An Intro to Hollywood Regency Decor
If you love old-school glamour, Hollywood regency decor just might be the style for you. Referred to as “Regency Moderne,” the style incorporates glitz in every area. Its inspiration comes from the estates of movie stars in the “golden era” of Hollywood, the 1920’s through the 1950’s. By its nature, the style is overdone and extravagant, and that is exactly what gives it its uniqueness and charm.
What is the Hollywood regency style?
The Hollywood regency style is a design style that emerged in the golden age of Hollywood during the 1930’s. It is known for its glamorous and opulent aesthetic, inspired by the luxurious and extravagant lifestyles of Hollywood film stars and the art deco movement of the time.
Key features of the Hollywood Regency style include:
- Glamour and Elegance: The style exudes a sense of luxury, sophistication, and grandeur. It embraces ornate detailing, rich textures, and luxurious materials.
- Bold Colors: Hollywood Regency incorporates bold and vibrant colors such as black, white, gold, silver, and jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. These colors create a dramatic and glamorous ambiance.
- Mixed Patterns: The style embraces the use of bold and contrasting patterns, such as geometric prints, animal prints, and intricate floral motifs. These patterns add visual interest and create a dynamic atmosphere.
- Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors are a prominent feature in this design. They help create an illusion of space, reflect light, and enhance the glamorous ambiance. Other reflective surfaces like glass and polished metals are commonly used.
- Ornate Details: Elaborate and decorative elements, such as chandeliers, intricate moldings, tassels, fringe, and tufting, are characteristic of this iconic style. These details add a sense of luxury and glamour to the overall design.
- Lacquered Finishes: Glossy and lacquered finishes on furniture, cabinetry, and accessories are prevalent in this home decor style. They provide a sleek and polished look, reflecting the style’s emphasis on glamour.
- Hollywood-Inspired Accessories: The style incorporates Hollywood-inspired accessories, such as vintage movie posters, art deco sculptures, and glamorous lighting fixtures. These items pay homage to the golden age of Hollywood and add a touch of nostalgia to the space.
Overall, Hollywood Regency is a style that embraces elegance, drama, and the idea of living in the lap of luxury. It combines classic and modern elements to create a striking and glamorous interior design style.
Glam Hollywood Regency Decor in Interiors
While glitzy, extravagant, and opulent, Hollywood regency decor is at the same time sleek and modernist. The furniture silhouettes in this style are reminiscent of mid-century modern furniture with its clean lines and soft shapes. Much inspiration is drawn from Art Deco and Art Moderne styles, as well. While less ‘mod’ than these art styles, their influence is seen in pieces of art, such as sculptures, that appear in this home decor style.
The beauty of this style is how it draws from different eras and design styles to make its own unique creation. This decor style is not unlike Rococo or Baroque styles in that it is heavily decorative, opulent, and ornamental. As mentioned before, its furniture styles are similar to mid-century modern furniture styles, and much of the art is similar to Art Deco or Moderne styles. This amalgam of styles and eras is unique and special.
Elements of Hollywood Regency Decor
There are elements of Hollywood regency decor that are iconic. For example, mirrored furniture is seen throughout this style of interior designs. There is no shortage of pattern in this design style either – whether it be animal prints like snakeskin, zebra or cheetah, or black and white damasks and florals.
In terms of color, there are so many options in Hollywood regency style. Most popular are lush jewel tones. From deep emerald to juicy amethyst, these moody, regal colors exemplify the style. The design style highlights stark black and white contrast. This is seen in the art on the walls. While black and white contrast is common, any contrasting, juxtaposed colors can be used.
The best part of this retro design style is the freedom of expression that it offers. You are free to go all out in the design – after all, extravagance makes it what it is! Put fringe on the lampshades and upholstery, incorporate shiny metallics into the walls and the furniture, layer textures like silk and velvet together, or go crazy with bold colors. The sky is the limit, as this style leans towards maximalism.
Textiles & Rugs in Hollywood Regency Decor
As we’ve discussed this whole article, the Hollywood regency style is all about luxury, opulence, and decadence. As such, it makes sense that the fabrics and textiles used in this design are all about luxury. The common textures used are silk, velvet, fur, and sometimes leather. Plush, comfortable, and lavish upholstery and rugs on the floor are very important for this style.
When choosing a rug, keep both comfort and fashion in mind. Animal “skins” and patterns for the floor are perfect. If animal patterns don’t quite fit with the space you’re designing, choose comfort. A plush rug with a high pile is the perfect piece. Moroccan rugs are perfect for this, as well as rugs with repeating patterns, like a Greek key (or running dog) pattern. Choosing a vintage retro style piece is the perfect addition to the space.
Now that you know the inspiration for Hollywood regency decor, it’s time to get decorating! Don’t forget how important self-expression is in the style. It’s impossible to go wrong, so go with your heart and remember to stay opulent.
Interior designers best known for creating Hollywood Regency interiors
Hollywood Regency is a design style that emerged in the 1930s. It’s inspired by the opulent and glamorous sets of the Hollywood movie industry. This style features lavish use of luxurious materials, bold colors and dramatic patterns. It mixes of vintage and modern elements.
Some iconic interior designers and firms renowned for creating these interiors:
- Dorothy Draper
- Overview: Considered the pioneer of Hollywood Regency, Dorothy Draper was known for her bold use of color, dramatic patterns, and a mix of Baroque and Rococo styles. Her interiors were luxurious, opulent, and full of life.
- Notable Works: The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia is a prime example of her Hollywood Regency style.
- Signature Elements: Oversized moldings, black and white checkered floors, vibrant color schemes, and large-scale patterns.
- William Haines
- Overview: A former silent film actor, Haines transitioned to interior design and became known for his glamorous and modern take on the Hollywood Regency style. His work was favored by Hollywood stars of the time.
- Notable Works: The homes of Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard, and Gloria Swanson featured his designs.
- Signature Elements: Sleek furniture, mirrored surfaces, rich fabrics, and a blend of modern and traditional elements.
- Tony Duquette
- Overview: Duquette was an artist and designer whose work embodied the maximalist and eclectic aspects of Hollywood Regency. His designs incorporated a mix of exotic and fantastical elements.
- Notable Works: Duquette’s own home, “Dawnridge,” and his work for clients like Elizabeth Arden and Elsie de Wolfe.
- Signature Elements: Use of exotic materials, elaborate detailing, and a flair for the dramatic and whimsical.
- Kelly Wearstler
- Overview: A contemporary designer, Wearstler is known for reviving and modernizing the Hollywood Regency style with her bold and eclectic approach. Her interiors feature a mix of vintage and modern pieces, rich textures, and vibrant colors.
- Notable Works: The Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Viceroy Santa Monica showcase her signature Hollywood Regency flair.
- Signature Elements: Bold patterns, high-contrast color schemes, luxe materials, and statement pieces.
- Jonathan Adler
- Overview: Known for his playful and vibrant style, Adler incorporates Hollywood Regency elements into his modern interiors. His designs feature a mix of glamour, bold colors, and whimsical touches.
- Notable Works: Adler’s work includes a range of residential projects and commercial spaces, such as the Parker Palm Springs Hotel.
- Signature Elements: Geometric patterns, vibrant hues, brass and lacquer finishes, and playful, eclectic decor.
- Mary McDonald
- Overview: Another contemporary designer, McDonald is known for her sophisticated and luxurious interiors that draw on the Hollywood Regency style. Her work blends traditional elegance with modern glamor.
- Notable Works: Numerous high-profile residential projects and her own product lines for furniture and home decor.
- Signature Elements: Chinoiserie elements, bold color contrasts, luxurious textiles, and ornate details.
- Michael Smith
- Overview: Smith’s designs blend classical and modern elements, with a touch of Hollywood Regency glamor. He is known for creating elegant and timeless interiors that exude luxury and comfort.
- Notable Works: Smith’s clientele includes high-profile figures, and he famously decorated the private quarters of the White House for the Obamas.
- Signature Elements: Rich textures, elegant furniture, and a sophisticated color palette, with a touch of Hollywood glamour.
- David Hicks
- Overview: Although primarily known for his work in the UK, Hicks’ bold and colorful approach to interior design has had a significant influence on Hollywood Regency interiors. His use of patterns and vibrant colors aligns with the style’s opulent and dramatic aesthetic.
- Notable Works: Hicks designed interiors for both private clients and commercial spaces, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of interior design.
- Signature Elements: Strong geometric patterns, bold color combinations, and a mix of modern and antique elements.
These interior decorators and home design firms are celebrated for their distinctive contributions to the Hollywood Regency style. Each brings their unique interpretation of this glamorous and luxurious aesthetic. Whether through modern updates or timeless classics, their work continues to inspire and define the essence of the decor style.
Here are some perfect rugs for your Hollywood regency interior:
This interior design blog about Hollywood regency decor was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.
