The Hollywood Regency Design Style
Darling… if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I live for a little drama — and there’s no interior style that delivers theatrical glamour quite like Hollywood Regency. It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. It’s the perfect cocktail of opulence, colour, and extravagance — shaken, not stirred — and I’m obsessed.
A Little History, A Lot of Glamour
Hollywood Regency first strutted onto the scene in the 1930s and 40s — the golden age of cinema. Think of those glamorous black-and-white films: mirrored sets, sweeping staircases, decadent lounges where stars in silk gowns sipped martinis under crystal chandeliers. It was a design movement born out of fantasy — a style that said more is more and that life should always feel just a little bit larger than it is.
Designers like Dorothy Draper and William Haines (one of Hollywood’s first celebrity designers, by the way) championed this lavish aesthetic, combining bold colour, luxe materials, and dramatic silhouettes. Their spaces were theatrical stages — a perfect reflection of the Old Hollywood dream.
Why I’m So Obsessed
Hollywood Regency is not about minimalism. It’s not about subtlety. It’s about making an entrance. It’s a love letter to glamour — to a time when interiors weren’t just designed to be lived in, they were designed to be seen. And in a world that’s often obsessed with neutrals and understatement, this style is a delicious reminder that interiors can still have personality, wit, and a touch of fabulous.
I adore its confidence: lacquered finishes, bold black-and-white contrasts, velvet chaise lounges, and sculptural gold accents that feel like jewelry for your home. It’s sexy. It’s playful. It’s dramatic in the best possible way.
How to Bring a Little Regency Into Your World
You don’t have to live on a movie set (though, call me if you do) to embrace the Hollywood Regency vibe. Here’s how to sprinkle some cinematic glamour into your home right now:
Add Statement Lighting – A crystal chandelier or oversized sculptural fixture instantly sets the tone. Think drama overhead.
Play With Mirrors – Mirrors are a signature of this style, not just for light and space, but for that glamorous, almost theatrical sparkle.
Embrace Bold Colour & Contrast – Go for jewel tones, glossy black and white, or rich gold accents. Don’t be shy — this style thrives on boldness.
Luxe Materials Are a Must – Velvet, lacquer, marble, and brass bring the richness and texture that Hollywood Regency is known for.
Go Sculptural – Curved furniture, gilded detailing, and art deco-inspired shapes add that sense of drama and form.
Final Curtain Call
At its heart, Hollywood Regency is about celebrating the beauty of excess — and doing it with elegance. It’s an invitation to live boldly, to mix sophistication with spectacle, and to create spaces that feel just as fabulous as you are.
So go ahead… hang that chandelier, lacquer those walls, and place that velvet sofa center stage. Because darling, your home deserves to feel like the star of the show — and Hollywood Regency is your red carpet moment.
— Joe ✨
