Sir Rod Stewart's flamboyant dining room display embodies the over-the-top 'Rococo revival' trend that's huge for 2026 (and unbelievably simple to recreate)

When we think of trending design styles, we often envision the interiors of the future; however, looking to the past can be an equally fruitful source of inspiration. For instance, the aesthetics of the late Baroque period have recently been making their way onto our Pinterest boards and into our homes in a trend dubbed the 'Rococo revival.'

For a masterclass in the emerging interior design trend, look no further than Sir Rod Stewart's dining room. The singer took to Instagram to share a tablescape built for dinner for friends featuring a lace tablecloth, floral chairs, and gold candlesticks. It's flamboyant and over the top, tapping into the playful romanticism of the Rococo era.

As evidenced by Rod's flouncy curtains and the draping on his Roman statue, frills and ruffles are a huge part of tapping into this style. Like the rest of the musicians' room, they've been appearing across the interior space. 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.'

She continues: 'Dating back to the 16^th 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.'

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Whether it's a single ruffled cushion or a more maximalist lettuce curtain, it's undeniable that the look has been appearing across homes as the Rococo revival gains traction.

'The current comeback of ruffles in the home is driven by a desire for both nostalgia and modern romanticism,' states Georgia. '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, do not let the current trendiness of the look make you believe it's just a passing fad. On the contrary, the look is completely timeless. '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,' says Georgia.

As seen in Rod Stewart's dining room, it's possible to tap into this trend in both subtle and maximalist ways, both through decorating with antiques and integrating modern romantic pieces.

Georgia advises: 'When styling ruffles, lean into their softness. Combine ruffled upholstery with cushions in clashing prints and plain additions that feature subtle embroidered detailing for textural variation. Mixing and matching means that the look doesn’t feel too precious and contrived, which is perfect for creating the personal and relaxed atmosphere that we all enjoy in our homes.'

Building an emotional thread is the key element that distinguishes a house from a home. With Rococo revival tapping into romance and nostalgia, it's the perfect choice for those who want to set their living space apart.