Interiors: How to Bring a Touch of Bridgerton into Your Home

Photo: Secretcinema

The Bridgerton effect. Yes, that one. Chances are that if you read any words online in the last couple of weeks you’ve come across these three words.

Corsets and tiaras are all I read about and now the fascination with the show reached the design of the interiors’ set design. And why wouldn’t it?

Our homes are directly affected by what we consume, and now we’re consuming some beautifully put together regency living rooms and bedchambers and we’re craving some of that beauty for ourselves. But do we want the full package?

I suspect not. Most of us would feel as uncomfortable lounging on the Featheringtons’ sofa as we would in Penelope’s corseted dresses. So how to get the look without going all in?

I always begin with asking what is it that you are drawn to in this specific aesthetic?

To make it simpler I would split it into three categories: colour, pattern and materials. Be aware of all three but to keep it current and fresh. I’d start with choosing one or two to begin with.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Grandmillennial Lifestyle (@grandmillenniallifestyle)

Colour

If you look closely at at the various houses you can see a tonal theme going on.

The Bridgertons have their perfectly poised light blues accentuated by white and delicate patterned upholstery, while the Featheringtons have warmer tones sliding from yellows to ambers and burgundies.

And of course this season’s new joiners the Sharmas have their palate of pinks all the way to deep purples.

Each family is as clearly defined and outlined by the palate of their interiors. This is tricky but also quite handy – we all have colours were often drawn to, certain hues make us comfortable.

Start with finding yours and then explore different saturations and shades layered against each other.

Add in some beautiful vintage Regency style side tables which easily found in furniture charity shops such as Barnet Furniture Centre or any bobbin legged loveliness from the likes of Wanda and you’re good to go.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by geneA (@antichitagenea)

Pattern

When we speak of pattern we usually mean upholstery but Bridgerton’s Regency style is so much more than that.

This one can go either way so please (yes, I’m going to say it again) try to find something that truly feels personal.

This could be a pattern that speaks to where you grew up – for example, if you’ve got Greek heritage maybe look for acanthus leaves. It could also capture amoment in time when you felt truly happy on a summer holiday wandering around gran’s rose garden, for another example.

The aim is to make this style work for you, not the other way round. Patterns can be joyfully or dramatically layered on top of one another but if you are not too secure of your design skills then a good rule of thumb would be to look at the various patterns as distance family members; Second cousins – good. Twin sisters – risky.

This style will go beautifully with heavy fringing and some polished chinoiserie (dark stained wood in a Chinese/Japanese style). You can find some gorgeous pieces online with a vintage style but to avoid it looking cheap I’d focus on getting one (or two at the most) quality vintage item and not be tempted by the poorly made copies of the original.

A wall hanging or this stunning wallpaper from Rockett St George will give you that coveted-masterfully-put-together-but-oh-so-nonchalant look that is so easy to recognise and equally difficult to achieve.

One thing to remember is you can’t do this half way. This isn’t a feature wall aesthetic, this is a whole room commitment.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Palm Beach Regency (@palmbeachregency)

And last but never least Materials

We want our homes to delight us, not simply look good on Instagram, which is why the materials that we choose are so important, crucial even.

We all know that real design lies in the details, right? We also know that quality materials come with a hefty price tag and we want the Bridgerton look, not the bill.

So I’d say this – charity shops plus heavy materials plus less is more equals thumbs up.

Or in a bit more detail – anything that you’ll touch daily deserves to be invested in. Curtains from a lovely heavy drop material are a worthy investment while the art on the walls can be framed prints or some stunning wallpaper samples.

Can’t afford this stunning Jonathan Charles drinks cabinet? Take your time and prowl through Gumtree or Ebay and find something in the same spirit that has been upcycled and can give you the same feel. The main thing is to make sure it’s made of wood and glass and that it’s solid and well made.

If you don’t have a huge budget focus on a few small items. Quality over quantity and always always think deeply and honestly what you will want to keep for many years to come.

After all if its a style that comes from the 1800s (albeit a slightly imaginary ones) to become suddenly trendy in the 2020s is really anything but temporary?

eliinteriors.com