It was only a matter of time before the worlds’ collective fascination with Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, and the royal family at large sparked a binge-worthy TV series. Netflix’s The Crown has been a streaming sensation since its 2016 debut, and has only attracted more fanfare in the wake of the stalwart Queen Elizabeth’s passing (the show’s viewership quickly surged 800%, according to Forbes).
Unsurprisingly, we have more than a few Crown fans on the Havenly design team who couldn’t wait to whip up these dreamy royal-inspired spaces in honor of the season five premiere. From Balmoral Castle to the Monarch’s grand parlor, we interpreted seven unique spaces in the royal family’s classic signature style. Ahead, find our take on The Crown interior design, and consider leaning into traditional design yourself this season.
The Formal Sitting Room
From the imitable Queen Elizabeth II to the iconic Princess Diana, the reigning style of The Crown (and the real-life royal family, for that matter) can be described as none other than “classic.” Sure, this living room may not boast the gilded details of Buckingham palace, but it embodies all of the timelessness, refinement, and elegance of nobility. Between the ornate wall moulding, traditional palette, classic prints, and tailored silhouettes, it’s like a Ralph Lauren ad in the best way possible. There’s also a quiet pragmatism that reminds us of Claire Foy’s brilliant portrayal of The Queen.
The Moody Bedroom
We see this as Princess Margaret’s dream bedroom after her Kensington Palace renovations. As one of the world’s renowned socialites known for her glamorous lifestyle, trending fashion, and passionate romances (you can catch all the drama in The Crown), she needs a bedroom that’s luxe, chic, and a touch moody. (Side note: can we all admit how much we swooned over Matthew Goode as the Earl of Snowdon in season three?)
The Scottish Retreat
As the summer residence of the monarch, Balmoral Castle (a massive estate in the Scottish Highlands) makes an appearance in the fourth season of The Crown. Not only is it where the family goes to unwind, hunt, and dine in exquisite style, it’s also where Princess Diana passes ‘the test’ that leads to her betrothal to Prince Charles and Margaret Thatcher. From the moody paint and floral ceiling wallpaper to the leather-bound books lining the shelves, this library would feel right at home at Balmoral. Just picture a pair of muddy rain boots in the corner after a long walk on the moors.
The Dining Room
Some of the most dramatic scenes in The Crown take place over a lavish feast, and this decadent dining room serves up some serious regency style. It’s classic yet chic; luxe yet polished, down to the dual crystal chandeliers and floral wallpaper. Just add awkward royal family tension, and you have yourself a dinner party!
The Parlor
Much of the Queen’s Buckingham residence is bedecked in the traditional royal red, but we wanted to give the Monarch’s parlor a fresh twist. With an equally rich jewel-tone color palette set in emerald green with hints of soft pink, this regal space is perfect for sipping tea (or cocktails).
The Reading Room
If the royal family had a dedicated reading room, we imagine it looking a little something like this. From the serene yet classic blue-and-white color palette to the lavish design details, including the tufted wingback chair and crystal chandelier, it’s both elevated and understated. Finished with traditional portrait artwork and a tea set at the ready, it’s certainly royal family-worthy.
The Italian Vacation Home
Season 5 opens with Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and their royal sons embarking on a stately yacht to Italy. This family trip (dubbed a “second honeymoon” to the press) was inspired by the couples’ real-life vacation in the late 1980s. In celebration of all the royal goodness, we leave you with this vacation-inspired bedroom, replete with New Mediterranean design influences from natural stone to organic textures and a minimalist palette.
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