Trending: Hollywood Regency

The Hollywood Regency style came about in the 1930's among designers and actors in Hollywood. The iconic Dorothy Draper who founded the first interior design firm in the United States and the self taught ex-actor William Haines influenced starlets to decorate their homes in this style. Taking inspiration from the glitz and glam of Hollywood and Art Deco film sets, the Hollywood Regency style is simply over-the-top. It went through many stages and reached it's peak in 1960's Los Angeles. In its earliest form, it included many elements of neoclassicism but eventually became more modern, dramatic and bright. Fans of the Hollywood Regency style included Joan Crawford and Carole Lombard. Current masters of this style are Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler. Some trademarks of this style are:

1) Mirrors- obviously abundant in dressing rooms, mirrors were brought into the home as well

2) Bold Color- though it wasn't seen in the black & white films of the time, a mix of daring colors was always used

3) Mixing & Matching- it's all about making the space perfect for the individual. keep going until the space feels right.
4) Luxury- velvet and silk are the order of the day

5) Lacquer- use super glossy spray paint to get this look yourself

6) Asian Influence- faux bamboo and Chinoiserie wallpaper all the way

Here are some examples, with my favorite part of the room named below the image, just for kicks:



Designed by Ken Fulk
Pop art



Designed by Kelly Wearstler
Pink door



Shag rug

Red trim

Turquoise walls



Designed by Jonathan Adler
Owl vase



Ikat fabric



Designed by Mary McDonald
Symmetry

Image via Elle Decor
Chandelier



Here are my very first attempts at HR:

This scheme is playful and bright with a pink, yellow and turquoise palette. There is a mix of woods, patterns, and shapes. I love the repitition of the Chippendale-esque designs in the bottom three images. I didn't think I would be too crazy about this collage but I am! It reminds me of Florida :) But it may be too '80's.....

This one is much more regal and luxe, with neoclassical elements and velvet on all of the seating. It is French inspired with Asian accents. I have a really great image of this room in my mind, but I don't know how successful it is as a collage. It needs more green.

This post was really difficult for me because Hollywood Regency isn't easily defined. There have been so many evolutions over the years, that it is now more of a "feeling" than a specific style. Plus, I found sooo many great pieces and couldn't include them all....I hate that!

Do you like this style? Which of the collages do you prefer?