'Bridgerton'-Inspired Regency Home Decor

Just to give a bit of background, the English Regency period refers to when George IV, the prince regent, served in the place of his father, George III, between 1810 and 1820. During this period, George IV was responsible for one of the most recognizable buildings in England — the Royal Pavilion. With its Moorish domes and minarets, the building's architecture was inspired by the global influences of the ever-expanding British empire. The pavilion's interior boasted chinoiserie and elaborate wallpaper, chintz, bamboo furniture, intricately carved wood and metal pieces, and bold colors. These easily recognizable features of the Regency interior were quickly adapted by the upper classes of the time to appear on trend with the royals.

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Two centuries later, we are still fascinated by the prosperity and innovation of this period, along with its strict cultural rules upheld by the very wealthy. "Bridgerton" has given us a window into swoon-worthy Regency interior design that can be emulated for modern tastes. While it may not be possible to dress and live in the manner of the Ton of Regency London, you can bring some fun and fabulous "Bridgerton"-inspired decor into your own home. Here are some key decorating ideas even Lady Whistledown would find worthy of writing about:

• Regency drawing rooms were places to showcase opulence and luxury. Furniture was arranged symmetrically to encourage courtship and conversation. The period is characterized by touches of gold and brass everywhere, including on large ornate mirrors, sconces, chandeliers, candelabras, clocks, and ornate frames showcasing works of art.
• To explore the Regency aesthetic, start by adding one or two design elements. Consider investing in a four-poster bed, an antique dressing table or a console table. Any one of these pieces may be just enough to convey the "Bridgerton" vibe. To further achieve the antique feel, look for vintage or heirloom pieces with ornate details. Classic furniture in rich woods like mahogany or cherry were highly prized elements of Regency decor.
• Regency homes were defined by their use of pastel colors, including cream, Wedgewood blue and soft gold tones. Dash these colors generously on everything from the walls to the floors and accent pieces. Paint an accent wall in any one of these colors to instantly create a sense of Regency style. Look for wallpaper in simple floral patterns or go all in and opt for an intricate damask pattern. You can keep it constrained and only paper an accent wall instead of an entire room. Window treatments are another opportunity to bring color and texture into the room. Add pastel-hued floral curtains to complement the wall colors. For the floors, look for vintage-inspired Oriental rugs to give any room a sense of global sophistication.
• Another hallmark of the period was the lavish use of luxurious fabrics to provide comfort and communicate opulence. Velvet and satin are ideal choices for creating a sense of luxury in any room. Velvet-upholstered sofas, chairs and accent pillows are ways to bring in this luxurious fabric. Hang floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains to frame the windows. Hold them in place with tasseled tiebacks to complete the look.

It is possible to create a scaled-down version of the Regency period in your own home. What could be more fun than binge-watching episodes of "Bridgerton" while reclining gracefully across your own cushioned divan. Contact us for more ideas on how to decorate your home in the style of your favorite movie or TV show.

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