Ruffle Renaissance — French For Pineapple

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In times of emotional trauma, aka 2020, I find myself delving ever-deeper into my number one obsession of interiors. Which is just as well, since it’s my job…

It’s always been therapeutic for me, but now more than ever. I can, and do, spend hours and days tracking down the perfect light fitting, even if I can’t ever afford it. This is a true story, especially when it turns out to cost, as my friend said, the price of a small car!. But it serves self-soothing distraction therapy from the absolute madness that is going on in the world.

Whenever I have a pang of guilt about the perceived shallow and frivolous nature of of being an interiors lover and pusher, my mind often ends up at THAT scene about cerulean blue in The Devil Wears Prada, and I’m reminded that perhaps it’s not so shallow after all, and aside from making me happy, and my home a nice place to be, every purchase helps to keep someone in a job, or a company afloat, and boy do we need that right now.

Little luxuries like a scented candle or the cushion that you just can’t stop thinking about (ahem), can genuinely brighten the day and indeed a space, so I make no apologies for it.

Anyway, this train of thought led me to thinking about ruffles, and how wonderfully pointless they are. Purely decorative and making no excuses to be anything else. They, along with frills and scallops are popping up EVERYWHERE meaning we have a trend on our hands, and I am NOT mad.

There’s something beautifully nostalgic about this added extra detail that really makes me happy inside. I don’t know why - does it remind me of my childhood? Well, not that I can consciously remember, but then again, I’m sure there was a ruffle or two on the clothes my mother used to make me when I was little.

She actually did, I’m not just saying that, though I don’t think she even owns a sewing machine these days, let alone threaded a bobbin since 1979.

Ruffles are a bit House on The Prairie, and we know the Prairie dress has been having a big moment in fashion, and interiors usually follow so this one shouldn’t come as any great surprise, and it’s definitely already been simmering away for a while now.

Perhaps the feeling that ruffles, and their counterparts frills and scallops envoke is indeed the very reason they’ve gained such popularity; a nod to the past and simpler (happier?) times, or maybe I’m trying to delve too deep and they are just FUN. It doesn’t really matter after all, if you like them, get some.

I prefer them when used with a bit of restraint in interiors, as for me, to give this look a modern edge it’s all about the juxtaposition of the ruffle against cleaner lines, so just a nod for me, but by all means, if you want to go full on granny chic, knock yourself out, I won’t judge.

Best thing of all is that it’s super easy to get a nod in to this trend and you don’t have to spend much at all. Unless you want to of course. I will provide you all options!

Here are my favourite pieces so far…

Blush Gingham Cushion With Frill Trim - Att Pynta

I may or may not have bought a couple of these for my slow-burner bedroom revamp! Love that these also incorporate the gingham trend that I’m also rather fond of. I don’t always love it when a product does two trends in one, but I am 100% on board with this one!

Scallop Lampshade - Matilda Goad

Matilda Goad totally nails this trend, which as I’ve pointed out above can swing either modern or traditional depending on what you team it with. And HOW fab is that ceramic basket weave lamp base?

Scalloped Bed Linen - Sophie Conran

A tad obsessed with this bedding despite recently moaning about oxford edges not being the one for non-ironers like me. This bedding is SO pretty, that I could possibly reconsider my stance. Comes is several colours. LOVE!

Scallop Trim Napkins - Matilda Goad

Yes, I know, another Matilda Goad product, but as I said, she nails this trend and hers are the loveliest I’ve seen.

Linen Tea Towel With Ruffle Trim - LenokLINEN at Etsy

Well if anything is going to make the dishes more enjoyable, surely it’s a tea towel with a ruffle trim! Available in 23 colours and three different sizes.

Stoneware Ice Cream Bowl With Petal Edge - Karin Hossack

I’ve been a Karin Hossack fan girl for a while now, and I adore her beautiful handcrafted scalloped stoneware. My little butter dish, a gift from me to me last Christmas, makes me smile every time I spot it. Not even kidding. And I just love love love these gorgeous ice cream bowls!

Linen Ruffles Shower Curtain - Linen Shed

Comes in a fifteen different colours with an optional waterproof liner. I’ve never really understood a non-plastic shower curtain, but I’m willing to learn for this absolute beauty.

Nillow Ruffle Line Trim Bedding - La Redoute

A last minute contender that I just spotted as I was finishing up this post and had to include it! I have had linen bedding from La Redoute before and it's gorgeous quality. Just check the dimensions as there is often a disparity betweeen UK and European standard bedding sizes.

And some more options below, because apparnetly I just couldn't stop adding to my list of lovely ruffles and scallops...