Dearest Gentle Reader,
Whether you’re a fan of period dramas or not, you’d have been hard-pressed to let Bridgerton pass you by since it first hit our screens back in 2020. The Netflix show, inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels, was the most-watched series when it premiered and is set to return for a third series mid-May. It also spawned a resurgence in Regency-style decor and sparked the Regencycore trend that continues to influence the world of interiors today.
Parquet TV unit | @donna_dunham_babertongrange
The show follows the lives of the Bridgerton siblings – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth – as they navigate London high society during the Regency era, with Lady Whistledown the unseen author of the scandalous tittle-tattle Society Pages newsletter.
The hotly anticipated new series will tell the unfolding love story between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, alongside the captivating early chapters of Kate and Anthony Bridgerton’s union.
Premiering on Netflix on Thursday 16 May 2024, we’re throwing the spotlight back on Regencycore and showing you how to add a bit of historical glamour to your home.
The inspiration behind the trend
Credit: Netflix
Regencycore, the regal relative of cottagecore, reimagines the decadent looks that were characteristic of this period – think elegant drapery, lashings of colour, luxurious fabrics, decorative gold accessories, ornate patterns and panelling.
Credit: Netflix
Choosing Regency-style furniture
Henley coffee table | Henley TV unit | Henley side table | Malvern sofa
Furniture in this period was neo-classical in style and heavily influenced by discoveries made during travels across Europe and beyond. Symmetry, both in terms of design and room layout, was a key characteristic of the Regency era, with painted furniture also popular during this time.
Montgomery armchair | Burleigh sideboard | Burleigh side table
Elegant scroll arms were often seen on chairs, chaises and formal-style seating, with our Montgomery armchair and sofas the perfect way to introduce these subtle and beautiful curves into your own living space. The use of dark woods in furniture also gained momentum during the Regency period, with the delicate turned feet of our Montgomery tapping into this aesthetic.
Newton four-poster bed | @livingwith_sienna
For a more modern take on this era’s iconic style, our four-poster bed from the Newton range brings instant regal elegance to your space. For ultimate flexibility, the four-poster element can be removed so you can easily adapt it to a standard bed frame if your space or taste changes further down the line.
Adding Regency colours to your home
Credit: Netflix
From muted pastel tones to radiant shades, colour was a key feature of the Regency period, and while white was a popular choice for clothing, yellow, green, pink, blue and purple were also shades that were seen in both interior and fashion design.
Credit: Netflix
The Bridgerton family’s signature colour is Wedgewood Blue, an iconic and understated heritage shade that takes its name from the 18th-century pottery brand. This beautiful colour is woven into their gowns and the decor of the Bridgerton family home, and is often teamed with delicate golds.
Credit: Netflix
The Featherington family’s style is much more flamboyant and their use of lime and olive greens reflects their vibrant household. Adding accessories, such as velvet cushions, in these colours is a subtle way to add a touch of Regency flair to your space without committing to painting the walls or replacing your sofa.
Burleigh chest of drawers | @thelightshesees
Panelling was also a design feature that often appeared in properties during this time. If you don’t live in a period home that has original wall panels, you can easily recreate the look, with half or full walls now particularly popular. Paint it in a different colour to make a focal point of the panelling, or go tonal for a more subtle take on the trend.
Picking Regency-style prints
Hove bedside table | @danielle.lisle_
Using prints and patterns on furniture upholstery, the walls and even decorative ornaments, was a popular design feature during Regency times. Patterned wallpaper, particularly damask and floral motifs, was used to add an extra dimension of elegance to rooms. For a contemporary take on this, choose a modern black and white palette that references botanical design.
Parquet double bed | @houseofjackandboo
Another nice way to introduce Regency-style details to your home is through artwork. Choose botanical or floral prints in similar colourways, and for maximum impact group together to really make a feature of the space.
We hope you have picked up some ideas for adding a touch of Regencycore to your home. Make sure to tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram as we’d love to see your style.
