What’s your style? Hollywood Regency?

DISCOVER YOUR STYLE

Are you the life of the party?  Do you like things to be a bite fancy and over the top but not rigid and boring?  Do you crave a space that is filled with color, pattern, texture, opulence, and regalness all without being too fussy and overwhelming?  Are you a drama kid that’s adapted to the world the rest of us live in?  Well my friends, you may just be the perfect person for Hollywood Regency.

I have to say, this is one of my absolute favorite styles of interior design.  When you hear the name Kelly Wearstler, do you drop the phone and run to the television.  When traveling do you love places love Bellagio, Nubu, TAO, Mr. Chow and The Hotel Bel Air?  Would you like to have some of the elements you find in these places in your home?  I certainly would!

Basically, the goal of great Hollywood Regency design is to make your home feel as glamorous as possible.  That is it.  Nothing more or less.  This is achieved by the use of clean lines and ornate pieces.  Bold rich solids, black and white, and almost magical patterns work beautifully together.  

Let’s take a moment to first understand what Hollywood Regency is and how we can create it in our homes. HR draws influences from both art deco and mid century modern.  To be honest it is more eccentric than Art Deco.  It is not for the faint of heart.   If you like things that are over the top--this is it.  Hollywood Regency pays homage to the roaring 20’s.  When we think of the glamorous old Hollywood homes of actors and actresses everything that would be in their homes you would find in what?  You guessed it, Hollywood Regency.

Eclectic.  While it may be easy to think of Hollywood Regency as a hodge podge, this is not the case.  Traditionally, the best and finished materials of all levels would be used here.  In all fairness, we are not speaking of vintage flea market pieces but more of pieces that have Hollywood history.  HR is literally blending of a more “haute” style than that of Bohemian.  Louis XIV chairs, Duncan Phyfe sideboards that are lacquered in black or red, all paired with Chinoiserie.   It’s really minimalism meets excess.

Cohesive Color Palette.  While this style may seem all over the place, trust me it isn’t.  One of the prime reasons that Hollywood Regency doesn’t go to the point of being clown like is the fact that there is a consistency in color palettes and fabrics.  When examining fine examples of this style you are likely to see color repeated and fabric used in multiple instances in the same project.  This is a highly skilled and well thought out accomplishment if properly done.

Exaggerated Draperies.  If you have followed my design work, you have a clear understanding of how important window treatments and draperies are to giving any residential interiors project a tailored and polished finish.   In many modern styles I suggest to my clients that they keep the openings as free and clear as possible.  With this style...forget that.  This is your chance to go big and bold.  Think stage curtain.  If you were my client, I would suggest double and triple width floor to ceiling drapery panels.  They can be adorned with elaborate tiebacks, tapes, and beading.  A simple black and white vertical drape is a great place to start if you feel overwhelmed.

Beautiful layered Finishes.  One of the key components of HR is the way materials and finishes are layered together asymmetrical to tell a beautiful story.  I am talking about everything.  Metals like gold, brass, and bronze.  Black and Red Liquioure are a staple.  In many cases you will find solid walls of mirrors. As far as textiles everything can work.  Typically you will find satin, silk, velvet, faux fur, leather, and animals can all be layered beautifully.  Even furniture pieces can be layered together.  The example I like to offer my clients would be in the dining room.  Imagine an art deco glass top table, paired with bamboo chippendale dining chairs with (2) oversized wingback chair in a bold patterned fabric at the heads of the table?  Too much?  Remember I said it is all about being over the top.

With all of this said, what is Hollywood Regency? It is luxury ladies and gentlemen.  Nothing else to discuss.  To successfully pull it off, you will need to spend some real money.  I am speaking of the most luxurious rugs, the most exotic silks, antiques sourced from around the world, custom Murano glass pieces, and the list could go on and on.  

Wouldn’t you love to live in this type of playful luxury?  If you have immediate questions and concerns click the button below, I am offering complimentary 15 minute strategy calls. Need help? I am here to help in any way that I can.

Let’s speak more next week!  We have just one major design style to dissect.

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