Hollywood hits High Point

Hollywood Regency, our cover look this market, fashions a sumptuous, glamorous existence that is at once both eclectic and individualistic. And while it's actually a very old look, the current incarnation remains as fresh, enchanting and lively as ever.

Popularized during the '30s and continuing well through mid-century by renowned decorators like Dorothy Draper and William Haines, Regency style decorated the homes of Hollywood's glitterati with its own very unique presence. While the feel was ultimately modern, the impetus was ornamentation as opposed to minimalism.

Today, the focus is still on ornamentation and a lavish tendency to excess, heightened by bold motifs and color palettes. Mixing and matching various styles and eras (a little Baroque, a little Deco, a little chinoiserie) leads to highly individualistic design with dramatic presence on a grand scale.

Among our other top trends for spring, flowers bloom with renewed enthusiasm as floral prints show off their power in accent furniture, soft goods, lamps and more. Perky prints in exuberant hues go a long way in lending much-needed optimism to home accents.

Wood is also in the spotlight this spring (or wood-like looks), preferably in natural, mid to light finishes. Admirably suited to showcasing both rustic and contemporary designs, the overall feel is clean, streamlined and undeniably modern.

Animal prints, a quintessential design element that never goes out of style, come into play this season with a loud roar. Offered in both spirited graphic prints or subtly sophisticated renderings, there are exotic choices (leopard, giraffe or python, to name a few) to suit every taste.

Finally, French-inspired designs continue their reign of classically good taste. Modern infusions inject wit and warmth to create a rich, inviting appeal.