The highly anticipated Season 3 of Bridgerton has finally arrived, gracing our screens with its signature blend of breathtaking costumes, sizzling romance, and, of course, its elaborate set designs.
At Onni Creative, we're particularly enchanted by the series' opulent settings. From grand ballrooms to enchanting gardens, Bridgerton’s sets are truly unparalleled. Let’s dive into some behind-the-scenes secrets from this season’s production design.
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 PRODUCTION DESIGN SECRETS
Secret 1: The Show’s Production Designer, Alison Gartshore, Has Extensive Training in Theatre Design.
Alison Gartshore, the brilliant production designer behind Bridgerton, brings her extensive training in theatre-design to the table. This unique background enables her to craft the show's extravagant and vivid environments that captivate viewers. Determined to elevate Bridgerton’s visual splendor, Alison aimed to "turn the dial up to 11," enhancing the show’s already rich visual identity with even more flamboyance and color.
Secret 2: Anthony and Kate’s New Abode Boasts a Harmonious Blend Between their Families
The newlywed couple, Anthony and Kate, now reside in a charming new apartment that beautifully merges elements from the Bridgerton family home. The color palette, featuring the iconic Wedgewood Blue (also known as Bridgerton Blue) and peachy cream shades, reflects a harmonious blend of both characters’ worlds. To honor Kate’s Indian heritage, Gartshore incorporated paisley fabrics, ivory and brass decor, and motifs inspired by Indian medallions, creating a space that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Secret 3: The Featherington Home’s Dramatic Flair Inspired by Thomas Hope
The Featherington residence boasts furniture inspired by designer Thomas Hope, who was known for his Egyptian-influenced, bold black and gold palettes. Gartshore describes Hope’s style as "very Versace," which perfectly suits the Featheringtons' elaborate and intense persona. The intricate plasterwork on the walls adds to the family’s dramatic and opulent aesthetic.
Secret 4: Gartshore’s Eclectic Designs Came From Quirky Inspirations
Some of the set design inspirations came from unexpected sources. One notable example is a rounded bed inspired by a pair of 1970s French knickers, featured in a scene where Colin enters a bordello adorned with silk, light pink curtains. Gartshore deliberately avoided referencing other Regency-set period dramas, instead drawing inspiration from classic musicals like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and My Fair Lady. This choice infused Bridgerton’s sets with a playful, technicolor vibrancy, steering away from strict period accuracy.
Secret 5: The Masculine and Oppressive Atmosphere of the Cowper Home
Introducing the Cowper home, Gartshore aimed to create a masculine and somewhat oppressive atmosphere that contrasts starkly with the rest of Bridgerton’s pastel-hued world. The Cowper interiors, with their earth-toned palette, imposing red marble columns, and sky-high bookshelves, stand in sharp contrast to Cressida Cowper’s pink, frilly dresses.
This design choice highlights her sense of not belonging, with even the wood ladder only reaching halfway up the shelves symbolizing her limited access to knowledge. Gartshore mentions a scene where Cressida nervously watches a character reach for a book, underscoring the restrictive nature of her environment. Despite this, it’s likely that we’ll see Cressida and other women characters voraciously reading Lady Whistledown’s scandalous gossip column, driving much of the show’s drama.
Why is Production Design So Important?
A production designer is head of the art department. On board from the beginning, they work with the director + producers to help bring the writer’s script, director’s vision + producer’s plans together as a visual whole. The production designer researches or "scouts" locations, eventually securing + preparing it for shooting. They budget the cost of materials, track expenses, and typically oversee the art director, set designers, illustrators + scenic painters to develop a specific visual style for a production. From minute details to overarching themes, a production designer must consider every aspect shown on screen, regardless of budget, they must be resourceful and think on their feet.
Bridgerton’s set designs are a feast for the eyes, blending historical influences with imaginative twists. Alison Gartshore’s creative vision and theatre background bring an extra layer of richness to the series, making each episode a visual delight. We hope you catch some of these production design secrets during your watch experience!
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