WHY IN DESIGN COLUMN: What Is Hollywood Regency Design Style?
Hollywood Regency style design by designer David Hicks
Marlene Dietrich’s Hollywood Home Designed by Elsie de Wolfe
More About My Favorite Design Style,
Hollywood Regency
There are many styles of design that influence my interiors, but which one is my favorite? I was recently asked this question in an interview. Over the years the terms Hollywood Regency has morphed to become elevated as one of the most modern design styles. This is what comes to my mind and why I love Hollywood Regency. Channeling Art Deco sensibilities, Hollywood Regency rooms often emphasizing symmetry, geometric shapes, sun-burst mirrors, gilt wood furniture and mirrors, bold coloring with black and white, geometrics, and metallic detailing. The textiles are luxurious with cut velvets, bold tropical prints and geometric patterns on the rugs, fabric and furniture. But, what I admire most about this style and what perseveres over time, is the incredible eclectic use of furniture (both vintage and modern) from varying timeframes and styles in a room so it feels forever modern. Many elements come together with this style. Come take a look at some of my favorites...
Dorothy Draper's designs for the Greenbrier Hotel 
Who developed and created the Hollywood Regency Style of Design in the US?
You may have read my post recently about the six most influential American interior designers, and Dorothy Draper was on my list. In the 20th century actress/interior designer Dorothy Draper helps to carve out a niche for this designs style in her many projects including the design of the Greenbrier Hotel. Draper is credited for coining the phrase and developing the design style first for residential spaces then in some of the country's most iconic hotels- Manhattan's Carlyle, San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel, Chicago's Drake, New York's Sherry-Netherland, Rio De Janeiro's Palacio Quitandinha, New York's Hampshire House, and her most well known- West Virginia's Greenbrier Hotel. Interior Designer David Hicks influenced this aesthetic with his bold use of textiles channeling lots of geometrics.
Current-day designer Celerie Kemble utilizes many of the elements in her projects- the recent renovation of Palm Beach's Colony Hotel.
Where does it come from?
The style takes the traditional aspects of Regency and adds a bit of glitz and glamour. It came to popularity during the 1930s-1960’s during the “Golden Age of Hollywood”. Many film sets feature this style at the time drawing influences from The Art Deco Movement as well as taking the good bones from Regency and Georgian styles.
What do I like about the design style?
The bold color usage as well as an over the top luxury in the detailing. My favorite interior color (I call it peacock or prussian) was used a lot during the Hollywood Regency time. It’s a lovely hue of deep blue and green combined (think of those beautiful Parisian doors on historic buildings). You’ll often see this color and others like rich greens pinks with touches of black in a Hollywood Regency style design.. But, make no mistake, at the center of the style is an accent on glamor- brought forward through metallic accents on furniture and mirrors and accents, high-gloss painted finishes (even ceilings). Lots of mirrored surfaces and all to create light and a sense of drama. The textiles are generally luxurious with hand cut velvets and rich satin fabric (almost like a gorgeous ball gown) and you will most certainly see an array of geometric patterns like chevrons, Greek Key and lattice on rugs, upholstery and on furniture detailing. When I think of Hollywood Regency I think of Marilyn Monroe and her opulent design style.
another modern-day designer showcasing a modern version of
Hollywood regency, Miles Redd
