Get the Miss Austen look: 10 homewares inspired by the BBC drama
Chintzy, over-the-top opulence? Not so much. Miss Austen, the new BBC One drama about one of the nation's most beloved novelists, is a fabulous story filled with intrigue and romance, but what we really love is the way it shows Regency interiors in a whole other light.
The series follows the life of Jane Austen's sister, Cassandra, often maligned for having destroyed almost all of Jane Austen's correspondence after she died. The series, based on the Gill Hornby novel of the same name, speculates about why Cassandra might have burnt the letters written by her sister. It's an engrossing drama with a brilliant cast, but for us, the breakout star is… well, the interiors. This is the year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and we predict this show will kickstart #Regencycore in a big way.
And there is lots to admire about the interiors brought to life in Miss Austen, which are much quieter than the romantic, lavish Bridgerton sets. By contrast, the rooms in Miss Austen feature subtle embellishments, clever motifs and carefully chosen Regency patterns.
We love the way they can bring elegance, history and wit into your home, and have rounded up a few signature pieces that will help you get the look.
Windsor Bed Right Hand Facing Chaise Longue
During the Regency period, interiors were strongly influenced by Neoclassicism and the architecture and designs of ancient Greece and Rome.
In Miss Austen, Cassandra's sister-in-law Mary (played by Jessica Hynes) often reclines on a chaise longue, overcome by weariness. This DFS chaise with a Chesterfield-style headboard is the perfect spot to do a little swooning of your own.
Mansfield Park Wallpaper Collection
Whether it's Toile de Jouy or botanical, wallpaper features prominently in Miss Austen. At Chawton Cottage, the property where both Jane and Cassandra Austen lived, fragments of nature-inspired wallpaper displaying 'Chawton leaf' and rosebud were found in the house. For something similar, explore Osborne & Little’s charming Mansfield Park wallpaper collection.
£263.00 at wallpaperdirect.com
Giselle Tall Shelving Unit
We can't recreate an interior worthy of Elizabeth Bennett without considering a dedicated spot for books. During the Regency period, mahogany would have been the go-to material for furniture, but a lighter wood suits a more contemporary room scheme.
This simple bookshelf with curved detailing and sabre legs will add sophistication to even the most un-intellectual book collection.
Bronze Sitting Dog Ornament
From brass fish to ceramic dogs, animal motifs are repeated throughout the homes of Miss Austen. In her sister-in-law’s less tasteful home, taxidermy and animal skins symbolise the oppressiveness of empire in the show, while at Kintbury Vicarage, small statues are an homage to Cassandra's love of animals.
Here, a brass dog ornament can provide a nod to both the period and an homage to Jane Austen’s signature wit.
Folding Table Mirror Brass
Miss Austen is a story about the mystery surrounding Jane Austen's identity, and in a show that explores private and public perceptions, it's not surprising that mirrors make a cameo appearance. In Ardwell House, they are often surrounded by ornate gilded frames; you can try this dressing table mirror from Cox & Cox for some Regency glamour of your own.
Vineyard Folding Table
Tight on space but want to carve out a creative corner? Take your cue from Chawton Cottage, where Jane Austen wrote some of her best novels – not in a large study but at a small table in her family’s dining parlour. This side table from The White Company is the perfect way to recreate her WFH set-up (razor-sharp wit and clever plotting not included).
Wild Flower Cushion Cover in Blue
It wouldn’t be a Regency interior without lashings of chintz. The iconic print is sprinkled across the cushions and sofas where the heroines of Miss Austen weep or catch up on their correspondence. If you’re inspired to add some blooms to your room scheme, we love this modern update from Rosie Dalia – the bright colours add a dash of drama without feeling old-fashioned. And surely Jane Austen would want us to be as bold with our decor as she was in her writing?
Castelion Brass Regency Drawer Pull
In Miss Austen, the interiors of Kintbury and Chawton are contrasted with ostentatious opulence of Edward Austen's home. Neoclassical busts and chandeliers adorn the Austen brother's rooms but you can emulate the subtler decorative approach at Kintbury by slotting in a few brass details, such as this pull from B&Q.
Annecy Rattan Bed Frame - Natural
Whether curved, carved or embellished, headboards are often the backdrop to some of the Miss Austen sisters’ most personal conversations.
The beds reflect the era’s aesthetics, when England’s Prince Regent looked to France for style inspiration. A more modern iteration is Dusk's rattan bed frame with a shapely and elegant design that’s also fit for a prince.
Deliciae Naturae VIII Framed Art
The sea plays a big role in Miss Austen, either reflecting Cassandra’s inner turmoil or a moment when Jane is filled with a sense of possibility. Nautical motifs frequently appear in the show’s interiors, but until we can afford a John Constable seascape, we’ll opt for a vintage print from Mindthegap.
£257.00 at thedesignyard.co.uk
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