Style guide
Regency interior design
What I find so appealing about Regency interior design is its versatility and the premium feel it adds to a space. The Regency style is all about being bold and luxurious, as it’s a blend of Hollywood glam and classic elegance. I’ve got all the know-how for you to replicate this regal style in your home. Read on to find out more.
24th January 2024
Where does Regency style come from?
Regency style is a British style of architecture and interior design that originated in the United Kingdom back in the early 19th century.
It also sits under the more general Georgian style which you may be familiar with.
This era saw the rise of private theatres and literary societies, which brought with them an increased interest in literature, fashion, and social activities.
The Regency period was a time of rebirth and renewal in Britain, following the wars with France.
This new age saw a return to elegance, with an emphasis on simple lines and classical details.
It’s true what they say – history certainly repeats itself, as over the past few years we’ve seen a resurgence in regency interior design because of the likes of popular shows such as Bridgerton.
After the first season aired Google searches for Regency–inspired styles increased by a whopping +9500%.
With this there will likely come a surge of interest in a particular aesthetic you may have seen become popular over the past year: Regencycore.
What is Regencycore?
So what exactly is Regencycore?
The Regencycore aesthetic is named after the Regency era, which took place in the U.K. and lasted for only 9 years from 1811 to 1820.
During this time, Prince George IV was a regent, taking the throne in place of his father, King George III, who was ill. George IV represented glamour, elegance, culture and romantic liaisons.
These then became the embodiment of the English Regency period.
Popular culture has reignited a love affair with anything Regencycore - you can now easily get yours hands on four poster beds and gold antique effect furniture.
How to achieve English Regency style
In my opinion, the Regency style is elegant and opulent and achieving this doesn’t have to be expensive.
There are many clever touches and accessories I can recommend for you to incorporate to enhance the grandeur of a room.
To achieve the ultimate look that even Her Majesty would approve of, I'm talking opulent, sultry boudoirs with sophisticated furnishings.
Regency style is a mix of colour and pattern with an abundance of shiny gold and dark wood accents all mixed together.
The style is intricate but not dainty. It’s sturdy and exudes opulence and elegance, it's all about historical glamour, careful colour coordination and regal patterns.
In the Regency period, people had a taste for ornate decorations.
They were often made of gold or silver and adorned with gemstones.
I recommend adding these items within your interior décor scheme to get the look:
- Statues and figurines
- Antique vases
- Wall and floor mirrors to open up the space
- Wall sconces
- Patterned or embossed wallpaper
- Traditional style picture frames
- Antique clocks (if you have an old home) or contemporary wall clocks with ornate designs on them
- Lamps with a striking gold or silver base
- Area rugs
- Throw pillows
- Candles
- Anything gold or silver (added gemstones are a bonus!)
- You can also achieve Regency style through your choice of colour.
Recently there's been a popular culture influence of Modern Regencycore as large stately homes with wood panelling and high ceilings are consistently appearing in trending TV and film releases.
The impressive countryside settings of the Saltburn mansion, the Burkett’s family home in Fool Me Once and the Ardoss castle that plays backdrop to The Traitors all offer an insight into the glamorous world of stately homes.
Old, historical buildings like these give the opportunity to modernise whilst keeping the heritage style that they have adopted over the years.
Each has colour palette that juxtaposes rich, deep tones with modern neutrals, all accented by gold features.
There’s definitely an appetite for bringing a sense of this luxury, heritage design into the modern day, combining the styles of different eras to create a space that is both opulent and cutting-edge.
This take on regency style combines modern glamour with timeless elegance, and it's accessible for anyone to introduce to their home.
Lastly, I'd recommend create cosy intimate nooks in your home, such as a reading corner and introduce light fixtures with elaborate detailing and a warm glow.
Another style I've had my eye on lately is Antique Accents which is comparable to Regencycore and may also be up your street.
If you adore the charm and character of vintage furniture but don't want to compromise on modern comfort and style, I suggest considering antique-inspired accent pieces.
These carefully designed elements aim to capture the look and feel of antiques, but with a contemporary twist.
Whether it's a brass pendant light, an ornate mirror, or a carved side table, incorporating these pieces into your space will infuse it with personality and flair.
Regency style colours
When I think of regal properties and opulent colours, my mind leans towards darker and richer tones.
A bold mix of colours including rich reds and golds, layered with creams would be my first choice.
I'd also recommend going for a more modern colour pallet with light blues and pinks to achieve the style.
My favourite regal colours:
- Red
- Gold
- Cream
- Blue
- Purple
- Green
- Pink
How to achieve Regency style with fabrics
Now I've outlined which colours scream regal, it’s time to turn to Regency fabrics.
This era certainly has an emphasis on neutrals, white and ivory.
I recommend using strong, bold fabrics like velvet, damask and silk due to their superiority and effortlessly transform your home furnishings from drab to fab.
Velvet furniture has long been a feature of regal interiors - from plush sofas to dramatic dining chairs.
To modernise your velvet furnishings, accessorise them with contrasting cushions and opt for a muted tone such as beige or brown.
Opt for fabrics with intricate patterns to add visual interest to any corner of your room – even if they’re just used on throw pillows or curtains.
Drapes and wall hangings are also an essential element of any Regency interior.
In the days before central heating, incorporating plenty of fabrics into your decor was a simple way to prevent rooms from becoming chilly.
In a modern home, this may no longer be a consideration, but an ornate set of curtains will help you achieve the same ambience.
Aim for heavy, yet flowing drapery at windows with gold plaited tiebacks.
Fringed rugs with floral patterns are exactly what you need to tie the room together.
How to achieve Regency style with furniture
Regency style furniture is elegant and intricate you can use it to achieve the regency look in your home. Here are some of my top furniture ideas:
- Opt for upholstered furniture using strong, bold fabrics such as velvet
- Check out recliners for your reading nook or somewhere to relax
- Nothing says regal style like an elaborate chandelier, it’s all in the detail so don’t forget about your light fixtures
- Chaise lounges are a must if they suit your existing décor, though we know in modern day homes this may be a bit much! Nevertheless, they’re perfect for resting while reading, taking a nap, or relaxing after a long day
- Look out for wooden furniture made from mahogany and walnut as they offer an opulent feel
- Day beds and sofa beds are also very popular in this style of decorating because they can be used as an extra bed when you have guests over
- Add some floral porcelain tableware to elevate your dining space
- Brass and gold floor or table lamps, light fittings and switches can really help to elevate your interior design. Pairing golds and brasses with those deep colour shades perfectly achieves the Regency-core look
- Etched wine goblets served on a decorative tray would certainly add a royal touch to your side table
- Chesterfield sofas and armchairs are another great option if you want to create the perfect old world feel throughout your home! They’ll add comfortability without sacrificing any elegance; that’s what makes them so versatile
- Footstools are often upholstered and cushioned meaning they offer ultimate comfort so you can stretch out and provide extra legroom for your guests
The Regency era saw a move towards creating more intimate spaces, particularly the Regency style living room.
Furniture was no longer carefully arranged around the room, but clustered around a table or fireplace where the family and their guests could relax and socialise.
How to get the Regency style on a budget
There are more subtle ways of adding a little bit of grandeur to your home.
Console tables are an ideal piece to create a focal point in a hall or lounge.
Panels of wallpaper are another excellent but sophisticated way of adding a stately feel to your home without being too extravagant.
I also think it's worth considering plaster mouldings and deep coving to walls and ceilings to add the final touches.
As mentioned, this era also saw a lot of gold or silver finishes on its furniture items for an opulent factor.
This can be difficult to replicate in the modern world without spending a fortune (which may not be in your budget), but there are some affordable ways I can help you get around this:
- Try adding some gold accents on tables (e.g. candlesticks) or other small pieces of furniture
- Look to spray paint existing furniture gold or silver for a quick and simple revamp
- Look for gold or silver-look furniture as this can still give you the same aesthetic without the price tag
- You can also use gold accents to add interest to your furniture pieces – for example by using gold-coloured accessories on tables or painting the legs of chairs with this colour
- Silver and copper tones complement these neutral shades nicely when used sparingly as well
- How about opting for a velvet sofa? This will certainly bring an air of luxe into your home. From our beautiful, statement Bloom range to our more understated Sovereign collection, you too can enjoy the luxury of velvet
Regency styling for interior design summary:
- This era of interior design originated back to the early 19th century
- This bought with it a huge return to elegance, with an emphasis on simple lines and classical details during this time
- Silver and gold accents are one of the most effective ways to incorporate this style through your accents and accessories
- Drapes, fringed rugs and wall hangings are just a few of the well-known Regency style pieces
- Fabrics play a huge role in adding a luxe feel, particularly velvet, damask and chintz
- So do colours – you can certainly keep it neutral and understated with ivory and neutrals or go for deep reds and metal accents for a more statement regal approach
- Lastly and most importantly, adding understated luxury into your home needn’t break the bank!
Hopefully you’re now feeling inspired by my tips to turn your home into a palace fit for royalty.
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