Regency style emphasized ease and comfort. Perhaps, it reflected the style of the Prince Regent himself. Sir John Soan and John Nash were the most influential architects during this period.
Color became more important during this time. The paints were used to break wall surfaces into specific areas. Unusual combinations of rich, lustrous shades and bright, lively colors became popular. Walls were covered in wallpapers, with fruits and flower themes. Often calico fabric was used as a wall covering. Sometimes the walls were also treated as flat surfaces with built - in display or storage. During Georgian period furniture was lined up to the walls when not in used. During regency style furniture was grouped in the middle of the rooms to serve as permanent, cozy conversational areas. Furniture was painted to simulate expensive materials. Tables and cabinet tops were marbled. Red - black and cream - brown color-schemes were common for furniture. Furniture, often in black, was decorated with lines or patterns in gold. Furniture was movable and could be fitted in most of the rooms.
Design style moved from strict symmetry to asymmetry. Regency style was more relaxed and informal than Georgian style. Fireplaces, stairways, furniture; everything was simpler and less ornamental. Although, designs were lighter, they were decorated in rich gilt or bronze colors. Ceilings were less decorated and the emphasis was placed on shape and form.
During Georgian period, libraries were mainly masculine in décor. However, during Regency, they became family rooms, where family and guests could come together, read or play games. Thus, apart from reading and writing furniture, comfortable sitting and game tables became part of the library décor.
Dining rooms, however, remained formal. Round table tops and the pedestal in warm tones of rosewood were popular.
Although, decoration became simpler, window treatments became more elaborate. During Georgian era, very less attention was given to the windows. During regency, windows were designed in French style, where fabrics were draped everywhere.
Regency period was characterized by lighter and finer furniture and decoration. Low ceilings and scaled down furniture was suitable for modern rooms. Thus, 1950s saw a revival of this style.
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