The new Great Gatsby movie is proving a big influence for decor fans who’ve been seduced by its glamorous, glitzy settings. Gabrielle Fagan sources Twenties-style ingredients to jazz up your home
THE bold, beautiful and luxurious scenery in The Great Gatsby is drawing as much attention as the glamorous stars of the new Hollywood blockbuster.
Director Baz Luhrmann has recreated the lavish 1920s playground of the rich where the beautiful, upper-class Daisy is wooed by social climber Gatsby, and it’s a riot of colour and opulence enhanced by 3D.
The film’s already made its mark beyond the screen by inspiring a revival of interest in art deco. Trends are created when they catch the mood of the moment and this elegant style perfectly suits our current desire for more decorative, styled homes, says Carole Brown, director of marketing for Dunelm Mill.
‘‘While being effortlessly chic, the geometric shapes, streamlining and clean lines characteristic of art deco enhance any setting,’’ she says. ‘‘To do up a home in true Gatsby style, introduce elements of opulence with polished, mirrored furniture, silky fabrics and luxurious crystal lighting.’’ There’s no room for fuss and clutter when conjuring this look, says Marianne Shillingford, design director of Dulux Design Service.
‘‘The Great Gatsby-inspired scheme is grown up and understated, with a subtle, sophisticated colour palette so it pays to have a light touch when trying to evoke it,’’ she says. ‘‘The right backdrop and even just a few deco details will capture the atmosphere of this era.’’ Painting walls in differing shades may seem, on the face of it, as unlikely a pairing as Daisy and Gatsby. But it can work.
‘‘Use colours which reflect dulled-off metallic hues of bronze and copper as well as richer caramels,’’ says Rebecca Thompson, colour and design manager for Dulux. ‘‘Set those against blue greys and charcoal, with a touch of pink and it will keep the style feminine and elegant.’’ Dulux’s Timeless range has shades to inspire, such as a deep grey Bowler Hat, £21.98 for 2.5 litres from B&Q online, a Natural Taupe 2 and a warm Caramel Blush 2. Both around £24.29 for 2.5 litres from various outlets.
Farrow & Ball suggests a palette which includes green, a favoured choice of the era. Its Churlish Green could be complemented by a taupe Dove Tale or dark grey Down Pipe. All shades available in full gloss, £19.50 for 750ml, and the Estate Emulsion range, £34.50 for 2.5 litres.
‘‘Baz Luhrmann’s film highlights the more geometric and angular elements of 1920s decoration, which included the use of lots of chrome, mirrors and glass – summing up the age of the silver screen,’’ says Sarah Cole, director at Farrow & Ball.
Polished furniture, wood and bronze craftsmanship will create a harmonious setting redolent of the visual luxury of the period.
‘‘Keep flooring light for a fresh look by choosing cream carpet or light oak parquet and rugs. Gold and silver details work well together in a room but try not to use equal amounts,’’ advises Shillingford. ‘‘Touches of gold in details such as door handles can be echoed in fabrics, while tones of faceted silver, glass and chrome will add real glamour.’’ Replicating this on-screen look in its entirety might not be to your taste – but flirting with it could be just the touch of frivolity needed to update a room and prove you’re in tune with trends.
A monochrome scheme is always suggestive of art deco and pristine white walls with some signature pieces of furniture will endure long beyond the hype of the movie.
Chandeliers are synonymous with glamour and don’t overlook small details such as lamps which complete the look.
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