Decorating Guides
Decorating Styles
Regency Style Shows Interiors a Grand Time
Lavish and hinting at the fantastical, regency designs are still influencing interior decorating 200 years after their birth
England's prince regent in the early 19th century, who later became King George IV, had a notoriously flamboyant lifestyle, was a leader of fashion and was an avid collector who spent much money on creating lavishly decorated homes. His reign (1811 to 1830) is now called the regency period, or time of regency classicism; it followed the Georgian period.
The style has its origins in the neoclassicism of the late 18th century, but the colonial holdings of England and France and the growing knowledge of remote civilizations spurred a fascination with exotic themes. The period became a strange mix of classicism and fantasy — an era of extremes from which we take much inspiration today.
The style has its origins in the neoclassicism of the late 18th century, but the colonial holdings of England and France and the growing knowledge of remote civilizations spurred a fascination with exotic themes. The period became a strange mix of classicism and fantasy — an era of extremes from which we take much inspiration today.
The most spectacular example of the regency period is the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, U.K. — a residence and pleasure palace designed for the prince by John Nash. A mix of Oriental styles, domes, elaborate chandeliers, gilded furniture and exotic pinks, reds and greens make it an example of the playful and fantastic aspect of regency design — similar to the look of this dining room.
The classicism of the regency period's architecture can be clearly seen here. Domes were frequently used in the more grand designs of the day. Elaborate chandeliers were also popular — this one adds a playful note to the dining space.
Chinoiserie was a big feature of regency design, adding the exotic to a more restrained and classical style. Today you can find many beautiful chinoiserie wallpapers in numerous colors, and the dining room can be a great setting for the style's inherent drama.
Chinoiserie is used in panels with a contrasting color here. It gives a sense of the flamboyant and exotic regency period.
Classical friezes featured greatly in the architecture of the era and were also carried through to wallpaper friezes, and as decorative motifs on a wide range of objects. This room shows an interpretation of the frieze above a modern take on the regency stripe.
Regency furniture is elegant, often made of woods like mahogany and rosewood. Veneers were popular, often with decorative inlays and ornamental details in brass. The foo dog in this hallway vignette is typical of the exoticism of the era.
Regency Monopodia Console Table
Regency-style table and chair legs often carry carvings in fanciful motifs, such as the leg of a lion tapering to a single foot, called a monopodia. There are many regency reproductions and adaptations of this design available.