Have you seen the release photos for Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland?
There are a ton more images at the above link if you are curious. And here are some behind the scenes photos. I really love the blue skirt made of ric rac that Alice is wearing.
The point of this post is not to show you how divine Tim Burton is, but to show you how to gather inspiration from an unconventional place (movies) and use it to create your home. There are many movies out there that are full of beautiful color and interesting design begging to be incorporated into your home. I'm sure you can think of a few.
So, what do you do when you fall in love with a movie and want to represent it's style in your home?
Start by going to the internet and search for photos from the movie that best represent the colors and styles you like about it. Here are good examples of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette:
Print out several photos from the movie and keep them as reference. you will need them while you shop. These photos will also come in handy when you are trying to explain something to a salesperson, or trying to recall detail.
Get out your pad of paper and a pen, and start listing details about the design. Here are some Penelope images to use as an example:
You want to include anything that comes to mind when you look at the images. In this case you would note the whimsical garden theme, butterflies, the wide plank wood floors, beautiful landscape art, the cloches covering everything from miniature trees to mini furniture. Oh, and don't forget the colors!
If you want more images of the movie, Apartment Therapy has a wonderful posting with tons of photos.
Now, to proceed from here, you need to remember one rule. Don't overdo it!
Start with your walls and floors adding in the color, and from there work on layering in the elements. When you buy things, try to keep it simple, and stick to your list of details. If you find something over the top that you simply must have, (like the coral painted tree idea), make it your centerpiece, and try to keep other elements from competing with it. And don't forget, places like Etsy are more than happy to custom create for your home, so don't be afraid to ask.
Use photos to help keep you on track, and show them to everyone you encounter while shopping. Don't assume anyone knows what you are talking about when you mention the movie you are trying to emulate.
Now, don't be in a hurry to finish your room, most of the fun of design is happening upon the perfect piece you didn't even know you were looking for.
Oh, as a side note, my home most closely resembles the Alice Wn Wonderland photos, and it is nowhere near complete. I hope it is never done!
