Embrace the allure of Regencycore: interior design inspiration
Impress the ton with these Bridgerton-inspired Regencycore ideas. We’re going to take a step back in time to gild your decor with (high-tea) infusions of sophisticated charm and elegant couture.
Taking inspiration from the Regency era to enhance your interior aesthetics, we’ve put together our favourite looks and features to pay homage to the trends of that time.
Despite lasting less than a decade (1811 – 1820), the Regency era saw culture blossom and romance bloom through artists and novelists such as Jane Austen, Lord Byron, John Keats and William Wordsworth. (There’s a reason why so many romances are set in this period!)
So, grab your dance card and tick off your favourite looks of the season. You never know, your debuting decor might become the Queen’s diamond of the season!
How Regencycore grew its allure
Ever since season 1 of Bridgerton aired in 2020, Regencycore has been making a comeback. And with season 3 on the way soon, everyone is excited to see the fashions and interiors of the beloved era back on their screens.
As a style, Regencycore is defined by its timeless beauty, playful charm, and effortless sophistication. It’s appealed to people for decades due to the romanticism of period dramas and the simpler and more playful way of life it showcases.
The aesthetic is given a modern makeover in Bridgerton, which is most fondly found throughout the whimsical set pieces and in the dreamy costumes.
However, it still begs the question: What elements define Regencycore and how can you incorporate them into your home (without going back in time!)? Let’s take a look…
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The key elements of Regencycore interior design
1. A soft colour palette
Embrace Regencycore with soft and elegant interiors that transport you to a world of fantasy and grandeur.
Think pastel blues, pale pinks, and soft greens; then combine them with natural and neutral hues like ivory and cream to keep the finish muted and on-trend.
A vanity table is a quintessential Regency-era bedroom staple. Whether you embrace an opulent design or choose to keep it simple, don’t forget to embrace the playfulness of the aesthetic with modern accents.
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2. Ornate furniture pieces
Furniture is a fundamental element of Regencycore design, so it’s important to find pieces that suit your home and elevate your surrounding decor. Regency furniture is often defined by delicate tapered legs, ornate details, and graceful curves.
To capture the Bridgerton aesthetic, consider incorporating chaise longues, slipper chairs, and tables with gilded accents throughout your living room.
Upholstered furniture often features fine fabrics such as silk and velvet, echoing the regal elegance of the period. For example, this black and gold piece would work perfectly in a vintage-loving home.
3. Elegant patterns and the ‘Regency stripe’
Regencycore interiors often feature classic patterns including stripes, damasks, and florals. Whether simple or intricate, you’ll find these patterns on wallpaper, upholstery, drapery, and even tablecloths! The key is making sure these patterns remain understated but harmonious with the rest of your room’s decor.
The quintessential ‘Regency stripes’ tend to be wider than candy stripes but narrower than awning stripes. They’re also called Bengal stripes and tiger stripes because they originated in India before the UK embraced them during the Regency era.
Related content: 13 Living room wallpaper ideas.
4. Gilded tones and dazzling chandeliers
Ornate chairs, crystal chandeliers, and mirrors with intricate frames are all recognisable Regencycore elements. They add instant opulence and help to create an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement.
Gilded walls, chairs, mirrors, and other accents are also typical of this classic era. So, make sure you include these luxe elements for a hit of instant sophistication.
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5. Panelled walls and architectural details
Incorporating architectural elements such as wainscoting, crown moulding, and pilasters will give your home an instant Bridgerton-esque finish.
They were originally designed as practical features to cover up dampness and add extra insulation. However, they’re now elegant and stylish features that help add interest to any home.
Include simple or intricate moulding and pilaster designs (depending on your taste), and use them to emphasise each room’s decor and style.
Related content: Wall mural ideas: Whimsical and wonderful designs.
6. Whimsical accessories and art
A popular Regency feature of the time was Chinoiserie, which was influenced by China and other Asian countries, and gave a nod to oriental design styles.
Colourful and bold patterns were found on wallpaper, tablecloths, and upholstery – similar to the Featherington family’s signature style!
Complete the look by adding finishing touches with period-appropriate accessories. For example, classical artwork, fresh flowers or potted plants, and gilded picture frames, cutlery, and porcelain figurines.
7. Empire-style interiors born from rivalry
The Empire style of France and the Regency style of England were both born out of neoclassicism. Considering the rivalry between the Prince Regent and Napoleon I, this resulted in increasingly opulent interiors in an attempt to outdo each other.
Velvet, silk, and gold were common fabrics, while draperies, mouldings, and wall hangings were the norm. Even bathrooms weren’t safe. Elaborate wallpaper, curtains, and architectural details furnished even the plainest of rooms.
Related content: 9 stylish bathroom decoration ideas to inspire you.
8. High tea for higher society
Drawing rooms with furniture made from dark and heavy woods, such as mahogany, rosewood, and zebrawood are Regencycore at its finest.
Paired with open fireplaces and elaborate mantlepieces, a soft decor palette and plenty of Grecian couches with roll-curve ends – this is how people knew they were in the presence of class.
9. Canopy beds and drapes
Although canopy beds were a health and insulation necessity in the Regency era, they’re now used to add whimsy and interest to a grand bedroom.
Luxurious textiles such as silk and velvet were added to upholstery and curtains to bring out the richness of the house. However, organza, linen, voile, and Sateen are modern cheaper alternatives that offer the same finish for fewer pennies.
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10. Simple panelling and paint finishes
A more muted and transitional Regencycore aesthetic incorporates all the classical elements and none of the pomp.
For example, this room includes soft drapery, split wall wainscotting, soft teal block paint, mahogany chairs with chinoiserie upholstery, and a simple chandelier. The Bridgerton family would approve.
11. Classical art and intricate coving
For those who prefer their Regency decor on the more neoclassical side, you can’t go wrong with a ballroom aesthetic. Typical neoclassical symbols include festoons, vases, decorative bands with repeated patterns, and large classical art pieces.
This room includes elaborate period cornices and mouldings interspersed with wall hangings and chinoiserie-styled wallpaper. It’s perfect for those debutante balls and intimate dances with relative strangers you can’t seem to break eye contact with…
Related content: Cost to build the Queen’s drawing room.
Top tips for incorporating Regencycore into your home
- Start with a neutral base and layer on the soft pastel colours and patterns
- Invest in key furniture pieces that embody the Regencycore style (dark woods are typical of the era)
- Add luxurious textiles such as silk and velvet to upholstery and curtains to embrace the opulence
- Don’t forget the power of lighting; crystal chandeliers and table lamps with silk shades will elevate the ambience
- Mix antique and vintage pieces with modern accents to strike a balance between the past and present
- Pay attention to small details including doorknobs, cabinet hardware, and drawer pulls. Opt for ornate, metallic options to enhance the overall aesthetic
Final thoughts: The versatility of Regencycore
One of the remarkable aspects of Regencycore interior design is its versatility. Whether you’re decorating a grand ballroom or a cosy living room, you can adapt the Regencycore style to any space. This adaptability means you’re able to embrace the charm of Bridgerton in your own living space, regardless of its size or layout.
So, why not offer your hand and solidify your commitment to Regencycore design? It’s a style both stunning and enduring, offering an elegance that will have you sipping tea and receiving guests in a beautifully designed room that feels like you’re in a Bridgerton episode.
Did you find these Regencycore ideas useful? There’s more where this came from! Read our blog for the latest design trends, cost guides, and home improvement tips.
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