Bridgerton fans everywhere are likely to be fizzing with excitement tomorrow given that Series 3 is finally here and about to Waltz back on to our screens in a flurry of bows, swags and ruffled silk.
Love affairs and torrid family dramas aside, it is the settings that often steal the show, from lavish living room design in which to welcome esteemed house guests to stunning entrance hallways that immediately provoke an envious gasp.
The last two series resulted in the emergence of some pretty striking interior design movements, namely 'Regencycore' and 'The Bridgerton Effect.' If, like so many others, you have been utterly seduced by the grandeur and sumptuousness of the houses of Bridgerton, be that the Featherington's impressive hallway or the chic, shimmering pastels of the Sharma residence, you might well be looking to recreate the look in your own home.
We reached out to some designers-in-the-know for their advice on introducing a little Bridgerton-inspired style into a modern home in an easy-to-live with way that will stand the test of time – at least until Series 4 comes out.
What was Regency interior design really like?
The Regency era started at the beginning of the 19th century – and ran, specifically, from 1811 – 1820. Like so many time periods, in terms of interior design trends, there wasn't just one. Instead there were many different influences, including revivals of older fashions (we're going as far back as Ancient Greece here).
Given the huge diversity in interior styles at the time, it is no wonder the term 'Regencycore' came about a few years ago – a way of blending together lots of, what many see, as the 'best bits' of the period. And this is what we see watching shows like Bridgerton, a pleasing blend of interior styles from the time, some of which have been tailored to suit the personalities of the characters who reside in the various homes we get to spy-in on.
That said, there are a few overriding themes worth noting. There were strong influences from Ancient Greece and Rome, for example, while renowned Regency designer Thomas Hope went back even further and introduced the European world to Egyptian decor.
Sumptuous, drapey fabrics were hot news, swagged at windows and even over ceilings for a tent effect, colours were pale and pretty overall and wallpaper began to overtake panelling in the popularity stakes.
But, if all of this sounds a little overwhelming and yet you still want to breathe a little Bridgerton elegance into your own interior design scheme in a way that is easily achievable, here are the seven tips try out according to the designers we spoke to.
1. Reconsider your living room layout
Regency interiors, especially those that we see in Bridgerton, set during the all important social seasons that ran from 1813-1815, were designed to impress, with the public-facing rooms – the hallway, living room and dining rooms – being the most important when it came to wowing guests.
While we're not suggesting that your main aim should be to out-do your visitors and leave them gaping at your extravagant living room ideas, there are a few tricks to steal from our Regency ancestors – many of which translate really well into our modern day lives.
"Design your living room layout to encourage socialising, with symmetrical seating arrangements either side of a large coffee table, rather than pointing at the TV," suggests Emma Bestley, co-founder and creative director of YesColours. "Small inlaid wooden side tables give everyone somewhere to put their teacup too. And don’t forget the fresh flowers in every room. If that’s a stretch, make a nod to floral arrangements with something longer lasting, or perhaps a floral pattern on your soft furnishings to tone in with your muted pastel walls."
Homegrown eco paint brand, YesColours, was founded by friends, John Stubbs and Emma Bestley. Creative Director and Co-Founder Emma is perfectly placed to share her unique expertise on how to use colour in the home.
2. Turn your mantelpiece into a focal point
Regency fireplaces were actually far simpler in their design that those that went before them during the Georgian era. They were lower, more linear in form and often featured simple classical motifs. Material-wise, they were usually made from white marble or limestone.
While you probably don't want to go ripping out your fireplace to prove your Bridgerton fandom status, using your mantelpiece ideas to create a focal point in the room is a great way to give a nod to the period.
"A mantelpiece isn’t just for steadying oneself upon receiving bad news, you know," points out Emma Bestley. "Dress your mantelpiece with Regencycore paraphernalia, from candlesticks and cigar boxes to antique glassware and a nice bit of Wedgwood."
3. Build a sophisticated colour palette
Updating your home using paint colours, or even through the colours you choose for your accessories, is a quick and affordable way to totally transform a space. If you want to incorporate some shades from the Regency period, what should you be looking for?
"Use powder blues, cream, blush pinks, and muted greens as a base, and add gold metallic accents for a touch of Regency glamour," advises Emma Cottrell from BoConcept. "In terms of textures, you can layer velvet cushions, silk throws, or polished wood surfaces to bring warmth to your interiors."
Emma Bestley, has some brilliant advice for anyone wondering about the best colour for a living room when it comes to choosing between their favourite of all the Bridgerton characters' homes too.
"Invest in a paint sample set and experiment with the dusky pinks of Lady Danbury’s house and the cool greens of the Featherington Estate, to Bridgerton Blue itself in order to find the right shades for your rooms," says Emma.
"The Bridgerton's, the family the entire show revolves around, are highly ranked members of society and a well respected family in the town, and they display this through wearing and surrounding themselves with soft, pale shades, nothing garish or OTT – the epitome of class," continues Emma. "When it comes to the Featheringtons , however, while also well respected members of society, their taste lies more on the ‘go bold or go home’ side of the scale and they do not shy away from the more zingy things in life."
Shop Regency paint colours
Pale blue is everywhere in the Bridgerton's home, combined with breezy white. Some pale blues can feel a little cold – not this one. This shade incorporates a healthy dollop of grey and will lend an instant sense of peace to any room it graces. It is ideal for bedrooms and living spaces and would even look great used over an entire ceiling.
The Featherington residence is decorated using more daring shades than the Bridgerton's and, according to those in the know, green is used throughout as a subtle symbol of envy. This 'mid-pistachio' shade is designed to feel uplifting and optimistic – ideal for bedrooms or casual dining areas.
A soothing, calming dusty pink that avoids being in anyway sickly sweet thanks to its warming yellow undertones. It is the perfect sophisticated partner for creamy whites and soft neutrals and would look just as at home in the bedroom or bathroom as it would in a hallway designed to welcome in visitors.
Emma is one of the team at BoConcept, a company who collaborate with the world's best designers to create furniture renowned for its modularity, functionality, and uncompromising quality. Through Danish creativity and craftsmanship, they aim to elevate spaces with timeless iconic design that brings joy and inspiration.
4. Make a statement with your furniture choices
Even if you are not in the market for a new sofa or dining table and are trying to avoid getting seduced by interior design trends right now, understanding a little about the furniture trends of the 19th century will help here. It might be that you decide to splash out on a new footstool or coffee table, for example, to give your interiors a little Regency-style refresh.
"Regency furniture often features curved silhouettes, carved details, and high-quality finishes and came in colours such as rich jewel tones combined with soft pastels, creams, muted greens, and powder blues," reveals Emma Cottrell. "Textures such as velvet, silk, and polished wood were used to add depth and interest and decorative elements, whether in upholstery, furniture carvings, or accessories, were designed to create personality and a sense of sophistication.
"To get the look choose pieces with curved or sculptural shapes, such as rounded sofas, elegant armchairs or marquetry tables," continues Emma. "This furniture can be paired easily with soft, flowing curtains to create movement and romance in the room."
Shop Bridgerton-inspired furniture
With its delicate dark wooden legs and striped fabric, this wingback armchair has a Regency-like quality but definitely won't look out of place within a more modern interior scheme – plus, thanks to its elegant proportions, it won't look dated any time soon.
With its elegant carved details, gently curved top and solid wood construction, this dainty console table would be perfect for placing in a hallway, topped with a stand-out floral display. It also features a handy drawer for keeping keys safe – and it comes fully assembled.
This neat little coffee table features inlaid book-matched Mindi wood marquetry veneers – perfect for anyone trying to inject a little bit of Bridgerton interior style into their living room. The best bit? It looks just as at home within modern schemes as it does traditional.
5. Opt for luxurious window treatments
Forget minimalist blinds and flimsy, sheer curtains that stop at the window sill – if it is Regency style you are aiming for, the best window coverings need to make a bold statement.
"The curtains in Bridgerton are practically minor characters," points out Emma Bestley. "Look for sumptuous fabrics such as velvet and silk, which drape dramatically and pick ‘full’ curtains which will give you lots of nice, heavy folds.
"You’re looking for curtains that look as though they could easily conceal at least one person, waiting to eavesdrop on your conversation and then lay bare your secret scandal to the world," continues Emma. "And remember, curtains aren’t just for huge, Regency windows. They can also be employed to conceal an ugly set of shelves, or to frame your heavily overdressed bed."
6. Use walls and floors to build in texture and pattern
While colour palettes might, on the whole, have been soft and subtle, that doesn't mean our Regency ancestors were against using a little pattern within their interior schemes – far from it.
While the Georgians loved their wall panelling, during the Regency era wallpaper began to be used more widely, with trailing florals, classical motifs such as urns, bold stripes and pleasingly symmetrical designs all being favourites. Don't forget to consider tactile Damask wall coverings either, if even for just one wall.
While hard flooring, particularly wooden plank flooring, was still popular, thick, heavy patterned rugs would also have been used – practical and beautiful. Throwing down a floor covering such as this in your own living space is the perfect way to inject colour, pattern and texture in a way that won't overwhelm the space – plus, it can help with draught proofing.
7. Don't forget to give a nod to antiquity
And, finally, don't forget those all important finishing touches – the seemingly smaller details that really can make all the difference. They need not cost a fortune and are easy to change up once Bridgerton fever subsides.
"Details are the main point for the regency style decor," states Emma Cottrell. "You can incorporate mirrors, chandeliers, patterned fabrics and antique-inspired accessories to give the space personality and elegance."
When choosing accessories and details, take your inspiration from antiquity. During the Regency era, many young wealthy aristocrats undertook something known as 'The Grand Tour', a trip around Europe focussing on their education, broadening their cultural knowledge and giving them a new level of independence and maturity. The destinations they visited included important cities (mainly Italian) such as Rome, Florence and Naples, although Paris was also often on the list too. While there, they would often bring back art and antiques to display – so hunt down a few carefully-chosen knick-knacks with this in mind.
Shop Regency-style accessories
Hang this in your hallway, stand back and enjoy watching your house guests be bowled over by its super-sparkly finish. Yes its a little extravagant, but why not make a statement in the room that acts as the gateway to the rest of your home?
Looking far more expensive than it really is, this substantial ceramic urn-style vase would make a fantastic showstopper in hallways, living or dining rooms alike. It has a slightly classical feel yet would complement all kinds of decor schemes.
Ideal for adorning your mantelpiece, this Renaissance-style wall mirror is hand-finished in gilt leaf – perfect for pretending you've spent hours scouring the antique markets of chic European destinations just like the wealthy aristocrats of yore.
FAQs
Did homes have bathrooms during the Regency era?
Bathroom design ideas during the Regency era were certainly not as we know them today. While most houses had to make do with chamber pots and outhouses, some very wealthy households had started to enjoy a few more advanced bathroom fittings.
If you had the money, it was possible to have a water closet fitted at this time. These comprised early versions of the flushing toilet in a small dedicated room (hence the term 'water closet').
Baths and basins would have been freestanding and had to be filled and emptied by hand. You coud get the look by choosing a claw-footed bathtub, countertop basin and high-level WC.
If you are renovating a Victorian house, even though the Regency era might have come and gone by the time your home was built, many of the interior design styles from the time can suit this style of building very well – so don't discount incorporating a few elements.
