Pink *Hollywood Regency* Saturday

I've always loved Hollywood Regency. It's certainly way too over-the-top for me to actually live with. But, nonetheless, it always conjures up images of old Hollywood glamour and silver screen sophistication.

Usually, when one thinks of pink Hollywood Regency, what comes to mind is that famous - er, infamous - pink bathroom of Jayne Mansfield with the wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling pink carpeting and the heart shaped tub. But that's not what I want to share today. I want to share some photos of real Hollywood Regency in Pink.

So, what is Hollywood Regency. Now, if you look it up on eBay, you will find offerings that include everything from classic art nouveau and art deco to 1950's retro moderne. That isn't exactly what the designers had in mind when the Hollywood Regency was all the rage.
What is Hollywood Regency? What makes up this style? As it turns out, to master the style onemust be a master of the mix. The look is clean - extra tchotckes have a purpose and stand out - they don’t collect dust as a bunch of tacky clutter. Influences are Asian, Moroccan, European Art Deco, Chippendale, Dorothy Draper, David Hicks, Billy Baldwin, Billy Haines, the Rat Pack, a bit of traditional and a dash of hippie chic. (from http://blog.designpublic.com)
I also love what David Adler had to say about Hollywood Regency:

I define Hollywood Regency as Neo-classical lines mixed with Hollywood glamour and a top note of mod moxie. Hollywood Regency was a style of architecture and decoration popular in the 60s in LA that was a revival of classical regency style through a modern lens. Hollywood Regency added a layer of pattern and decoration and opulence and glamour to the minimalism of mid-century modernism.

I think that the current rage for Hollywood Regency is a reaction to the Christian Liaigre-ish minimalism that has been pervasive for the last several years. Design was starting to look a bit dour and grey and joyless and I think people had simply had enough. So, Hollywood Regency has become a catch-all name to describe design that thumbs its nose at minimalism in favor of classical references and lots of decoration. As for the mirrors and bamboo and Asiana and chrome, those are all design elements that figured into Hollywood Regency style the first time around and I think they’re back because they’re decorative and glamorous.

What I've always loved about it are the shiny mirror surfaces, the clean lines and the bursts of rococo extravagances that pull the punch and glamour into the room. And the colors that accent these rooms - turquoises, hot pinks, oranges, and rich royal purples. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise to those who know my work to hear I like the jewel tone colors - and lots of 'em!
Even though I don't really relish living with pink furniture, these chairs would look pretty posh flanking a mirror-faced fireplace, wouldn't they?
I don't think there's a non-pink color in this entire room! From the fabric swagged ceiling to the upholstered walls to the portiers between the two rooms, this place is PINK. In all caps. Probably in itallics and bold, as well. Somehow it all works. I know my sister would kill for this bedroom!
I remember my grandmother had a Victorian version of this chair in her bedroom. She called it her tete a tete. We used to love to sit in it and talk about important things. Like how to get out of my grandmother's house and get outside to play. This pink and black zebra print s-bench would be wonderful in a Hollywood Regency design with lots of plexi-glass and ebony and mirrors!
Another hallmark of Hollywood Regency was using one HUGE patterned (usually graphic) wallpaper on one wall. I used to think the "accent wall" was an invention by those designers in the 60's who insisted we all live in avocado and burnt orange environments - but actually it started long before that.
And here's an uber-fab Hollywood Regency stool by the Regency Grande Dame herself, Dorothy Draper.
What can I say? Here's a vignette with all the hallmarks of a Pink Hollywood Regency room!

Can I just say, I'd move into this living room in half no-time! It just knocks me out! And I know Dusty would love living on that lovely slipper chair!


Here is contemporary rendering of Hollywood Regency. Over the top and lavish and extravagant - and juuuuuuust a touch tacky. As Gloria Vanderbilt said, the one touch of tacky in a well-designed room is the paprika of a recipe. Even though it's simple and rather common, it's the finishing touch to the sauce that makes it what it is!

Now, really, you know me well enough - you didn't really think that I was going to end Pink Saturday without posting Jayne's bathroom, did you?!
Enjoy the rest of your Pink Saturday! Be sure to stop at Beverly's How Sweet the Sound to see who else is participating this week!