A Guide to Interior Design Styles: Hollywood Regency

Doesn’t Hollywood Regency sound utterly glam? We think so too. In fact, this style is the perfect combination of glamorous past and sleek modernity, blending a chic mix of minimalist furniture and maximalist decor.

Hollywood Regency style did in fact originate in the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood—the 1920s to 1950s. This style was intended to create a lush yet comforting environment, one that invited guests to stay but never failed to leave a bold impression.

One thing it has never been, though, is static. Hollywood Regency is a welcoming style, sometimes bold, sometimes refined luxe—but at its heart, it loves to incorporate decorative elements that make an innovative yet inviting statement.

Styling in Contrast

There’s something almost contradictory with Hollywood Regency style. After all, its two main design features—Art Deco detailing and Mid-Century Modern furnishing—are a study in contrasts that could hardly be more different. Art Deco is big, bright, and opulent, while Mid-Century Modern is minimalist, clean, and functional. Together, though, they work.

We love how Hollywood Regency picks and chooses to create its own stamp on the interior design world. This style often works from a black and white foundation, adding in glam finishes, luxe fabrics, sleek furniture, and bold colors to create a space with cinematic panache.

Patterns, Patterns

One of the most noticeable features of Hollywood Regency design is its use of patterns. Make no mistake, though, this isn’t eclectic Boho with its mishmash of layered patterns. This glam style keeps things pared down to one or two main patterns, using them strategically for maximum impact.

Try a bold geometric rug and a collection of elegant Chinoiserie vases, or dress up your windows in a stunning peacock print pattern and throw in some vibrant blanket throws. You could also create an accent wall with vintage wallpaper and pair it with some bold, leaf-print cushions.

Jewel Tones and Golden Accents

Hollywood Regency style doesn’t hold back with colors, taking its cue from both Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, which loved to play with different tones. Where it differs, though, is in the vibrancy. Rooms styled in Hollywood Regency design are nothing short of bewitching. Jewel-like tones catch the eye and keep it moving from piece to piece.

But just like with patterning, colors aren’t unlimited. They are more vibrant than pastel, but they’re often limited to one to three main colors. In some designs, there’s just one color in play, whether filling the room or acting as statement decor against a black and white or neutral backdrop.

What types of colors do we see? Take your pick—think along the lines of emerald or forest green, teal, lapis or cerulean blue, cerise, rose pink, canary or pineapple yellow, crimson, or scarlet. Anything cool-toned and punchy—but never gaudy—is likely to feature somewhere in a Hollywood Regency room.

Finally, we can’t forget about those gorgeous golden tones. Gold is something you’ll see sprinkled here and there, from the light fixtures to the mirrors to the patterns on a duvet.

Pick a couple of colors to use as your base, and then select luxurious fabrics, decor, textiles, and accessories in those tones.

Shine On

Another hallmark of this style is its generous use of polished surfaces. Mirrors, glass, and lacquered furniture bring in silver-screen styling, working the shine into even the darkest of spaces. Hollywood Regency isn’t one to show off natural wood tones in its furniture, though, preferring instead to layer on a glossy coat of high-shine lacquer.

Elaborate detailing on mirrors is also common, as is the combination of mirror and gold—anything to catch a sparkle of sunlight and make a statement. Look for decor with a glossy surface, or else DIY it with spray-on lacquer paint. You can also use brush-on lacquer paint, which is slower drying and will give you more time to perfect that shine.

Know what else we love? The versatility of a modern barn door for adding the finishing touch. Consider elegant Antique Double Doors for a dash of Hollywood glam, or get a little sleeker with a Santa Monica Barn Door or a Beverly Modern Barn Door.

Ready to take your style up a notch? Contact us at Barndoorz for premium barn doors fit for a Hollywood Regency star.