From frocks to high-society faux pas, we are eagerly awaiting the return of our favourite fantastical Regency-era romance, Bridgerton Season Three. And what could be more enjoyable than to wet our whistle(down) over the latest societal scandals than to do so submerged in a space inspired by the romantic style of Regency-era England?
Before we delve into the bosoms and bonnets of Bridgerton style, here’s a brief rundown of the who, where and when of the Regency-era.
When: 1811 – 1820
Where: England
Who reigned? George, Prince of Wales, (later to become King George IV) reigned as Prince Regent during the incapacitation of his father, George III.
Regency romanticism, Bridgerton buzz and it’s continued adoration.
A natural progression from the coquettish bows which have infiltrated our feeds for the last several months, Regency romanticism has taken that same ingenue feminism and innocence and run with it at a fervent pace. So just what defines the Regency era and why is it trending?
There can be no denying that the rejuvenation and reach of the Regency period to new audiences can be attributed to the romantic, tongue-in-cheek faux-historical Netflix series, Bridgerton.
An aesthetic phantasmagoria, Bridgerton is a pleasure for the eye, from the decadent platters of piped cakes and biscuits to lavish silverware, crockery, teacups and drinkware the ladies of the ton devilishly dine upon. From bedazzling jewels, pearls and feathers which the modiste so deftly weaves into plush fabrications of silk, brocade, velvet and lace which the picture perfect debutantes don to the flowering gardens and gilded boudoirs, drawing rooms and tea salons where salacious gossip blossoms. From feathered headrest to pompous gilded footrest, there is not an inch of wall, floor, ceiling or costume that has been bereft the royal treatment of the Regency period.
What is so beguiling about Bridgerton’s representation of Regency?
Yes Bridgerton presents a time where social cues and graces were paramount, and female innocence and virtue were a hallmark of a woman’s worth. And while modern society has by large part rebelled against these somewhat misogynistic, patriarchal ideals, there are elements of the period which remain relevant such as the importance placed upon aesthetics and the elegant attention to detail in art, costume and architecture. This emphasis on beauty and full-fledged approach to the idea invites a no holds barred embrace of an aesthetic from idea to implementation.
Not for the faint-hearted minimalist, the Regency-era grants the decorator a canvas to wield their opulent, ostentatious desires from dream to reality, and permission to do so.
And volume, in both senses of the word, is amplified in the new romantic adaptation of Regency style. It is a sensorial wonderland where your decorative hand is invited to extend a romantic flourish across interior colours, homewares, décor, textures, fabrications and adornments. So just how can one access this new romantic aesthetic?
Fabrics: Choose opulent, rich fabrics and textiles that impart a sense of wealth, warmth and grandeur that will fill a room i.e. velvet, silk and lace.
Accents: Artwork, mirrors, tapware, handles, tabletops and feet in gilded gold easily incorporate the wealthy aesthetic appeal of romanticism into your space, highlighting delicate details in furniture and décor pieces.
Patterns and motifs: Whether channeling the demure beauty of a Bridgerton or the flamboyance of a Featherington, Regency romanticism is a paradise of patterns
- Florals, flowers, blooms and blossoms! From dainty, delicate floral-patterned pastels to larger stems in unconventional hues; flowers and petals adorn vases, crockery, tableware, mirrors, glassware, wallpaper, rugs, candle holders and more.
Materials: Quality materials masterfully crafted into beautiful homewares define the characteristics of the New Romantics. Build upon a suite of traditionally opulent materials for soft furnishings such as velvet, lace and silk punctuated with new and unexpected materials manipulated into romantic shapes such as acrylic or lacquer candle holders, vases and platters in pastel shades.
Colours: A romantic mix of whimsical pastels, rich royal tones, and golden accents.
- Feminine soft shades of pale pink, buttercup yellow, periwinkle blue, ivory and off-white
- Gorgeous gemstone like shades of ruby red, jade green and pink sapphire
- Warm metallic accents in gold, bronze and copper
Adornments: decorative objects which deliver first and foremost beauty over function such as
- Ornate, gilded clocks and timepieces
- Paperweights, sculptural pieces, decorative magnifying glasses and binoculars
Shape and scale: Much like the silhouettes adorned by the Bridgerton ladies, there is a distinct contrast in shape and scale at play. Patterns and details are small, repetitive, and dainty, while overall shapes are often voluminous and large. Exaggerated feather headdresses and larger than life jewelled necklaces contrast with delicate pattern work. High empire waistlines just below the bust contrast with full length, to the floor hemlines creating a voluminous column shape. There is a clever mix of shape and scale at play in the Bridgerton costumes which can be incorporated into New Romantic interiors. The overall aesthetic achieved in Bridgerton’s Regency-era is one of romantic maximalism; there is little to no empty space. To achieve this same sense of grandeur easily and effectively in homewares, select larger furniture pieces which will easily fill your space i.e. large mirrors or artwork, and accent pieces such as desks, ottomans or chaise lounges.
Unlike the ladies of the ton who so desperately await a suitor’s admiration, you need not await a royal invitation to infuse this New Romantic aesthetic into your home. If it is an interior love match you are after, look no further than our New Romantics curation of homeware pieces that draw upon tradition and inspiration of the Regency-era utilizing recognisable tropes able to be replicated by modern society.
So if your dance card is empty, pay no heed, we hear a full shopping cart provides all the pleasure sans drama (or the chance of two left feet!) And while we may share similar past-times as our Regency-era sisters in arms; our wistful glances out the window for the arrival of a mystery man in uniform are more Australia Post than solder returning from their Army post.
Happy Styling x GIGI&TOM
