Hollywood Regency Style Design

If you're not asking what Hollywood Regency style is as you read this article then you're probably wondering how to get it. Hollywood Regency is a style of decorating that developed in the 1930s during the Hollywood heydays when designers like Billy Baldwin, William Haines and Dorothy Draper ruled. It, as its name would suggest, was first put to effect in Hollywood. Conceived with a heavy nod towards set design and a wink to letting the "stars" shine, it was meant to envelope glamorous people in beautiful settings while still letting them be the main attraction.

Today the style is making a major comeback with stars of the interior design world like Kelly Wearstler and Shawn Henderson leading the way. The Hollywood Regency style, like any other interior decorating style can be achieved expensively or not. If going the latter route, you'll need more creativity, but that's half the fun.

Naturally, Hollywood Regency style incorporates a lot of glitz and glam, that goes without saying. But, it also makes heavy use of classic lines and furniture. Luxury textiles and materials like gilt, fur, silk, leather, and mirror, are combined with clean geometric lines. Asiana is also a welcome accessory. And speaking of accessories, forget about your grandma's tchotchkes collections, with Hollywood Regency it's all about letting one or two really fabulous pieces shine. It's over the top - if you can pull it off. Otherwise, it's not.

Big, fat, overstuffed upholstered sofas and chairs are a big no-no. You need to go with slim, elegant lines if you want to achieve Hollywood Regency status. That's why classic furniture is a great starting point, not to mention a timeless look and therefore a great investment. So too, are minimalist, mid-century modern designs. What they have in common is clean lines. Try to stick with pale hues for your bigger pieces and layer in saturated colors with your walls and accessories (this makes it easier to change your room to another style should you ever get sick of the look).

Scale is also really important when it comes to this look. Think: opposites attract. Big next to small. Tall next to short. Rough next to smooth. Also, always incorporate at least one but not more than three really over-sized pieces like a huge mirror or light fixture. If you can't find or afford gargantuan dimensions, then use many elements grouped together to create the sense of largeness. For example, use 3 or 5 medium sized mirrors all grouped together (always try and group odd numbers of accessories). On the other hand, symmetry is used very often for the basic layout of the room.

Individuality, also know as eclectic style, is also important, so shop flea markets and ebay to find pieces that aren't in all of your neighbors homes as well. 

Beautiful Headboard Inspirations Get inspired to make your own sumptuous upholstered headboard. Lots of ideas and tips for how to get the best results.

DIY Headboard Ideas Discover how far a little money and a lot of creativity can go in this inspiring article with lots of different ideas for how to make a gorgeous headboard that's not upholstered.

Decorating with Wallpaper Today's wallpapers are so gorgeous but they are also expensive that's why I've come up with tons of projects you can do with one roll or less. Also, discover how to get free materials to use on your projects.

La La Luxe

In the days of yore, homes were destinations designed to impress with luxurious textiles and materials. You could expect to see lots of velvet and silk. Rugs had thick, deep pile. Everything was very sensual to all the senses.

Chinoiserie

These are Asian inspired pieces of furniture and accessories. The operative word here is inspired. Look for blanc de chine, foo dogs and Chinese lanterns.

Lacquer

Lacquered furniture is actually very expensive to produces so it could just as easily fit under the luxe category. It's made by layering on up to 14 coats of fine lacquer paint and each coat needs to be sanded before the next can be applied. That's why it imparts such a decadent, lustrous sheen. It's bright and glossy and absolutely gorgeous. TIP: to get the look on a low budget use several coats of high gloss paint, sanding with fine grit between coats.

Mirror

With mirror its reflective surface bounces a lot of light around and light (coming from the right sources) is glamorous. Look for mirrored furniture with beveled edges. TIP: You can easily just have the top of a chest or its front mirrored for an inexpensive alternative.

Plexi-Glass

Plexi-glass has a peek-a-boo quality that's flirty and fun that's down right sexy if you ask me, and since this look is all about appealing to the senses it fits right in.

Ecclectic Style

Mix it up! Don't be afraid to put that mid century modern table next to a classic tufted couch. Hang your Chinese lantern with abandon in from of your french gilt mirror.

In the end, it's a style that's meant to be lived in and enjoyed. As people retreat more and more into their homes be it for a staycation, or just hanging out with friends and family, it should be in an environment that you all can appreciate. Even in these tough time. So, spoil yourself - that's what its all about.

Article by Anne Alexander Sieder all rights reserved.  For hardcore interior design fans, check out my blog www.prettyhaus.com.