Josephine Baker's '70s living room channels old-world European glamor – in 2026, the loud luxury style will be back on trend

'Loud luxury' and 'quiet luxury' are in constant tension, cycling in and out of fashion at different times in history. The '70s were a period characterized by transition, and the interiors reflect this; they are full of contrasts and pieces from different eras. This boldness falls firmly into the loud luxury camp.

There is no better example than the home of the iconic French dancer and singer, Josephine Baker. An archival image of her Paris living room in 1973 is full to the brim with unapologetic opulence. From a brocade sofa and curtains to a dark wood piano and gilt mirror, every element exudes European glamor.

More than 50 years later, we're taking inspiration from Josephine's space as the storied loud luxury look emerges as one of 2026's most popular trends.

Shop the loud luxury look

As seen in Josephine's space, the emerging interior design trend takes inspiration from across the European continent. For instance, we're seeing a rise in the popularity of interiors influenced by Paris's sister city, Rome, across social media. TikTok data shows 29.3 million posts with the hashtag '#romanhousedesign.' Though this look originates in a different place, it draws on similar ancient history.

Johanna Constantinou, interior design expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors explains this new take on loud luxury, stating: 'Roman furniture was known for being both functional and elegant, often crafted from wood, stone, or metal and featuring intricate carvings and decorative details. To introduce this style into your home, consider adding a Roman-inspired chaise lounge with curved legs, upholstered in rich fabrics like velvet or brocade for a luxurious touch. Marble-topped tables with ornate bases that reflect Roman motifs can also bring a sense of ancient sophistication to your space.'

Though Josephine Baker's space is beautiful, most people prefer to take inspiration from these older spaces and then impose a more modern and personal touch on the idea. Decorating with antiques and modern pieces looks every bit as luxurious as sticking to just one era.

If you're interested in recreating the look, Johanna advises: 'To achieve a balanced look, pair these Roman-style pieces with contemporary accessories such as sleek metal lamps or minimalist glass vases. For example, a marble-topped table in the dining room can be complemented with modern, streamlined chairs and a metallic pendant light, blending the old-world charm of Roman design with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.'

History will always be salient to current interior design trends. When you are able to blend the past and the present, that's when you can create something really spectacular.