If You Want Max Glam, You Need To Know About Hollywood Regency Design
If the more glam, the better is your home decor mantra, you need to know about Hollywood Regency. We're guessing you probably have an idea of it what it is, and you've totally seen it executed before, but you might be stumped on how it came to be. Or maybe you just need a refresher on what exactly is and is not considered Hollywood Regency, so this is everything you need to know to understand the classic design style.
It Dates Back To Hollywood's Golden Age.
Hollywood Regency came out of Hollywood's Golden Age, in the 1930s. Producers and directors wanted to bring extra star power to their films, so they decorated with serious opulence in mind. This then translated to home decor for the major stars of the era, like Joan Crawford.
There's A Connection To Art Deco & Mid-Century Modern.
If you've ever gotten serious art deco or mid-century modern vibes from Hollywood Regency, you wouldn't be wrong. While the furniture has a lot in common with mid-century in the silhouettes and clean lines, the details, such as pattern and color, are inspired by art deco. "While art deco has a similar flair for opulence, it doesn't feature the cheeky eclecticism that Hollywood Regency boasts, nor is it as modern," interior designer Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design says. "When it comes to mid-century modern, the style is much more masculine and much less ornamented than Hollywood Regency. There's also a lot of natural wood finishes that you just don't really see from Hollywood Regency."
See more at Black Lacquer Design.
There's No Such Thing As Too Glam.
The number one design tenant of this style is to bring the glam. You want sumptuous, rich texture, lavish details, and luxurious accents. You're trying to make the space feel as opulent as possible, so if you think you're doing too much, you've probably nailed it. "Hollywood Regency is all about communicating lavish glamour in a way that isn't stuffy or too self-serious," Murray says. "With this style bent towards unapologetic maximalism, Hollywood Regency features richly layered textures, high contrast patterns, metallic finishes, and vibrant colors."
Color & Pattern Are Never Lacking.
You won't find a lack of color or pattern in Hollywood Regency, but both are definitely used strategically. Because the patterns and colors used are so bold, you don't want to go over the top. Decor is usually kept in the same color palette, and only one or two patterns are used, so it doesn't feel too busy. Black and white is a go-to color combination, and jewel tones are incorporated for pops of color. Metallics, like brass, are a staple, as well. "While you'll see a lot of black and white contrast, there are a ton of fearless pops of color in Hollywood Regency spaces," Murray says.
Hollywood Regency Furniture Leans Small-Scale.
The furniture is not intended to be the focal point of the design style, so it tends to be small-scale. It's more about entertaining, open floor plans, and centering a room around the way people will interact with each other in it. A big trend is lacquered surfaces-from a credenza, to a dinning table, to a nightstand. Bright, glossy furniture is a must.
It's All In The Details.
Because the furniture doesn't command the space, Hollywood Regency leans heavily on the decor accents to bring the glam. Luxurious fabric and textiles are incorporated, like velvet, silk, and even fur. You'll also find sculpted carpets, brass or gold hardware, crystal, fringe, and plenty of flashy accessories. "I love the elegantly-executed eclecticism you always find in Hollywood Regency interiors," Murray says. "There's always a beautiful mix of eras and styles that work together to create the space."
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