Fort Myers Says Hooray for Hollywood Regency : Interior Design Blog

Southwest Florida is star struck. The object of desire is a decorating phenom called Hollywood Regency, inspired by swanky movies of the 30s and 40s but remastered for today. Gable loved then. Gaga loves it now. Back in the day, Hollywood Regency flourished on movie sets. Today, it’s great for Florida homes, condos and townhomes. Do you love glamour, texture, and bling with a spritz of tradition? You may find yourself luxuriously at home with Hollywood Regency.

Hollywood Regency was a fanciful, wishful response to the Great Depression. Moviegoers escaped to theaters for relief in musicals, melodramas and screwball comedies. Set design and interiors were luxurious and glam. The style continues to inspire us today.



Hollywood Regency blossomed in the era of the black-and-white movie. Technicolor was still a few years away. As result, strong saturated colors are not primary in the mix. But Hollywood Regency shows us there are other ways to evoke passion and visual appeal with a subtle color palette.

Let’s talk texture. Hollywood Regency style is resplendent with over-the-top fabrics and finishes. Joan Crawford was swathed in mink. Today, faux fur is a signature of Hollywood Regency style – benches, pillows, and throws – in exotic, tactile hides of all variety.

Next, let’s add tufting for visual dimension. Can’t you see Jean Harlow basking in a “Hollywood” bed? Tufting of all manner is lush and beloved – sofas, beds, ottomans and benches. It’s tipoff to Hollywood Regency élan.

Ultimately, the color palette of Hollywood Regency style is high-contrast black-and-white. It’s the peak of chic. It’s classic Hollywood Regency. Think ivory and ebony on a baby grand. Think Fred Astaire in top hat, tails and a crisp white tuxedo shirt. Think Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams!

Next, imagine Ginger Rogers in iridescent gold lamé tap dancing her way to fame. Metallics of all shimmering varieties helped Great Depression era moviegoers see the bright side. So too for we survivors of the Great Recession. The Bernhardt Kensington bed – crafted in warm glowing brass – is a Hollywood Regency box-office hit, circa 2015.

Mirrored surfaces are the ultimate bling, playing with light like a Busby Berkeley kaleidoscope dance number. Today’s designers have embraced mirrored furniture as a new tradition. A mirrored bedside chest or mirrored cocktail table elevates a room beyond the ordinary.

What gives Hollywood Regency its staying power? Is it just for movie buffs? Hardly! At Robb & Stucky, we think the style has endured and flourished because the fundamental furniture designs are rooted in classic shapes and then enhanced with certain Hollywood Regency trademarks: high-contrast colors, sensual fabrics, dazzling metallics and mirrors. Hollywood Regency is a familiar fantasy.

ABOUT MARK STUART: People impressed and inspired by the Robb & Stucky showroom often wonder where we get our ideas. Meet our creative mastermind (and color forecaster), Mark Stuart. As Robb & Stucky creative director, Mark is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team on wood and upholstery selections so our stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.