Lady Whistledown stays on top of society’s scoop in Regency-era London, but production designer Will Hughes-Jones and set decorator Gina Crowell deserve the prize for imagining the lavish spaces that serve as the backdrop for the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton.”
Sumptuous textiles, intricate elements and antiques galore—from Georgian to Rococo—establish the foundation for this 19th-century drama that so many viewers are obsessing over.
“Bridgerton style is all about luxury, rich details and romance,” said designer Erin Rasmussen of Design & Dwell Studio in Lexington, South Carolina. “The [sets’] layers, created with fabric, tapestries, detailed woodwork and floral designs are incredible. I sometimes find myself pausing a scene just to take it all in.”
In honor of season three (now streaming), Mansion Global asked a handful of design pros to share how to pull off the show’s opulent style.
Create a Multi-Layered Look With English Details
“Start by picking your favorite pastel and delve into a palette of pale shades within the same hue. Pastels set the tone in this study [pictured], with mint taking center stage.
“Don’t be afraid to incorporate antiques, specifically English Regency or antique reproductions from vintage shops. Elevate English countryside landscape paintings with beautiful frames for a simple way to add a refined touch. This room in particular has rose medallion plates and accessories. You can pick those up, or a similar vintage China, and start collecting for the same effect.
“Incorporate drapery that evokes an empire dress style, like these drapes with high tie backs. Any dressmaker details, like grosgrain ribbons, smocking, button tufting will add a touch of flair. Here, silk fabric lends an air of luxury to the drapery ensemble.
“Create a stunning fireplace wall with a budget-friendly millwork mantel featuring layered traditional moldings. For this design, we used reed and ribbon, dental molding, and crown molding for a rich, multi-layered look. Repeat the molding pattern above the mantel for a cohesive finish.”
Go Opulent with Patterns and Accessories
“Classic and intricate, damask wallpapers exude the opulence and elegance of the Regency era. Chinoiserie: This style features exotic landscapes, intricate details, and often includes birds, flowers and pagodas, reflecting the Regency fascination with the East. Mural wallpaper is a great way to dress up your space and inspires every selection. Our Designers Guild Mural wallpaper was the perfect backdrop for our show house dining room [pictured]. The rich teals, greens, and chartreuse colors used in this paper were the foundation of our design.
“Opt for a damask-patterned tablecloth or a lace table runner in soft shades like ivory, blush, or light blue. Use cloth napkins in coordinating colors, perhaps tied with silk ribbons or adorned with vintage-inspired napkin rings. Use classic white or pastel-colored fine China with intricate gold or silver detailing. Floral patterns reminiscent of the Regency era would also be perfect. Elegant crystal wine glasses and water goblets add a touch of luxury and sparkle to the table.
“Place candelabras on dining tables, mantels, or sideboards for a romantic and luxurious touch. Use table lamps with ornate bases and fabric shades to create a soft, inviting glow.
“A grandfather clock can serve as a stunning focal point in a room. Small marble or plaster busts of classical figures can be placed on mantels, side tables or bookshelves. Incorporate statues inspired by Greek or Roman mythology for a touch of grandeur.”
Weave ‘Bridgerton’ Details Into an Eclectic Room
“Add a bit of ‘Bridgerton’ to your space with silk pillows or drapes or by adding architectural moldings and accents to doors or window casings to give them more detail. It could be as simple as adding a few fresh flower arrangements to brighten up the room and add a little romance.
“Any type of portrait can add intrigue and even whimsy to a room—I think portraits are meant to connect you to the subject and the artist. The best place to shop for portraits are antique stores, auctions, flea markets, and estate sales. It’s fun to play with scale and texture in your frame, but be sure not to overdo it. You don’t want to take away from the portrait itself. The frame should enhance the artwork and really speak to the style of the portrait.
“Florals, stripes and toile would all be great choices to elicit the Bridgerton aesthetic. [In the photo pictured] I used this traditional floral in warm, bright tones for the window treatments to add a splash of color. The stylized quatrefoil fabric on the chairs adds another touch of color while the rug and wallpaper are a neutral, textured backdrop.”