and their cultural gentrification. In the sphere of architecture, Rococo is facing competition as the newer ways of building houses are economical, eco-friendly and efficient. However, the newer buildings are still opting for Rococo when it comes to interior decoration and furnishing. For the ones wanting to relive the good-old glorious days, Rococo works as a dash of nostalgia and a peek into the bygone classical age.

The neo-classical art of furnishing is, if not replicating Rococo fully, taking inspirations from it. The asymmetric alignment of contemporary simplicity with Rococo-styled adornments can seriously lift up a venue's worth. The plush upholstery on period woodwork can make a fabulous centrepiece for a modern solid-pelleted room. Or an articulate cornice with large windows, overlooking a marble fountain figurine amidst manicured gardens.

Rococo, a classical school of thought, has inspired many celebrated architects, designers and painters around the world. In India, there are many vivid examples where it survives and continues to inspire the newer generations, the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is one of them. Rococo is not an easy taste, it requires craftsmanship, skill, care and a drive to preserve it and pay for it. The sole reason why it still remains to be an elite affair.