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It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice, is one of the best Austen adaptations. 20 years have passed since Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen set our screens and hearts ablaze as the passionate (and original) enemies-to-lovers, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. It’s a significant anniversary but for many of us, the emotions evoked by this film feel as fresh as ever. That’s in large part due to the distinct visual language of Pride and Prejudice. There are so many iconic shots. Who could forget Mr Darcy striding through a mist-covered field, his shirt unbuttoned just a little too far to be historically accurate, or the rain cascading heavily around the pair as Lizzie cuttingly rejects him (and almost kisses him immediately after)?
Behind all the drama and romance, the set design creates a stylish backdrop. The homes may be decorated with Regency-era tastes but they have a sense of timelessness, too. For those obsessed with interiors, it’s the cosiness of the Bennet family home and the opulence in Darcy’s grand Pemberley estate that really set the heart racing. It’s no secret that many interior trends are inspired by rom coms but why are the aesthetics of Pride and Prejudice so enduring? And how can we incorporate some of that old world charm into our own modern homes? Take a trip down memory lane with us as we explore the dreamy decor of Pride and Prejudice (and the best pieces to shop to recreate the look).
The homes of Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice was Jane Austen’s second novel, published in 1813. This puts the swoony romance in the Regency period. It can be easy to think of these eras as formal, repressed and even stuffy but, at this point, residential architecture was actually taking a more informal turn. Where the Georgian period saw homes with symmetrical layouts, the Regency introduced more of a ‘circuit plan’, with asymmetry and a stronger sense of flow from room to room. Furniture, which used to be kept strictly against walls, moved into the middle of the space. In Pride and Prejudice, this change is clear in the Bennet’s living room.
Couches and armchairs take pride of place in the middle of the room, leaving the walls, and the decorative trim they feature, visible. These wall mouldings accentuate paintings mounted in large and ornate gold frames, with golden candelabras positioned in between. Timber chests, sideboards and side tables are then scattered around the periphery. The Bennet house might be cluttered and a little chaotic but ultimately it creates a cosy effect. From the blue walls to the mis-matched tableware, these interiors are layered to perfection.
Three steps to Pride and Prejudice interior style
The interior style of Pride and Prejudice still resonates after more than 200 years. Clearly the Regency era did something right. Follow these three simple steps for Pride and Prejudice interiors (Mr Darcy regrettably not included).
1. Embrace colour and pattern
Wallpaper was very popular in the beginning of the 19th century, replacing the dado rails and other wall mouldings of the previous century (sorry to the Bennets, who were understandably a little behind the times). Pops of blue, in particular Prussian blue, started to make waves. Lean in to the palette with soft furnishings, wall coverings and blue tones.
2. Find furniture with decorative flourishes
‘Sleek’ is almost antithetical to Pride and Prejudice style. From frames to pendant lights, side tables and couches, every single piece of decor in your home presents an opportunity for a little adornment. A flourish, if you will. Opt for chairs with curved backs, timber pieces with marquetry and motifs throughout. These decorative embellishments will help to create old world charm.
3. Mis-match to perfection
One of the reasons the Bennet house in Pride and Prejudice has captured our hearts for 20 years is because it feels truly lived in. This isn’t your usual Hollywood set. Items look like they’ve been lovingly collected over many years, especially the tableware. While matching sets are beautiful, the Bennets prove that mis-matched platters, plates, bowls and jugs only enhance the style of your tabletop. You can make use of different materials (such as glass, ceramics and metals) as long as the silhouettes and styles of these pieces complement each other.
Now you’re an expert on the interior style of Pride and Prejudice, there’s nothing left to do but shop!
The Edit: Shop the Pride and Prejudice look
Maddison Lane ‘Ephrem Baroque’ metal wall mirror
$209.99, Temple & Webster.
Royal Albert teapot, sugar and creamer set
$383.20 (was $479), Myer.
Bridgerton ‘Fit For A Queen’ rug in Soft Rose
$729, Ruggable.
‘French Country’ high back wing armchair
$799 (was $919), Temple & Webster.
‘French Provincial Estate’ bookcase
$4,699, Temple & Webster.
‘Summer Palace’ wallpaper
$154/per roll, Wallpaper Direct.
‘Quinn’ quilt cover set in Blue
$29.98 – $164.98 (was $59.95 – $329.95), Myer.
Vintage Dutch still life oil painting
$466.40, Etsy.
Vintage regency Ralph Lauren velvet nailhead ottoman
$2,929.86, 1st Dibs.
Bedside table in Blue
$116.95 (was $169.99), Myer.
