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Hollywood Regency, this style sometimes called Regency Modern, is a style that describes both interior design and landscape architecture characterized by the bold use of color and contrast often with metallic and glass accents meant to signify both opulence and comfort.
The name of this style comes from the movie-making industry of southern California as typified by the Glamourous homes and properties of the actors and actress of Hollywood’s Golden Era, roughly from the 1920s through the 1950s.
The term “Hollywood Regency” appears to have originated with Draper in the 1920s. It remains a current and lively area of design work both inside and outside of Southern California.
Hollywood Regency is..
It is a style meant to feel frivolously overdone and pleasantly, extravagantly unbalanced, yet sleek and modern, not unlike the Rococo style and in contrast to the strict, repetitive ornament of styles such as Baroque.
Know your colors and materials
Blocks of contrasting color, especially pink, turquoise (from dark near-blue to bright pale seafoam), yellow, and black-and-white checkerboard are highly favored, sometimes in orderly but asymmetric repetition or in different textures of soft furnishings in the same high-ceilinged, large-windowed room.
Change and mix a bit
Whole mirrors (not mosaics) cover the surfaces of furniture such as dressers and side tables and are used to cover entire walls and sometimes ceilings.
Animal prints (zebra, cheetah, snakeskin, etc.), as well as complex floral designs in both black-and-white and shades of single colors, are used as rugs, tablecloths, and seat cushions. Imitation bamboo stalks are used as trim in shower doors, vanities, table legs, and other household furniture. The divan, with its plush sides and asymmetric shape, is a staple furniture item.
Oversized black-and-white wall prints of famous actresses are common. The criss-cross and zig-zag are universal, whether symmetrical or not. Sunburst mirrors are almost ubiquitous.
How can you have a Hollywood Regency modern living?
Go for details
Although the furniture itself has a fair amount in common with mid-century modern pieces, the accessories are always flashy and bold. Look for details that are inspired by Art Deco, black and white patterns, and jewel tones. Another easy way to spot Hollywood Regency is using white lacquer or gold accents!
Gold is the way
A good rule of thumb is to keep your decor in the same palette and try to stick to one or two patterns only. Maintain focus in the rest of the room by keeping accessories light and cohesive.
Put some glamour on it
Glamorous textures are one of the most sought-after elements of Hollywood Regency style. Lacquer walls instantly glitz up space, even in the kitchen! When picking fabrics, channel the movie stars of the 1940’s and their haute couture gowns. Think silks, satins, velvet, suede, chenille, and even fur. These gorgeous textiles have distinct finishes and will immediately add depth to your space in a way that even the most beautiful cotton and linens just can’t.
And never forget “Hollywood Regency is glitz and glamour covered in lacquer, chrome, and mirrored finishes. Every detail is meant to convey luxury and there is always the feeling that people should look good in the design – particularly if they are wearing satin bathrobes and sipping a cocktail” – Rachelle Greayer
