Regencycore Is Taking Over Interior Design (Again)

2 weeks ago

It's all thanks to Bridgerton

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Regencycore Is Taking Over Interior Design (Again)

Bored of your current home setup? We hear the buzziest interiors trend on the scene right now is regencycore, a romantic, Georgian-inspired aesthetic that you might recognise from Netflix favourite Bridgerton. If this all sounds wonderfully intriguing, then read on; we’ve collated all our tips on bringing regencycore into our homes.

What Is Regencycore?

Built on themes of opulence, luxury and regality, regencycore is a burgeoning fashion and interior design trend that is inspired by the Regency era in England. Channelling escapist glamour and historical romance, the movement sees homes decorated with gilded mirrors, candelabras, damask wallpaper, ornate furniture and plenty of antiques – but it’s not all past persuasions. A mix of old and new, regencycore interiors blend antique, Regency-era pieces with more modern elements and silhouettes for a fresh, updated take on the historical style.

Bridgerton. Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton

The movement is experiencing a bit of a resurgence this spring – largely in thanks to regency period drama Bridgerton, which is set to hit screens this month for a third season. Searches for regencycore have increased by 163 percent on Google over the last month, and videos under the search term #regencycore have accumulated over 374 million views on TikTok.

But what makes us so fond of this era in time? ‘Despite the strict social conventions and hierarchies that governed people in the 19th century, people still found ways to celebrate and let loose,’ say Nick Drewe, trend expert and Wethrift founder, and Louisa Rodgers, Vintage Dealer and Fashion Communication Lecturer. ‘The parallel with our own time – in which social mobility is increasingly difficult and we are more aware of hierarchies and class privileges laid bare by the experience of the pandemic – could explain the resurgence of regencycore. Romanticising our current socioeconomic situation may reflect an escapism to the Regency period.

‘When thinking of regencycore interiors, think rich mahogany furnishings, sumptuous fabrics, heavy trims and intricate mouldings,’ they continue. ‘Regency interiors take the appealing aspects of cottagecore (the cosiness, the visual warmth, the wooden flooring) and elevate them beyond the farmhouse into something more lavish. The austerity and emphasis on making, doing, and mending of cottagecore is supplanted in regencycore with values that are arguably closer to our modern mindset; and emphasis on display, self-presentation and a fixation on social self-consciousness. It’s cottagecore, but chic, and without the hassle of looking after livestock.’

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in Bridgerton | Regencycore Interiors

Keen to try your hand at the trend? We’ve asked the experts to share their tips and tricks for getting the look at home:

Get The Look: Regencycore Interiors

Find Your Signature Colours

(L to R) Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in Bridgerton

It all starts with colour. In Bridgerton, colour is very important in establishing the visual language of certain characters and families – and it spans from their fashion and styling to how they keep their home. ‘The Featheringtons and the Bridgertons definitely have a colour palette all to themselves, which is what we set up from season one,’ explains the show’s production designer, Alison Gartshore. ‘We haven’t deviated from that [with season three]. The Featheringtons are very citrus colours, very yellows, greens, quite over the top, quite Versace in style. The Bridgertons are the opposite. They’re much more classic colours, very pared back, beautiful blues, delicate pinks, creams, and champagnes. The Cowpers are developing – we’re staying with the darker colours in order to match in with their house, so their colour palette will be a lot darker. We’re talking dark greys, ochres, possibly olive greens maybe we’ll introduce into there.’

Before embarking on a quest to find wallpapers, furnishings and knickknacks, find a colour palette that resonates with you and your home; you can use this as the base from which to build up your interior design plans.

Whimsical Wallpaper

(L to R) Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton in Bridgerton

Speaking of colours, you won’t find any plain white walls when it comes to regencycore interiors. ‘When you purchase a new-build home, they come as a truly blank canvas – meaning it is super easy to add your own flair. That being said, plain white walls do not scream 16th century manor. So, one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring the Regency style into your modern property is to add fixtures, fittings, and colour,’ points out Alison MacLean, who looks after the show homes for St. Modwen Homes. ‘A noticeable Regency trend we see in the show is beautifully decorated walls, with tapestry style artwork and nature-inspired paintings adorning key areas in the home. To replicate this easily in your own space, source a royal-worthy wallpaper and create a feature wall of your own – bonus points if you stick to the traditional Regency style pastel colour palette.’

Nina Campbell

Signature Sackville Stripe Wallpaper, £90