Inside The Pastel Pink Living Room of Anderson Cooper's Childhood Home – The Romantic '70s Space Is An Ode to the 'Outdated' Trends Making a 2026 Comeback
Lace, ruffles, and needlepoint, oh my! Archival photos of Anderson Cooper as a child in mother Gloria Vanderbilt's home show a treasure trove of romantic trends
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It's not your imagination: romantic interiors are everywhere in 2026. From the skin bedroom in the new Wuthering Heights film to the rise of the Marie Antoinette aesthetic, pink, ruffles, and lace are taking over. Though the 'coquette' trend has been a major flashpoint in 2026 culture, these romantic elements can also be timeless when styled right. Need proof? They were already in Anderson Cooper's ultra-chic home in the '70s.
A 1972 photoshoot captured a young Anderson at home with his brother, father, and famously stylish mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. Though it's been decades since the photograph was taken, the pastel pink living room feels like an overview of current interior design trends.
Anderson Cooper as a child relaxing with family (including mother Gloria Vanderbilt Cooper) in 1972
Recreate the Look at Home
If you could turn Gloria Vanderbilt's couch into a cushion, this is what it would look like. The combination of pink, ruffles and gingham is so striking and fun.
I adore this ultra sweet pink sofa and its ruffled base. It has the same retro feel as Anderson's child hood home with an elevated pattern.
This sweet cotton blanket has a stunning pink and white checkered pattern that reflects the one we see in this space. It would be a gorgeous way to try integrating the trend into your home without a full commitment.
I'm in love with the vintage tin Mexican mirrors on the wall of this home, and this one has a similar feel at an incredibly reasonable price point. It's a great pick for helping your pink interiors feel more interesting.
Jonathan Adler pillows are known for being fun, and this playful New York needlepoint cushion is no exception. It's a chic and modern take on the retro art form.
An expertly crafted Bordall Pinheiro piece, these small bowls are sold here in a set of 4 to brighten breakfast time instantly. Hand-painted and made from durable earthenware, these are definitely a collector's item.
Ruffles and frills are perhaps the most notable element of this room, and captures the stunning romance that runs through this entire space. This is also one of the looks we're seeing surface most strongly right now.
Georgia Metcalfe, Founder and Creative Director at French Bedroom explains: 'Ruffles have emerged as a key interiors trend for 2025, introducing a sense of drama, romance, movement and a touch of whimsy into the home. Dating back to the 16th Century, ruffles truly flourished during the Rococo period, when fashion embraced femininity, opulence and intricate detailing. Whilst ruffles were not a prominent feature in Rococo style interiors, during this time, the aristocracy, particularly in France, favoured lavish ruffled gowns, lace-trimmed sleeves, and decorative flourishes that exuded elegance and refinement. As is often the case, fashion influenced interiors and ruffled upholstery gained popularity.'
She continues: 'The current comeback of ruffles in the home is driven by a desire for both nostalgia and modern romanticism. As the popularity of stark minimalism continues to fade, the thrill of a frill aligns with the return of maximalist aesthetics and cosy, romantic interiors that reflect one’s character and personal style.'
However, as Anderson's home showed nearly a half century ago, the ruffled pillow look is more than a fad. It is a timeless look that will always exist in some iteration. Georgia says: 'Whilst ruffles are experiencing a resurgence for 2025, this timeless embellishment is beloved for its romantic charm, which means they will endure for centuries to come.'
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