How to: Master the Hollywood Regency aesthetic

Conjuring the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood’s heyday, the Hollywood Regency aesthetic is one of the most sumptuous around, but it’s also one that can be tricky to master (ie. its hallmark bold prints, colour and accessories aren’t always that easy to pull together). We caught up with interior designer Bethany James-Best of James Said, a luxury online purveyor of Hollywood Regency wares, who brought us up to speed on the aesthetic and how to use it in your home.

“Hollywood Regency is known for its bold colours, such as dramatic black and white, yellow, red and magenta. Geometric patterns, Chinoiserie, large stripes and over the top florals are another big part of the Hollywood Regency look,” says Bethany who does warn that using too many bold patterns can make a room feel cluttered or chaotic however. “I would treat patterns as I do colour and limit them both to three per room,” says Bethany.

And rather than just simply replicating the past, Hollywood Regency is about mixing old with new and giving classic pieces a modern twist. “For example, you can have a modern sofa but regency styled armchairs. The perfect finishes, glossy lacquer and mirrored furniture is perfect for this era and instantly infuses Hollywood Regency glamour into a room. Shiny surfaces and accessories are also a key component of the style,” says Bethany who believes the aesthetic is no trend, and is here to stay.

“This beautiful style is timeless and the perfect way to add a touch of glamour to any space. It’s a modern day classic, it allows you to fuse old-world and new and will continue to be part of the design language for years to come,” says Bethany.

It’s also an aesthetic that can be dabbled in, and doesn’t require full-blown adherence. “Committing to the full Hollywood Regency style isn’t for everyone as we all have our own tastes. But we do believe adding a few elements of this style can enhance all spaces – this can be as simple as a beautiful velvet arm chair with Deco lines paired with a contemporary style sofa or a bold geometric rug,” says Bethany.

An interior designer by trade and based in Perth, Bethany started her company after becoming frustrated with the lack of Hollywood Regency pieces available in Australia. “I couldn’t source the beautiful pieces I wanted to complete the look I desired – you simply couldn’t find them. This started my journey into locating the most beautiful brands in the world and bringing them to the Australian market. I Frequent High Point in the US and the Maison Objet show in Paris, among others, to find pieces that inspire me with the hope that others will fall in love with them the same way I do,” says Bethany.