Royalcore: What is the trend and how to get it in your home
Bridgerton season 2 is set to hit Netflix this month (March 25th) and with it we expect the obsession with all things regal to boom once more.
Luxury bed retailer, And So To Bed,
Bridgerton has rekindled our love for all things romantic and regal and with it Royalcore, the fashion and interiors aesthetic was born.
We recently conducted some research and found that Google searches related to Royalcore have had a 2,637% increase over the past 12 months. Videos on TikTok containing the Royalcore hashtag have racked up 278.1M views and the hashtag on Instagram has appeared in 52,276 posts, showing this trend is showing no signs of slowing.
(Figures correct as of March 2022)
Royalcore is a term referring to a group of aesthetics based on the visuals of West European royalty, ranging from Arthurian times (5th and 6th centuries) to the Belle Époque period (late 19th century). The aesthetic revolves around refinement and elegance, featuring intricate detailing, delicate colours and opulence.
For clothing this includes floral patterns, pastels, layering of flowy materials such as tulle and lace or tulle trim, creating a romantic ethereal look.
In terms of decor the look isn’t dissimilar from Regencycore. Four poster beds, leaf carved wooden bedsteads, floral wallpaper, gold accents, upholstered headboards and plush soft furnishings, all in light, airy colours.
Pop culture has been integral in keeping this trend alive, from Pride and Prejudice to The Great to Marie Antoinette (starring Kirsten Dunst) and now the Netflix hit series Bridgerton. These film and TV period dramas transport viewers away from their 9 to 5 into romantic storylines where chivalry and intimacy are rife, not a swipe right or pair of grey jogging bottoms in sight.
How to get the Royalcore look at home
Just like Lorde sang, many of us will “never be royal” but that doesn’t mean we can’t make believe! All it takes is the right props. Here are some key elements to include for those wanting to give their boudoirs a Royalcore makeover.
Opulent beds fit for a queen (or king)
The bed is the focal point of the bedroom and the centre of many romantic exchanges, so opulence is the only option when hoping to achieve the Royalcore aesthetic. Gilded detailing on a wooden bedstead will automatically make the bed feel more luxurious.
Another favourite of this regal interior trend are four poster beds. These extravagant beds are always associated with luxury and wealth making them a perfect fit for a royal.
Maximalism: More is more
Maximalism is the goal for Royalcore, forget the stripped back, minimalist interiors- Royalcore is a flamboyant display from the floors to the ceiling. Draw inspiration from the Palace of Versailles.
Floral detailing is a must for this aesthetic, florals in intricate, feminine wallpaper, florals on a large persian style rug on the floors and florals on the soft furnishings such as a floral upholstered headboard, throw cushions or a throw.
Gold detailing is a key to this trend. What is Royal without the crown jewels? Light fittings, frames, hardware on furniture should all be ornate and gold.
Renaissance art, particularly Italian renaissance art, adds another dimension to the look of the room. Think cherubs and angels.
Embellish the room with a mixture of decadent fabrics. These are often made of luxurious material such as velvets, satins and silks, adorned with patterns such as:
Decadent Fabrics
Embellish the room with a mixture of decadent fabrics. These are often made of luxurious material such as velvets, satins and silks, adorned with patterns such as:
Brocade: Often used for upholstery and curtains, but can also be featured on other soft furnishings such as cushions and bedding. Brocade is a heavy material woven on a Jacquard loom. Brocade is often made of luxury, high sheen materials like silk or satin, and frequently incorporates metallic threads, such as golds through the design.
Demask: Damask is woven on a Jacquard loom and has a raised design woven into the fabric which usually resembles a floral pattern. Often this fabric is made with luxury materials like silk. Typically, damask fabric has a sheen, and adds grandeur to a room.
Jacquard: Jacquard is the term for fabrics woven on a Jacquard loom, invented by Joseph Jacquard and first used in 1801- a key century for royalcore inspiration. Fabrics woven on the loom have a raised pattern that looks embroidered but is actually woven into the design. These fabrics are formal and traditional in style.
Statement Lighting
It is important that when embracing an aesthetic as exuberant as Royalcore that you commit to every detail, and this includes the lighting.
No regal room would be complete without a chandelier, of course not every room in the average family home will be the size or have the ceiling height to support something as grand as those found in actual palaces, but luckily there are miniature options that give the same spectacular appearance.
If you want to go a little further with statement lighting, accessorising with candelabras and gold candle sticks will elevate the romanticism.
A rich or pastel palette
There are two types of colour palettes popular in Royalcore interiors. There are the deep rich tones of reds, purples and dark greens, giving a moody, romantic setting. Or, there are the more delicate neutrals and powdery pastels to create a princess-esque, feminine look.
Michael Rolland, interiors expert and MD of The Paint Shed said: “Those inspired by the Georgian or mediaeval regal interiors can opt for a palette of darker jewel tones, embellished with golds and furniture with a dark cherry wood stain.“If Marie Antoinette, Palace of Versaille and Venetian decor is your inspiration however, then the delicate powdery pastels of a queen pink, cornsilk and of course the shade that is booming at the moment, sage green are beautiful colours to incorporate into your decor.
“These colours can either be featured as subtle hints on patterned wallpaper, through artwork, soft furnishings and on accessories, or can be the main colour of the walls in your new regal boudoir.”
Here are some luxury bedroom furniture pieces that would fit right into a Royalcore bedroom:
- 4th March 2022