A mash up of Marie Antoinette, meets Twiggy. “Hollywood Regency” is a form of interior design that a lot of people enjoy seeing. If we really think, and dissect this design we notice elements of old and new. From times of corset driven women, to the wild dance parties of the go-go dancers. This look has proven to be timeless though in and out. Just think about it, since around 1750 to present day this look has maintained its regal, yet simplistic reputation. I truly believe the key factor in this look is the wood framing that ornate’s the walls. You can get as simple as a rectangle, or as complex as a rectangular octagon. Either way the wooden frames will get you the look to achieve the glamour of “Hollywood Regency”.

This is a perfect example of a living room in the 1960′s. The use of wooden frames on the walls produce a grand feeling throughout the room. Though there is a minimal use of black, we do see the application of primary colors.  By placing the frames on the walls we notice that the feeling of the room does go up in a vertical scale. Low lying furniture also helps with this feeling of a French style palace. Another thing that we see to achieve this look of  ”Hollywood Regency” is a matching theme that is carried out through the entire room. Even though this is a room in the 1960′s, we can definitely see where the “Hollywood Regency” that we know, and love today was pulled from. A little change that we can notice with this photo would be the use of wallpaper, with the wooden frames. What can we say? People loved the use of wild wallpapers during  the 1960′s up until the 1990′s.

Based off of the picture we see the beginnings of the “Hollywood Regency” style which depicts Louis XVI design in a great way. Again, we notice the grand walls, with wooden trim panels which decorate in a majestic rectangular pattern, and the simplicity in the furniture. During this time the furniture became more linear and rectangular, which is far from the old ways of florals, and rolling arms on sofas. Thin legs in the furniture make for a dainty, fragile look. I can just imagine Marie Antoinette having one of her lavish parties in this room. Of course, the color pallet would of been a little more muted than the regency that we know of today. Moreover, we can definitely see the lovely pieces that have been taken from this time in today’s design.

This masterpiece is a modern day version of “Hollywood Regency” design. Notice that all of the key factors in the previous pictures are meticulously placed throughout the room. The Louis XVI furniture is placed in the center of the room, not pushed against the wall. The placement of furniture against the wall is something that designers did in the 1960′s photo. By placing the furniture in the middle, you receive more of an intimate atmosphere for the room.This effect is being pulled from the black and white photo listed above. Another aspect that I think was genius in pulling out the 60′s look is the carnival glass inspired cylinder lights. Instead of placing one chandelier in the middle, it was divided into two lighting fixtures placed over the seating. This allows the viewer to focus more on the table in the room, and the armor over the mantel. I don’t know about you, but I love the the dramatic red frames that ornate the walls. They chose a white wall but to jazz it up the bold red makes a “Big Pop” (like my aunt would say). Just to point out this recurring theme we notice… That’s right, the wooden trim on the walls. This look is something that does not necessarily take a lot of furniture but a great deal of bold color detailing. Anyone can achieve this look with a simple color pallet, minimal furniture, a constant theme, and soon enough the glitz and glamour will begin to take effect. Enjoy.

Patrick Hillegass