Regencycore Is Trending—Here's How to Bring the Bridgerton Style to Your Home

This season is ushering in a new interior design aesthetic, and it’s unapologetically and regally romantic. Thanks to the salacious antics of the latest season of Bridgerton and its strikingly opulent backdrop, Regencycore is making a comeback three centuries after its original debut.

"The first time I watched Bridgerton, I wasn’t only hooked on the tantalizing storyline, but also the insanely gorgeous sets filled with European antiques," says Catherine Tassin de Montaigu, founder of de Montaigu Designs. For Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors, "the real ‘Diamond’ of Bridgerton is exposing a younger generation to the beauty of classic old-world design and its romance and detail." 

Here, dearest gentle readers, is everything you need to know about the Regencycore trend, and how you can bring this glittering and gilded look into your own home. 

What Is Regencycore? 

The Regency period and its aesthetic and cultural influence extended from 1795 until nearly 1840. (Though, technically, the Regency period was from 1811 to 1820 when George, Prince of Wales, served as the regent of the United Kingdom while his father, George III, was disabled and could no longer rule over Britain.) Marked by opulent interiors filled with luxurious fabrics, gilded details, and ornate furniture, the Regency period was rife with sumptuous velvet damask, brilliantly carved mirrors, and intricate moldings.

Lavish and elegant, it was the opposite of quiet luxury. Regency design found every possible way to add an extra flourish, whether it was on the edging of a side table or the relief molding on a ceiling medallion. Regencycore heralds a return to these grand interiors, inspired by Lady Whistledown’s favorite subjects.

Elements of Regencycore Interiors

There are several key elements of Regencycore interiors that have persisted through the centuries.

Color and Pattern Drenching

"Historically, spaces didn’t shy away from color drenching and pattern, which were signs of wealth for the time," says de Montaigu. "I’m partial to the soft blues that envelop the Bridgertons' morning room."

Damask Wallpaper

Elegant damask wallpaper has survived through the generations. Sometimes you’ll see it in a velvet or flocked texture.

Rich Textiles

From fringe falling from the bottom of a sofa to endless yards of dramatic drapery, rich textiles are an identifier of Regency style. "There is a big push to return to silks and trims," says Lord. "Bring on the bullion, tassels, fringe, lace, sheers, and layers upon layers of beauty. Not one detail lacks luster."

Ornate Furniture

Dark wood, intricate carving, and luscious fabrics are all favorites of the Regency era. Furniture was meant to be admired, and it took on impressive forms. Regency furniture isn’t overly concerned with practicality. This is all about art.

Gilded Details

From mirrors to sconces to the details on furniture, Regency design always gilds the lily. You’ll find gold and silver anywhere and everywhere as a means of demonstrating wealth and influence. 

Glamorous Silhouettes

From fainting couches to scrollwork details to kidney shaped side tables, the Regency era leaned into glamour for the sake of glamour. Why have a straight-lined table when you could add sweeping curves and paw feet?

How to Bring Regencycore Into Your Home 

There’s often a fine line between appreciation for a bygone era and turning your home into a period piece set. "We want to keep our client current while winking at a classic romantic style with trim, layers, velvet, and silk," says Lord.

Use Antiques

If you want a Regencycore look, go straight to the originals. "As an antique dealer that focuses on French pieces, I am thrilled—antiques are often made with better materials and showcase craftsmanship that is becoming more and more rare," says de Montaigu. "Also, as we collectively try to be more sustainable, buying antique and vintage pieces just makes sense—better for the planet and often better for your wallet if you know where to look."

Incorporate Period Motifs

Updating a Regency era look often means borrowing from it without taking everything. Pick and choose what feels modern. "While Regency style often used floral and brocade, I love the versatility of the wider regency stripe that emerged at the time—perfect for drapes or pillows," says de Montaigu.

Make It a Bit Irreverent 

"I love the Regencycore trend with a Bridgerton-esque irreverence for historical accuracy that instead embraces the exuberant colors, cultures, and styles of other periods and people as well," says Bethany Adams, principal interior designer at Bethany Adams Interiors. She recently designed a living room with an antique cut-crystal Regency-style chandelier with aqua paneled wallcovering and color-matched decorative moldings. While the room has a vintage rug and 1800s molding, she brought in a modern table and chairs to give it a more unexpected look.

Wallpaper Your Rooms

"Wallpaper increased in popularity during the regency era. Schumacher's Brighton Pavilion wallpaper, based on an 18th century document, exemplifies Regency themes with its Chinoiserie motifs and saturated colors," says Emily Vaughan, owner and designer at Emily Vaughan Interiors. If you’re not ready to commit to something with flourishes and whimsical motifs, Vaughan suggests trying a timeless stripe, which was also seen in historic Regency interiors. 

Add Elegant Accessories

Wherever you have an opportunity to add a touch of opulence, go for it. Try a gilded mirror, a vintage oil painting in a dramatic frame, a candelabra, or silver entertaining pieces used as decor.

Add Picture Rails

"Back then, the walls were often made of plaster or covered with expensive wallpaper or textiles," says de Montaigu. "They used picture rails to display their portraits and art. Adding picture rail trim or brass rods to any room is a fairly easy and affordable way to add Regency-style detail and depth to any space."

Mix Gold and Silver

"Don’t be afraid to mix gold and silver," says de Montaigu. The mixed metals, whether they’re in actual metal or a damask fabric or trim, add an elegant, lavish look that’s perfect for a Regencycore-inspired space.

Try Ornate Window Treatments

The drama is back when it comes to windows. "Ornate window treatments, such as swagged valances or balloon shades, add instant drama and grandeur," says Vaughan. "Just be sure to execute in a fresh fabric to keep them from feeling stuffy."

Install Intricate Millwork

Regency homes added extensive millwork wherever there was a blank wall or opportunity. "Upgrade millwork to add architectural interest," says Vaughan. "Picture frame moldings are a great tool to break up an expanse of drywall." You can also try ceiling medallions to draw the eye up for a more impressive space.

Update Upholstery Details

Forget what you thought about trim being dated or old. Upholstery details are back, thanks to Regencycore, as long as they’re done in a way that feels fresh. "For a quick and easy update, try adding bullion fringe around the base of a sofa or chair. A white cotton fringe looks chic on a variety of sofa styles and fabrics," says Vaughan.

Commission a Portrait

To go over the top, put yourself front and center, just as the aristocrats of 19th-century France and Britain did. "If clients are patient and want to invest in something personalized, I’ve suggested commissioning portraits—all made easier with the huge selection of talented artists on Etsy," says de Montaigu.