The Hollywood Regency style dates back to the late 1920s to the 1950s, during the golden age of Hollywood, and the name harkens back to the 19th century. Black-and-white movies gave way to technicolor, launching careers of classic stars such as Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Clark Gable.

Hollywood has always been known for its beautiful, luxurious sets. That sense of luxury seeped into the stars’ actual homes. Pioneered by design legends William Haines and Dorothy Draper, Draper coined the term “Hollywood Regency” as we know it. Both Haines’ and Draper’s styles were bold yet different, ushering new thoughts and ideas around interior design. Over the years, this glamorous style has evolved, it’s still a popular look today due to its clean lines polished with touches of glitz.

The Definition of Hollywood Regency Interior Style

This Hollywood glam interior design is defined by its open layouts, high contrast color palette, and how it blends the theatrical with the practical. Think of it as a combination of mid-century modern and art deco. Lines are clean but with flourishes of decorative details, achieving a balance between what’s beautiful and what’s functional.

This style is especially focused on the social aspects of a room. Designers take care to design around people socializing together. As a result, spaces are open with a few statement pieces mixed, while is furniture arranged in a way to promote conversation.

Characteristics of Hollywood Regency Interior Design

Hollywood Regency is all about beauty and embracing the best parts of set design. Beautiful lines, beautiful details, and sharing that beauty with others. Black and white is a popular base for the color palette, punctuated by jewel tones or bright colors as accents. Furniture typically has clean lines and is simple yet comfortable in its design. The surrounding accents such as lights, décor, art, and accessories are where the personality and self-expression shine here. However, it’s also important to strike that balance when it comes to the ornate and extravagant. Too much will be overpowering, and not enough will be lackluster. When in doubt, listen to Dorothy Draper’s advice, “If it looks right, it is right.”

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