Interior design trends come and go, but one style that never seems to lose its luster is Hollywood Regency. Characterized by glamour, luxury, and just a touch of over-the-top opulence, Hollywood Regency style brings a little Golden Age Hollywood into the home. If you’re looking to add some Gatsby-esque glam to your space, read on for our guide to achieving the Hollywood Regency look.
In the first few lines of this introduction paragraph, we’ll touch on the topic of Hollywood Regency interior design and set the stage for an in-depth exploration of this glamorous aesthetic. The rest of the post will provide tips, historical context, key elements, and best practices for nailing the Hollywood Regency vibe in your own home. Let’s dive into the glittering world of this dramatic, luxurious decor style inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood.
What is Hollywood Regency Interior Design Style?
Hollywood Regency style interior design pulls influences from the lavish, elegant aesthetic of 1930s and 1940s Hollywood. It combines elements of Art Deco, 1940s French decor, and classical motifs to create a glamorous look that evokes luxury. Key characteristics include:
- Opulent furnishings like tufted sofas or chairs, velvet draperies
- Elegant detailing like fringe, tassels, trim
- Mirrored and smoked glass furniture and accents
- Luxurious materials like velvet, silk, leather, wool
- Metallics like gold, silver, brass
- Granite, marble and stone finishes
- Animal prints and textures like zebra or leopard
- Sunburst mirrors and lighting fixtures
- Classical motifs like columns, urns, statues
The overall effect is dramatic, sumptuous and quietly lavish, much like the Golden Age of Hollywood itself. Attention to detail distinguishes the Hollywood Regency aesthetic from other glam styles. It’s elegant and refined, without being overstated or gaudy.
History of Hollywood Regency Interior Design Style
Hollywood Regency style has its roots in 1930s and 1940s interior design, taking cues from the movie industry elite and Golden Age of Hollywood. Some key points in the history and evolution of the style include:
- 1930s Art Deco movement – This aesthetic, characterized by sleek geometric forms and luxurious materials, influenced Hollywood Regency. Clean lines blended with opulence.
- Rise of Golden Age Hollywood – Lavish estates and parties of the 1930s and 40s movie stars brought grand, dramatic flair to decor.
- 1940s French furniture design – Low-slung silhouettes, tufted leather and animal prints became hallmarks of Hollywood Regency style.
- Post-WWII influence – After the war, bold, lush interiors became popular as people sought to celebrate lavishness again.
- 1970s revival – Thanks to iconic designers like Angelo Donghia, the dramatic, glamorous style saw a major revival in the 70s.
- Contemporary iterations – Today, the style remains a staple of luxurious, aspirational interior design in homes and hotels worldwide.
So while Hollywood Regency has its vintage roots in the 30s and 40s, it continues to evolve and thrive as a timeless, elegant interior design style today.
Characteristics/Elements of Hollywood Regency Interior Design Style
Some of the key decor elements that define the Hollywood Regency aesthetic include:
- Tufted leather sofas, chairs and headboards
- Animal prints on upholstery and rugs
- Mirrored furniture like coffee tables or vanities
- Lucite and glass accents and furniture
- Metallics like gold, silver and brass used on lighting, furniture legs and accents
- Sculptural lighting fixtures like globe or orb chandeliers
- Candelabra table lamps
- Sunburst mirrors
- Marble, granite, and stone used on surfaces and fireplace surrounds
- Glass tabletops on dining and coffee tables
- Area rugs with abstract or Deco-inspired patterns
- Velvet or silk on pillows, curtains and headboards
- Classical motifs like Greek key patterns, columns, pediments, urns and statues
- Fringe, tassels and luxurious trims on pillows, curtains and furniture
- Lacquered black or white accents
- Gallery walls featuring black and white photography
These elements come together to create living spaces that feel glamorous, softly elegant and quietly luxurious – a refined and expensive aesthetic perfect for bringing Hollywood style into the home.
How to Achieve the Hollywood Regency Look
Ready to go for the gold with a Hollywood Regency style interior? Here are some key steps to follow:
First, stick to a monochromatic color palette. Blacks, whites and rich neutrals like dove gray will provide an elegant, timeless backdrop. Add pops of metallics like brass, gold and silver to tie everything together. Use metal finishes on lighting, furniture legs and accents for sheen.
Upholster key furniture pieces like sofas, headboards and dining chairs in velvet, leather or silk. Tufting and nailhead accents add texture and dimension. Choose pieces with curved lines or a low profile for that vintage appeal.
Incorporate animal prints and textures with confidence – don’t shy away from zebra rugs, leopard pillows or cowhide blankets to create drama. Use marble or granite finishes on surfaces like coffee tables, consoles and fireplace surrounds. The colors and veining add natural flair.
Add mirrored furniture to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Try a statement coffee table, glam console or tufted bench. Use sunburst mirrors as artwork to accentuate architectural details. Hang a lucite chair or two – it captures the era’s flair for sleek, clear acrylic details.
Lighting is key – look for sculptural chandeliers, tiered sconces, candelabra floor lamps or anything with an antique brass finish. Dramatic silhouettes and candle-inspired bulbs bring vintage-glam ambiance. Always use dimmers to set the desired mood.
Layer in luxurious fabrics and trims. Velvet pillows with contrast fringe instantly dress up a sofa. Floor-length curtains in a rich fabric like velvet or silk will frame windows beautifully. Add tassels or rope trim to shelving for a playful touch.
When it comes to walls – go big. Gallery walls filled with black and white photography artfully arranged make a major impact. Contrast modern prints with a few antique finds. And don’t forget the floral – a large-scale floral like peonies can feel both fresh and retro.
The finishing touches? Fresh flowers, books, sculptures, and greenery throughout add life. And don’t be afraid to embrace grand, oversized accessories – think huge vases, bold botanical prints and large-scale candelabras. It’s all about creating a cohesive, curated look that feels quietly lavish.
Best Practices/Tips for Achieving Hollywood Regency Style
Here are some top tips for beautifully executing Hollywood Regency style in your space:
- Invest in one or two statement furniture pieces as anchors, like a curved velvet sofa or mirrored bar cart
- Layer light and dark tones together through black and white photography, sculptural lighting and mixed metal finishes
- Incorporate luxurious textures at every opportunity – velvet, leather, marble, wool, silk and flocking on wallpaper
- Replace cabinet hardware with statement pieces like cut glass, crystal, or embellished metal knobs and pulls
- Add architectural interest with moldings, paneling, pediments and columns
- Embrace metallics on furniture, accents and lighting fixtures
- Use stone surfaces like marble or granite on consoles, coffee tables and fireplace surrounds
- Include one black lacquered piece – a side table, chair or cabinet adds a nice contrast
- Add mirror to expand the space and reflect light from sconces and chandeliers
- Curate vignettes that combine modern and vintage pieces for an eclectic look
- Layer in fresh greenery and floral arrangements for an inviting look
- Incorporate geometric motifs – try a Greek key-patterned rug or pillows
- Add candlesticks, obelisks and busts for sculptural accent pieces
- Include finely crafted details and trim work on furniture, draperies and in molding
- Invest in solid wood antiques and have them refreshed to emulate this style
Keeping these tips in mind will help you artfully blend vintage flair and modern glamour to create a Hollywood Regency interior with dramatic appeal. Don’t forget to check InteriorxDesign.com for more inspiration!
Hollywood Glam or Regency Interior Design Style
With its roots in Old Hollywood glamour, the Hollywood Regency style continues to captivate. The emphasis on refined, luxurious details – think velvet, mirrors, and metallics – blended with vintage flair creates living spaces that feel grand, quietly lavish and infinitely elegant. By following the tips and guidelines outlined above for choosing the right furnishings, lighting, accents, color schemes and more, you can infuse a touch of that Golden Age panache into your own home. Just remember – when embracing this look, the bolder, the better. Have fun channeling your inner 1930s movie star, and let the glamour begin!
