The Hollywood Regency style: a certain idea of glamorous decoration

wp:paragraph When we think of the Hollywood Regency style, otherwise known as Regency Moderne, we think of Hollywood, Los Angeles and its film studios.... But what era are we talking about? The golden age of Hollywood film studios and their stars with their lavish contracts, from the 1920s to the 1950s. The Hollywood Regency style refers to the interior design and modern architecture of those roaring twenties, when Hollywood stars flaunted their luxurious lifestyles with impunity through the glamorous, flashy decoration of their homes. This style continued into the 1960s. In a way, the Hollywood Regency style was intended to showcase the celebrity of these film stars in a suave, chic and sexy setting. Who were the promoters of this style and what did they advocate in terms of decoration/design? When we think of the Hollywood Regency style, otherwise known as Regency Moderne, we think of Hollywood, Los Angeles and its film studios.... But what era are we talking about? The golden age of the Hollywood film studios and their stars with their glittering contracts, from the 1920s to the 1950s. The Hollywood Regency style refers to the interior design and modern architecture of those roaring twenties, when Hollywood stars flaunted their luxurious lifestyles with impunity through the glamorous, flashy decoration of their homes. This style continued into the 1960s. In a way, the Hollywood Regency style was intended to showcase the celebrity of these film stars in a suave, chic and sexy setting. Who were the promoters of this style and what did they advocate in terms of decoration/design? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12005, "sizeSlug": "large"} Marlène Dietrich in her home, Hollywood Regency style, circa 1932. Marlène Dietrich in her home, Hollywood Regency style, circa 1932. Marlène Dietrich in her Hollywood Regency home, circa 1932. /wp:image wp:paragraph 2 major figures embodied this typically Anglo-Saxon style: William Haines (1900-1973) and Dorothée Draper (1889-1969). Let's start with the first, who was destined for a career in the film industry. In the 1920s, William Haines began to make a name for himself as an actor, first with MGM and then Colombia. His career came to an abrupt end in 1933 because of his open homosexuality, which the studios asked him to silence with an arranged marriage. Haines refused, and as he had a strong taste for decoration, he launched an interior design business with his partner Jimmy Shields. 2 major figures embodied this typically Anglo-Saxon style: William Haines (1900-1973) and Dorothée Draper (1889-1969). Let's start with the first, who was destined for a career in the film industry. In the 1920s, William Haines began to make a name for himself as an actor, first with MGM and then Colombia. His career came to an abrupt end in 1933 because of his open homosexuality, which the studios asked him to silence with an arranged marriage. Haines refused, and since he had a taste for decorating, he launched an interior design business with his partner Jimmy Shields. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The business was thriving, until his death in 1973, because Haines had an address book that would make a studio director pale. His clients included star-struck friends such as Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Carole Lombard, Marion Davies and director George Cukor. The whole of Hollywood was clamouring for her services to furnish and decorate their most sumptuous interiors. In terms of decoration, the Hollywood Regency style favoured sparkling, shiny surfaces, gold (floor lamps with flowers, mirrors and frames), lacquered furniture, chrome and large mirrors. The Sunburst, a mirror in the shape of a golden sun, became a classic of these opulent years. The Hollywood Regency is reminiscent of the Rococo style, and contrasts with the strict, repetitive ornamentation of the Baroque. The business flourished until his death in 1973, because Haines had an address book that would make a studio director pale. His clients included star-struck friends such as Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Carole Lombard, Marion Davies and director George Cukor. The whole of Hollywood was clamouring for her services to furnish and decorate their most sumptuous interiors. In terms of decoration, the Hollywood Regency style favoured sparkling, shiny surfaces, gold (floor lamps with flowers, mirrors and frames), lacquered furniture, chrome and large mirrors. The Sunburst, a mirror in the shape of a golden sun, became a classic of these opulent years. The Hollywood Regency is reminiscent of the Rococo style and contrasts with the strict, repetitive ornamentation of the Baroque. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12006, "sizeSlug": "large"} Joan Crawford in her home, decorated by William Haines. In the background, behind the actress, we can see the importance given to sheers and curtains, often in soft velvet or silk. Joan Crawford in her home, decorated by William Haines. In the background, behind the actress, you can see the importance given to sheers and curtains, often in soft velvet or silk. Joan Crawford in her home, decorated by William Haines. In the background, behind the actress, you can see the importance given to sheer curtains, often in soft velvet or silk. /wp:image wp:paragraph As for the furniture, Haines arranged divans, sofas, elegant chairs, small side tables and mirrored dressing tables in huge interior spaces. The seats were often upholstered, the seat cushions, carpets and tablecloths adorned with art deco fabric patterns, and the sofas covered in brightly coloured satin and velvet. Also an antiques dealer, Haines also liked to place brightly lacquered chinoiseries here and there. In terms of furniture, Haines arranged divans, sofas, elegant chairs, small side tables and mirrored dressing tables in huge interior spaces. The seats were often upholstered, the seat cushions, carpets and tablecloths adorned with art deco fabric patterns, and the sofas covered in brightly coloured satin and velvet. Also an antiques dealer, Haines also liked to place glossy lacquered chinoiseries here and there. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12007, "sizeSlug": "large"} One of the most spectacular projects of William Haines's career: the decoration and interior design of Walter and Léonore Annenberg's Sunnylands mansion in Rancho Mirage. Here, the atrium, with its ubiquitous marble and coffered ceiling. One of the most spectacular projects of William Haines's career: the decoration and interior design of Walter and Léonore Annenberg's reception house, Sunnylands at Rancho Mirage. Here, the atrium, with its ubiquitous marble and coffered ceiling. One of the most spectacular projects of William Haines's career: the decoration and interior design of Walter and Léonore Annenberg's reception house, Sunnylands at Rancho Mirage. Here we see the atrium with its marble and coffered ceiling. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "centre", "id":12008, "sizeSlug": "large"} The Sunnylands living room. An American publisher, philanthropist and diplomat, William Annenberg entertained leading figures from all over the world at his estate. The design of the house is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture. The living room at Sunnylands. An American publisher, philanthropist and diplomat, William Annenberg entertained leading figures from all over the world at his estate. The design of the house is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture. The living room at Sunnylands. An American publisher, philanthropist and diplomat, William Annenberg entertained leading figures from all over the world at his estate. The design of the house is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12009, "sizeSlug": "large"} Although William Haines is considered above all to be an outstanding decorator, he also created elegant bespoke furniture such as the Conference Chair, considered to be the quintessence of his design. This chair was designed for the Sunnylands project (a suite of 8 chairs). The curved backrest and splayed legs give this model its charm. Although William Haines is regarded above all as an outstanding interior designer, he also created elegant bespoke furniture such as the Conference Chair, considered to be the quintessence of his design. This chair was designed for the Sunnylands project (a suite of 8 chairs). The curved backrest and splayed legs give this model its charm. Although William Haines is regarded above all as an outstanding interior designer, he also created elegant bespoke furniture such as the Conference Chair, considered to be the quintessence of his design. This chair was designed for the Sunnylands project (a suite of 8 chairs). The curved backrest and splayed legs give the chair its charm. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12010, "sizeSlug": "large"} Interior of a villa belonging to Ann Jack Warner, one of the co-founders of the Warner Bros. production company. Haines designed several interior projects for the couple. Here in one of their homes, the wallpaper was brought back from Europe by William Haines and Ann Warner during one of their trips. Interior of a villa belonging to Ann Jack Warner, one of the co-founders of the Warner Bros. production company. Haines carried out several interior design projects for the couple. Here in one of their homes, the wallpaper was brought back from Europe by William Haines and Ann Warner during one of their trips. Interior of a villa belonging to Ann Jack Warner, one of the co-founders of the Warner Bros. production company. Haines carried out several interior design projects for the couple. Here in one of their homes, the wallpaper was brought back from Europe by William Haines and Ann Warner during one of their trips. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "centre", "id":12011, "sizeSlug": "large"} Elbow Chairs, design William Haines. This small chair was used by the designer in interiors from 1949 to 1965. Placed opposite a coffee table, it allowed stars to rest their elbows on the edge, sitting sideways for a glamorous break! Elbow Chairs, designed by William Haines. This little chair was used by the designer in interiors from 1949 to 1965. Placed opposite a coffee table, it allowed stars to rest their elbows on the edge, sitting sideways for a glamorous break! Elbow Chairs, designed by William Haines. This little chair was used by the designer in interiors from 1949 to 1965. Placed opposite a coffee table, it allowed stars to rest their elbows on the edge, sitting sideways for a glamorous break! /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12012, "sizeSlug": "large"} Brentwood Chair, design William Haines. Like the Elbow Chair, the Brentwood chair is now published by William Haines designs © © , a furniture publisher that reissues some of William Haines's furniture. /wp:image wp:paragraph Like William Haines, Dorothy Draper used the glamour of the Hollywood Regency to create a dramatic atmosphere and showcase celebrities in their homes. Born Tuckerman, Dorothy Draper belonged to high society, her husband having been Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal physician. An interior decorator at heart, she founded one of the first official interior design companies in 1925. During her career, Draper designed schemes for homes, hotels, restaurants, theatres and department stores. Like William Haines, Dorothy Draper used the glamorous style of the Hollywood Regency to create a dramatic ambience to showcase celebrities in their homes. Born Tuckerman, Dorothy Draper belonged to high society, her husband having been Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal physician. An interior decorator at heart, she founded one of the first official interior design companies in 1925. During her career, Draper designed schemes for homes, hotels, restaurants, theatres and department stores. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Anti-minimalist, her design was described as "modern baroque" or "American Baroque American Baroque", in the sense that she did not hesitate to combine spectacular interior colours (red, pink, acid green) in the interiors she designed. Her trademark: the use of a cotton fabric, chintz, printed with large cabbage roses, black chequered floors, bright red entrance doors to residences, baroque plasterwork and large prints on the walls. The quintessence of her style can be seen in her great work: the refurbishment and decoration of the Greenbrier Resort, a luxury hotel in West Virginia. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12013, "sizeSlug": "large"} In 1937, Dorothy Draper refurbished the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Here, the lounge of the Carlyle Hotel. Photo Credits Gottscho-Schleisner, Inc, courtesy of The Museum of the City of New York. In 1937, Dorothy Draper refurbished the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Here, the lounge of the Carlyle Hotel. Photo Credits Gottscho-Schleisner, Inc, courtesy of The Museum of the City of New York. In 1937, Dorothy Draper refurbished the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Here, the lounge of the Carlyle Hotel. Photo Credits Gottscho-Schleisner, Inc, courtesy of The Museum of the City of New York. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12014, "sizeSlug": "large"} View of 2 adjoining rooms in the Greenbrier Hotel Resort. Each room developed a different atmosphere. It was an enormous project at the time, and legend has it that Dorothy Draper received the highest salary ever awarded to a decorator! Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier. View of 2 adjoining rooms at the Greenbrier Hotel Resort. Each room developed a different atmosphere. It was an enormous project at the time, and legend has it that Dorothy Draper received the highest salary ever awarded to a decorator! Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier. View of 2 adjoining rooms at the Greenbrier Hotel Resort. Each room developed a different atmosphere. It was an enormous project at the time, and legend has it that Dorothy Draper received the highest salary ever awarded to a decorator! Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12015, "sizeSlug": "large"} Hall of the Greenbrier Hotel Resort. A flashy, baroque style in the image of Dorothy Draper: shiny black and white tiles on the floor, wood panelling, large brightly coloured prints on the walls, chandelier, etc. Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier Hall at the Greenbrier Hotel Resort. A flashy, baroque style in the image of Dorothy Draper: glossy black and white tiles on the floor, wood panelling, large brightly coloured prints on the walls, chandelier, ... Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier Hall at the Greenbrier Hotel Resort. A flashy, baroque style in the image of Dorothy Draper: glossy black and white tiles on the floor, wood panelling, large brightly-coloured prints on the walls, chandelier, ... Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier /wp:image wp:image {"align": "centre", "id":12016, "sizeSlug": "large"} Upper hall, The Greenbrier Hotel Resort, design, layout and decoration: Dorothy Draper. Photo: Michael Arnaud, Courtesy of Dorothy Draper Company, INC. Upper lobby, The Greenbrier Hotel Resort, design, layout and decoration: Dorothy Draper. Photo: Michael Arnaud, Courtesy of Dorothy Draper Company, INC. Upper lobby, The Greenbrier Hotel Resort, design, layout and decoration: Dorothy Draper. Photo: Michael Arnaud, Courtesy of Dorothy Draper Company, INC. /wp:image wp:paragraph Dorothy Draper was very popular in the United States, influencing the American bourgeoisie with her tastes. She had her sofas and chairs made by craftsmen, copies of the elegant, traditional furniture of the Regency period in England (early 19th century). Hence the origin of the word 'Regency' in Hollywood Regency, which also refers to the buildings constructed in Britain during the period when George IV (1762-1830) was Prince Regent. In England, the Regency Regency style refers to a synthesis of national traditions, elements of Georgian style, a return to Antiquity which William Haines drew heavily on (Greco-Roman elements: columns, pediments, porticoes), neo-classical architecture, and a bourgeois feeling for interior comfort. /While the Hollywood Regency style was already very popular in the United States in the 1950s, Florence Knoll was successfully publishing pieces by Scandinavian designers under the eponymous brand name at the same time. The design was, to say the least, much more refined and functional... Nevertheless, the Hollywood Regency's brilliant style influenced European furniture designers and manufacturers, who used gilded materials such as brass. This appetite for gold continued into the 60s and 70s. While the Hollywood Regency style was already very popular in the United States in the 1950s, Florence Knoll was successfully publishing pieces by Scandinavian designers under the eponymous brand name at the same time. The design was, to say the least, much more refined and functional... Nevertheless, the Hollywood Regency's brilliant style influenced European furniture designers and manufacturers, who used gilded materials such as brass. This appetite for gold continued into the 60s and 70s. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12017, "sizeSlug": "large"} Hollywood Regency style chandelier, 6 arms, gold colour, 1960. Chandelier in the Hollywood Regency style, 6 arms, gold colour, 1960. Chandelier in the Hollywood Regency style, 6 arms, gold colour, 1960. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12018, "sizeSlug": "large"} Dining Chairs Hollywood Regency Style, Vintage Golden Cobra, 70's, Set of 6. Dining Chairs Hollywood Regency Style, Vintage Golden Cobra, 70's, Set of 6. Hollywood Regency Dining Chairs, Vintage Golden Cobra, 70s, Set of 6. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12019, "sizeSlug": "large"} Hollywood Regency Dining Chairs, Vintage Golden Cobra, detail, 70s. Hollywood Regency style dining chairs, Vintage Cobra Doré, detail, 1970s. Dining chairs Hollywood Regency style, Cobra Doré Vintage, detail, 1970s. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12020, "sizeSlug": "large"} Pair of ceiling lights, Hollywood Regency style, design: Christoph Palme, made in Germany, 1960s. Gold-coloured metal and brass structure. Pair of ceiling lights, Hollywood Regency style, design: Christoph Palme, made in Germany, 1960s. Gold-coloured metal and brass structure. Pair of ceiling lights, Hollywood Regency style, design: Christoph Palme, made in Germany, 1960s. Metal and brass structure, golden colour. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12021, "sizeSlug": "large"} Pair of ceiling lights, Hollywood Regency style, design: Christoph Palme, made in Germany, 60s. Gold-coloured metal and brass structure. Same piece as above. Pair of ceiling lights, Hollywood Regency style, design: Christoph Palme, made in Germany, 1960s. Metal and brass structure, gold colour. Same piece as above. Pair of ceiling lights, Hollywood Regency style, design: Christoph Palme, made in Germany, 1960s. Gold-coloured metal and brass structure. Same piece as above. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12022, "sizeSlug": "large"} Vintage Hollywood Regency side table in smoked glass and gold, 60's. Vintage Hollywood Regency sideboard in smoked glass and gold, 60's. Vintage Hollywood Regency side table in smoked glass and gold, 60's. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12023, "sizeSlug": "large"} German vintage night table, Hollywood Regency style, brass, Mirrored glass, Smoked glass, 70's. German vintage night table, Hollywood Regency style, brass, Mirrored glass, Smoked glass, 70's. German vintage night table, Hollywood Regency style, brass, Mirrored glass, Smoked glass, 70's. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12024, "sizeSlug": "large"} "Flowers" chandelier in Hollywood Regency style, Germany, 1960's / 1970's. Chandelier in gilded metal and decorative elements in red and green. "Flowers" chandelier in the Hollywood Regency style, Germany, 1960s / 1970s. Chandelier in gilded metal and decorative elements in red and green. /wp:image wp:paragraph Popular in Hollywood and California from the 1920s to the 1950s, the Hollywood Regency style harks back to the golden age of American cinema. It became a marketing weapon to establish the glamorous image of Hollywood stars, and gradually spread throughout American society, notably under the impetus of interior designer Dorothy Draper. It's a style that new generations of decorators/designers no longer hesitate to combine with contemporary elements, and which remains associated with the expression of a certain social success... Popular in Hollywood and California from the 1920s to the 1950s, the Hollywood Regency style refers to the golden era of American cinema. It became a marketing weapon to establish the glamorous image of Hollywood stars, and gradually spread throughout American society, notably under the impetus of interior designer Dorothy Draper. It's a style that new generations of decorators/designers no longer hesitate to combine with contemporary elements, and which remains associated with the expression of a certain social success ... /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":12025, "sizeSlug": "large"} Main bathroom of the Californian property of Kris Jenner, television producer, reality show contestant and American media businesswoman. All the hallmarks of Hollywood Regency style can be found here. Photo credit: Grey Crawford. Master bathroom in the Californian estate of Kris Jenner, television producer, reality show host and American media businesswoman. All the hallmarks of Hollywood Regency style can be found here. Photo credit: Grey Crawford. Master bathroom in the Californian estate of Kris Jenner, television producer, reality show host and American media businesswoman. All the hallmarks of Hollywood Regency style can be found here. Photo credit: Grey Crawford. /wp:image wp:paragraph {"align": "right"} François Boutard François Boutard /wp:paragraph

The Hollywood Regency style: a certain idea of glamorous decoration

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