Film inspirations: An interior journey to the homes of interesting women - "Little Women" and "Anne of Green Gables"
Have you ever had a dream that you watch all your favorite movies and series? If so, now it can come true! The time of social quarantine is a good time to catch up in this area. In addition, the art of film will improve your mood and temporarily transfer our stress related to the current situation to the background. Costume productions are experiencing their renaissance, which can become not only a treasury of knowledge about the old days, but also a source of inspiration for interior design.
Costume movies have their die-hard fans. Some productions are downright cult, which is why subsequent directors reach for well-known, liked stories and film them anew with the currently popular film cast. Such creations undoubtedly include the novels "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott and "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery, which have been sometimes sentimental and sometimes funny. Their latest versions can be watched online in episodes on HBO Go or Netflix, or you can buy movie screenings on DVD and draw interior design inspiration from them.
Interiors without a corset
What was the house called Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts, where the March sisters lived in the stories of "Little Women"? First of all, it radiates warmth. The interiors are bathed in colors (subdued pastels dominate) and various, usually floral patterns, found on wallpapers, carpets, rugs and pillows, full of upholstered furniture of various styles, and bookcases. In the living room, the fireplace attracts attention, which is always beautifully decorated, according to the season. All this together gives the impression of cosiness, and at the same time is eclectic in its expression. Therefore, we feel there the spirit of different generations and the passion for collecting. How to transfer this charming atmosphere to your own M?
If we are planning a thorough renovation, e.g. of a dining room, consider combining paneling with interesting wallpaper. Paint the wall up to 1/3 of its height with grayish blue paint. Remember that it will probably be a space exposed to dirt, so let's focus on paint resistant to stains, washing and wet scrubbing, e.g. Śnieżka Stain Resistant in the shade "P35 Phenomenal". Above the painting, let's stick a cream wallpaper with a delicate pattern of blackberry vines.
Let's emphasize the place where two different structures join with a decorative strip (stuccowork). What furniture to choose for such a decorated interior? Wooden furnishings (table and chairs) with a dark brown color will work well, which will add depth to the arrangement. If, however, we do not like blues, we can opt for burgundy, which reigned in the March sisters' living room, similarly to them, enlivening it with golden accessories, e.g. metallic frames with family photos. With a delicate metamorphosis of space, let's focus on accessories such as patterned throws and pillows that will make the rooms more cozy. We can also create a self-made bookcase and display them beautifully in it.
An enthusiastic return to nature
Didn't anyone read a series of books about the adventures of a playful, red-haired girl named Ania in childhood? If so, he must have at least followed her fate on the TV screen. What did Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert's house in Avonlea look like, where she lived? It was dominated by a rustic style. Whitewashed walls, raw wood, a red brick fireplace, a massive table with bent chairs around it, a charming exhibition of porcelain, characteristic stairs with a traditional balustrade ... A wonderfully idyllic atmosphere, as beautiful as the view through the windows of the green hills - you can dream. Such idyllic spaces, with a little will and imagination, we can successfully create in our own M.
If we want to completely change the decor of the dining room, let's focus on contrasts. Let's paint the walls in a color similar to natural limestone (it can be additionally decorated with cornices) - such an effect can be obtained by using, for example, Śnieżka Stain Resistant in the shade "P03 Postępowa". It is a perfect background for all classic interior arrangements. Another option is whitewashed paneling - just like in the series, we can arrange it from 2/3 of the height, and paint the bottom with good quality paint. In such a space, it is worth displaying a sideboard in a similar tone. We can search for it on the Internet or in grandma's attic, and then restore it. We put our most beautiful tableware we have into it, carefully arrange it, and a perfect effect is guaranteed. We will also need a wooden wenge table (it may have drawers under the top) on turned legs, retro-style chairs, the so-called stick insects, and a massive bench. What lighting works best? An interesting and designer idea will be to convert an old oil/kerosene lamp into a chandelier. If you just want to slightly refresh the look of the room, let's play with textile accessories. Instead of a carpet, we can put a kilim on the floor, decorative, embroidered napkins and cut flowers in a simple glass dish on the table, and jars filled to the brim with food products on the open shelves, similar to a home pantry. All kitchen accessories made of natural wood will work as decorations.
Film screenings are a sweet break from the gray reality. Therefore, for your well-being, it is also worth taking such relaxation regularly. Nowadays, everyone will find something for themselves on the Internet or television, without having to leave the house. And in addition, absorbing exciting stories, we can look at inspiring interiors and use some arrangement ideas in our own home now or later. Why not! Will Ania Shirley and her family or the March sisters symbolically appear in your apartments?
