Glitz And Glamour In Hollywood Regency Homes

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Hollywood Regency, often referred to as Hollywood Glam or Regency Moderne, is an American interior design style that emerged in California during the 1930s. This opulent and glamorous style was born out of the Golden Age of cinema, when film set designers created over-the-top dream interiors for the silver screen. These sets were designed to look stunning on camera, with meticulous attention to detail, color, texture, composition, and finishes. The style has since become synonymous with luxury and maximalism, influencing modern designers and home decorators alike.

History of Hollywood Regency Style

Hollywood Regency style was a product of the Hollywood Golden Age of the 1920s-1950s. During this period, film set designers built elaborate interiors that were meant to be visually striking. These sets often featured tall white plaster floor lamps, mirrored dressing tables, and fainting couches upholstered in visually rich satin or velvet. While classic black-and-white films may not have captured these vibrant colors, the interiors were often brightly colored to add depth and drama to the scenes.

The style was not just limited to film sets; it soon influenced the homes of Hollywood royalty. Interior designers like Dorothy Draper, William Haines, and Paul R. Williams were employed by these stars to glam up their private residences. The result was a trend that popularized the luxurious and glamorous aesthetic with the film-going masses.

Key Influencers

1. Dorothy Draper

   • Dorothy Draper was one of the most influential interior designers of the 20th century. Her designs were known for their dramatic flair and use of bold colors. Draper's love of dull white and glossy black, highly polished checkered floors, intricate mirrors, and lacquered doors became elements later featured in the Hollywood Regency style.

2. William Haines

   • William Haines was a self-taught decorator who played a significant role in shaping the Hollywood Regency style. He combined English, French Regency, and Greek Revival design styles to create a unique aesthetic. Haines' design aesthetic shifted towards plush modernism by the late 1940s, which eventually developed into the Hollywood Regency style. His iconic "Bel Air" sofa remains a design classic.

3. Paul R. Williams

   • Paul R. Williams was another prominent designer who contributed to the Hollywood Regency movement. He was known for his modernist approach combined with elements of Greek revival architecture and 19th-century French architecture. Williams' designs were revolutionary for their time and set the tone for the lavish interiors of Hollywood Regency homes.

Characteristics of Hollywood Regency Style

Hollywood Regency style is characterized by several key elements that contribute to its glamorous and luxurious feel:

1. Glamorous and Luxurious Design

   • The style is known for its opulent and playful design elements. It emphasizes luxury and comfort in interiors, often featuring high-end materials like velvet, silk, and mirrored surfaces.

2. Maximalism

   • Hollywood Regency interiors are maximalist in nature, with layered, textured design elements and finishes. This approach ensures that every detail adds to the overall grandeur of the space.

3. Mirrored and Metallic Finishes

   • Mirrored furniture, wallpaper, and decorative objects are hallmarks of the style. Metallic finishes such as gold, silver, and brass add a sense of glamour to the space through elements like hardware, lighting fixtures, wallpaper, and decorative objects.

4. Vibrant Color and Patterns

   • The use of vibrant color is a defining characteristic of Hollywood Regency interiors. Bold patterns such as chinoiserie-style florals or landscape designs add visual interest and drama to the space. These patterns can range from abstract geometric shapes to zig-zags for a more contemporary look.

5. Signature Use of Black and White

   • Black-and-white elements like checkerboard tile flooring or large-scale black-and-white photography temper flashy colors and rich jewel tones, creating striking pairings that add sophistication to any room.

6. Small Scale Furniture

   • Furniture in Hollywood Regency interiors often features slimmed-down profiles with classic shapes inspired by mid-century modern designs. This approach ensures that the furniture does not overshadow the grandeur of the space but rather complements it.

7. Luxe Accents

   • Luxe accents such as fur (or faux fur), silk, and velvet are commonly used to add an extra layer of luxury to the space. These materials contribute to an old-school glam aesthetic that is both elegant and eclectic.

8. Focus on Accessories and Styling

   • Unlike other interior design styles that focus heavily on furniture, Hollywood Regency places more emphasis on accessories and styling. This approach allows for a more curated look that is both authentic and welcoming.

Elements of Hollywood Regency Style

Color Palette

The color palette in Hollywood Regency interiors is vibrant and high-class. Think pretty pinks, sunburst yellows, oranges, Chinese red, Kelly green, apple green, and turquoise. These colors are often tempered by liberal doses of black and white to create striking pairings.

Furniture

Furniture in Hollywood Regency interiors should have a classic shape with sleek lines inspired by mid-century modern designs. This includes pieces like the slipper chair and Parsons table. Neo-Classical design elements such as Chippendale and Greek Klismos chairs are also commonly used. The finish on furniture is often white, black, or metallic but can also include natural wood tones.

Materials

Luxurious materials like velvet, silk, and mirrored surfaces are defining characteristics of Hollywood Regency design. These materials add a sense of glamour and opulence to the space reminiscent of old Hollywood starlets' homes.

Decorative Elements

Decorative elements such as crystal chandeliers, mirrored chests, and Chinoiserie wallpaper add glimmer and glitz to the space. Animal prints like leopard skin on floors, textiles, and upholstery suggest travel and add an element of fantasy to the design.

Lighting

Lighting fixtures play an important role in creating flattering and feel-good Hollywood-style lighting. Statement pieces like gilded vintage wall sconces or crystal chandeliers can make a significant impact on the overall ambiance of the room.

Modern Interpretations of Hollywood Regency Style

While Hollywood Regency style has its roots in the 1930s and 1940s, it continues to influence modern designers today. Designers like Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, and Jan Showers have all been influenced by this style and have incorporated its elements into their work.

Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler is known for her over-the-top ultra-chic interiors that blend classic Hollywood Regency with modern luxe. Her designs often feature luxe textiles and Lucite furniture paired with candy-color table lamps.

Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler has carved a niche in the industry with his ultra-chic furniture and home accessories. His designs often combine bold antiques with modern furniture and abstract paintings.

Jan Showers

Jan Showers uses luxe textiles and Lucite furniture to create interiors that are both glamorous and sophisticated. Her designs often feature a mix of retro glamour with modern elements.

How to Incorporate Hollywood Regency Style into Your Home

Incorporating Hollywood Regency style into your home can be done in several ways:

1. Use Luxurious Materials

   • Incorporate luxurious materials like velvet, silk, and mirrored surfaces to add a sense of glamour to your space.

2. Add Statement Pieces

   • Statement pieces such as crystal chandeliers or gilded vintage wall sconces can make a significant impact on the overall ambiance of the room.

3. Incorporate Bold Patterns

   • Bold patterns such as chinoiserie-style florals or abstract geometric shapes can add visual interest and drama to your space.

4. Balance with Neutral Elements

   • Balance the use of luxurious materials with more affordable options like neutral-colored furniture or accessories curated from your travels.

5. Focus on Accessories and Styling

   • Place more emphasis on accessories and styling rather than just focusing on furniture. This approach allows for a more curated look that is both authentic and welcoming.

Conclusion

Hollywood Regency style is more than just an interior design trend; it's a way of life that embodies old-school glam, elegance, and eclecticism. From its origins in the Golden Age of cinema to its modern interpretations by contemporary designers, this style continues to captivate audiences with its opulent glitz and glamour. Whether you're looking to transform your living space into a luxurious retreat or simply add a touch of sophistication with well-chosen pieces, Hollywood Regency style offers endless possibilities for creating spaces that are both glamorous and inviting.

In conclusion, incorporating elements of Hollywood Regency style into your home can be a fun and rewarding experience. By embracing maximalism with layered textured design elements, using luxurious materials like velvet and silk, and incorporating statement pieces such as crystal chandeliers or gilded vintage wall sconces, you can create interiors that are both glamorous and sophisticated. Whether you're a maximalist at heart or simply looking to add some old-school glamour to your space, Hollywood Regency style has something to offer everyone.