The alluring style of Hollywood Regency has always been synonymous with glitz and glamour. Inspired by the grandiose designs of film sets during the Hollywood Golden Age, this captivating style is once again making big waves in the design world today.

One key trait of Hollywood Regency style (also known as Regency Moderne) are the dazzling elements found in Chinoiserie design. With the recent opening of our Gracie showroom in the heart of West Hollywood California, we couldn’t think of a better time to revisit the important influence Chinoiserie has in the Hollywood Regency style.

Photo via INSinsideIDE

Photo via Architectural

Chinoiserie Chic Influence

Chinoiserie is a term coined by the French meaning “In the Chinese style” and used to describe the idyllic interpretations of Asian motifs like birds, flowers and landscapes . While furniture, and pottery were very popular, nothing made the dramatic design impact quite the way that fine handpainted chinoiserie wallpaper does.

Seen in the glamourous home of Hollywood glitterati like Marlene Dietrich, Betsey Bloomingdale, and Grace Kelly, Chinoiserie style objects were all the rage. Theses fanciful items continued to grow in popularity, spreading past the region of Southern California during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Made wildly popular by legendary designers like Elsie de Wolfe, Billy Haines, and Dorthy Draper, the growing number of Hollywood elite wanted to decorate their homes with a level of refinement that matched their lavish lifestyles. And just like that, the Hollywood Regency movement began.

The Rise Of Hollywood Regency

The Hollywood Regency style was born during the Hollywood Golden Age between 1920’s-50’s, and was well suited for those with a love of theatrical flair. Hollywood Regency features samplings of other sophisticated styles like Chinoiserie, Neoclassical, and Art Deco, blending them all together in an air of regal elegance.

The style embraces a worldly look, often using bold color, contrasting metallic and glass accents. The look signifies both opulence and equally important comfort, all in one timeless style.

Other major characteristics of Hollywood Regency style are strong contrasts between light and dark, lacquered and high gloss finishes, of course high-shine metals like gold. When choosing furniture and decor, designers would often draw inspiration from the lavish Rococo style selecting fabulous chandeliers, extravagant gilt mirrors, and stylish hooded chairs.

Chinoiserie all the while remained a major influence. Fun accents such as bamboo dividers and frames, pagoda-like silhouettes, and dramatic Coromandel lacquer screens became show stopping features of the most lavish Hollywood Regency rooms.

Hollywood Regency In The Modern Age

The Hollywood Regency style can easily be achieved with the right finishes, and of course Chinoserie flair. These modern ideas for a Hollywood Regency look will have you inspired to add some glamour to your space.

Black & White Contrast

Photo via Veranda Magazine.

Bamboo Frames

Photo from “Beautiful: All-American Decorating and Timeless Style” (Rizzoli).

Ming Style Table

Bold Lacquer Finishes

Interior design by Janine Carendi MacMurry

Metallic Motifs