Living Like a Movie Star with Hollywood Regency

The period known as the Golden Age of Hollywood has reshaped the world in a way. It inspired people, fashion, lifestyle – everything. No wonder. It was the time of legendary movies, iconic stars, incredible soundtracks and storytelling. The heyday of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, James Dean, Charlie Chaplin, Marlon Brando. Pretty much any icon you can think of. People wanted to look like them and live like them. And designers from all ways of life delivered. That’s how the high-glamour interior design style, filled with elegant furniture, came about. It’s known as the Hollywood Regency. Initially, it was all for the movies. The goal was to build these incredible, over-the-top spaces that would leave people speechless the first time (or every time) they see them on a silver screen.

Flashy Colours

How to tell it’s Hollywood Regency? Trust us – you’ll know when you see it. It’s impossible to have it mixed up with just about any other style. It’s loud, opulent and chic, yet at times – borderline kitsch. Think modern-day Rococo. A lot of things happening at once. Large, chequerboard flooring in black and white, with bright yellow drapes and orange armchairs. Nothing’s off limits – turquoise, pink, violet, green. Typically, with a high-gloss finish and lots of shiny metallic accents. It’s all about loud and clear contrast. 

Furniture of Hollywood Regency

Here’s the thing. Since glamour and opulence are the stars of the show, you might be thinking the furniture is all impressively sized and shiny. But don’t forget about the most important thing of Hollywood Regency – the contrast. In reality, the luxury furniture of the era was mostly rather small with slimmed-down profiles. Of course, shiny with glossy finishes and gold accents. Hooded armchairs, slipper chairs, button-tufted boudoir-style or mirrored pieces. What’s interesting is that they weren’t the statement pieces though – it was more about accessories and overall styling than, let’s say, a cupboard of characteristic shape. 

Small Details, Big Changes

As we’ve established elegant home furniture is important, but it’s not the key feature of Hollywood Regency. The essence is in the styling and accessories. How? Well, let’s take a look at some of the popular choices, starting with chinoiserie. Made either from real or faux bamboo, it was often used as room dividers or furniture frames. Another big part of this design language – mirrors, especially with a sunburst or starburst motifs. We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the lighting – from huge glamour-inspired chandeliers to quirky wall sconces and various types of spiky fixtures, ceiling flushes and Sputnik or urchin pendants. Here’s the most controversial part – faux fur, animal prints either on the upholstery or walls. That’s certainly a look and not everyone’s cup of tea. Nevertheless, it’s an absolute staple of Hollywood Regency.

From Silver Screen to Your Home

Hollywood Regency is nothing more than one big love letter to the past. Glamour and allure of the golden days of cinematography, legends of yesterday and more. But just because these times are gone, it doesn’t mean the whole aesthetic is dead in the water. As a matter of fact, it continues to inspire modern-day designers and many of its influences are very much alive in contemporary spaces.