BROKE IN TWEED

Dearest Gentle Reader, 

With our favourite members of the Ton set to return to our screens today, I can’t help but wonder what this season’s interiors will bring.

If you are familiar with Broke in Tweed, you’ll know that it’s not uncommon for us to step into a palace or two for a glimpse of opulence. Accessible design is our goal but that does not mean chintzy.

So the Cinderella-inspired fourth season of Bridgerton comes as music to our ears (and design inspiration to our mood boards). The design elements in the season 4 sneak peaks have us excited about what is to come. Find out how to get the look for (much) less.

Ebonised Furniture

New to the Ton are the Li family and Lady Gao. Dark finishes to furniture are gaining popularity; people are turning to East Asian motifs in both fashion and interiors. It’s no surprise that the storyline of Bridgerton is partially responsible for that.

The black or dark finish of ebonised furniture with pronounced wood grain showing through is what makes for good imitation ebony at a noticeably lower price point. Ebonised furniture of the time period that Bridgerton is set often features bright or gilded accents to create greater contrast and add richness to the design.

One way to achieve the gilded and ebonised Regency furniture design is to find Regency-style furniture and paint it black or stain it using a dark wood finish. The best affordable Regency-style vanity tables, consoles or nightstands are second hand reproductions, found on eBay, Vinterior, or at second hand furniture stores). Rub ‘n’ Buff can be used on the accents for that gilded finish.

If you’re struggling to find Regency furniture, terms like “cabriole legs”, “Queen Anne”, “French” and “Georgian” help to refine the search. With these, you are bound to find what you are looking for.

Trelliage

Queen Charlotte stands out in the series for her non-conforming styles and amazing hairdos. But what we often miss is her style behind the costumes. This green trelliage is reminiscent of Le Pavillon Frais which uses the same tone.

Analysing season four settings, it makes sense that so much of the design is dictated by florals. The queen is shaping the culture as the trellis of the Ton. Trelliage is French but also a prominent feature of the Chinoiserie style, merging European and East Asian styles.

If you’re looking to create this botanical theme in your home, the Cole & Son trelliage wallpaper has a similar look. It adds beautiful architectural patterns to your interiors that transport you to another time in design.