Regencycore Is Taking Over Interior Design (Again)
By
8 months ago
It's all thanks to Bridgerton
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.
(c) Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix © 2024
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.’
(c) Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix © 2024
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
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024
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
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023
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.’
Crown Moulding & Wall Panelling
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024
If wallpaper isn’t your style, there are plenty of other ways in which to adorn your walls in the Regency style. Crown moulding, for example, was a popular interior design staple and was primarily used to add an elegant, refined look to rooms; the Regency era embraced ornate architectural details, and crown moulding was one way to incorporate this decorative element into homes. ‘In Bridgerton we see each and every wall detailed with intricate carvings and delicate woodwork,’ adds Alison. ‘Structural additions to your walls such as coving, panelling, and chair rail moulding instantly add interest and character. Panelling kits are available from as little as £15 from some DIY shops, and can effectively transform a plain wall into something much more Bridgerton.’
Regal Rugs
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024
While many Regency estates were home to swathes of honey-toned wooden floors, these were usually accessorised with an ornate rug. These were ideal for creating a greater sense of flow through the whole space, as many rug designs complemented an interior’s colour palette or theme.
‘Ruggable’s widely publicised recent floor-rug regencycore-inspired collection reflects a lightening-up of interior trends that are moving away from sleek, polished styles into ones that reimagine nostalgic, whimsical prints and colourways,’ add Nick and Louisa. ‘See it as dopamine decor’s sophisticated older sister, which prioritises pastels over neon, and florals over geometrics, but still aims to make the home a calm, cosy and inviting space.’
Statement Sofas
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2020
And now for the furniture. ‘Furniture in the Bridgerton show oozes sophistication and class, with dark woods, delicate details, and sophisticated upholstery taking centre stage,’ says Alison. ‘The Bridgertons love to have dramatic chats on an ornamental sofa, for example – especially one with scrolled arms and tufted velvet textiles. And lucky for you, this setup is easy to replicate.’
Ornate Glassware
(c) Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix © 2024
Bridgerton wouldn’t be Bridgerton without a ball, dinner party or social soiree – and at these events, you rarely see characters without a drink in their hand. Staff are regularly seen flitting around the room during these events, holding aloft silver trays topped with punch glasses and champagne flutes. You might not get the same service when hosting a party in your own home, but that shouldn’t stop you from stocking up your display cabinet with pretty glasses. And the best places to shop them? Antique fairs, markets and charity shops.
Beautiful Bedding
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022
And now to the bedroom – or, more specifically, the bed. The beds in Bridgerton are as ornate as every other furnishing in the show, so you need to really up your bedscaping game when it comes to channeling regencycore interiors. Think four poster bed frames, plush patterned quilts, fluffy pillows and a scattering of cushions to top it all off.
A Decorated Study
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024
Moving away from the bedroom, the study is another crucial part of the Regency home. You’ll want yours decked out with a sturdy desk (set with paper weights, organisers and candles), chair and shelves upon shelves of books. You can also bulk out the space with armchairs, storage boxes and various knickknacks. Need inspiration? Take a quick peek at Anthony’s study – just don’t get distracted by the canoodling lovers by the desk…
Antique Finds
(c) Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022
And when it comes to the finishing touches, your best bet is hitting up your local secondhand hotspots. ‘If you are looking for some more authentic furnishings, a trip to the charity shop is absolutely on the cards,’ agrees Alison. ‘Second-hand shops, antique dealers and even Facebook Marketplace is full of interior gems just waiting to be uncovered – and you might even find some authentic Regency pieces for a bargain price. Look for mahogany storage pieces, ornamental occasional chairs, and oversized landscape paintings. You’ve stuck gold if they come in golden or engraved frames.’
Featured image: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024
