Literature-inspired Interior Design

The media is simply buzzing with excitement about this Spring and Summer's blockbuster releases. Films such as The Great Gatsby, Star Trek: Into The Darkness, Man of  Steel, and After Earth are adorning the pages of publications and social media. Of course, these releases have been wholly adapted from or at least inspired by popular literature. So it makes perfect timing for me to collate some literature-inspired interior design. From furniture to lighting, and wallpaper to wall art, you will find a touch of the literature in these selected pieces. Let's kick off with the Art Deco era.......

F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby': Art Deco

'The Great Gatsby' is definitely one of the most hotly anticipated films of 2013. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the film has captured the decadence and glamour of the Jazz Age. I have aptly found some Art Deco pieces from brands including Osborne & Little, Liberty, Lee Broom, The Water Monopoly and Laura Ashley, amongst others. Take a look below!

'Kikko Trellis Vinyl' wallpaper in black and silver from Osborne & Little. Visit stockist for prices

The Crazy Bear Hotel Group is a chain of hotels across the UK-  unashamedly decadent would be the perfect words to describe it. Whilst the glitz and glamour may be too exaggerated or slightly obnoxious for some, what can't be denied is its patent Art Deco feel. Have a look at the mirrored lavatories and opulent bars below for some inspiration.....

Crazy Bear Ladies' Toilets, Beaconsfield

Crazy Bear Hotel, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire

Crazy Bear Bar, Beaconsfield

The Art Deco movement is defined by geometric patterns and bold colours. Below are ideal wallpaper and cushion prints for your living room or study....

'Opening Doors Ash' wallpaper from Wallpaper Direct. £99 per roll

'Minaret' wallpaper from Osborne & Little.
Visit stockist for pricing

'Sun and Moon' wallpaper from Graham and Green.
£20 a roll

Grey & White Lanthe cushion from the Liberty London Collections, Liberty. £95

You can't get any more decadent than crystal!

Crystal Half Cut Champagne Glass by Lee Broom. £120  from Liberty

Here's an Art Deco-inspired dining room set from DFS, of all places! I love the shape of the chairs and the marble-topped dining table....

'Utah' table and chairs. £1699 from DFS

'Balmoral Chestnut Double Bookcase' from Laura Ashley, £840. I love its vintage feel and criss-cross panels.

Mirror-fronted furniture is a signature look from the Roaring Twenties. See appropriate collections from Laura Ashley below...

Charlston Sideboard. £595 from Laura Ashley

Charlston Console Table from Laura Ashley. £245

Capri Coffee Table from Laura Ashley.  £315

Queen Bee Table Lamp. £485 from House of Hackney.
The lampshade's fringe reminds me of a flapper dress!

Vista 3 Seater Sofa. £1698 from DFS. Can you spot the geometric shapes on this sofa....?

Statement living room ceiling lighting is a MUST to complete the Art Deco look...

Dante Chandelier Pendant from John Lewis. £140

The Empire Bath below is modelled on an early twentieth century French double ended bath cast. The exterior is patinated and the bath is standing on timber plinth. Just gorgeous for your bathroom! 

Empire Bath on Plinth from The Water Monopoly. From £4900

Patterned Glass Bathroom Set from Zara Home. From £7.99 for each piece

Children's Literature: Superheroes, Free & Fancy-free 

One of my favourite areas of Interior Design and Home Decor is design and decor for children. It makes me feel nostalgic and is a reminder of how important space and colour is for young minds. I have found some charming pieces which have a touch of the DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Beatrix Potter, and the Fantastic Mr. Fox about them! 

Lumas is selling a range of Marvel Comic posters, like this awesome Spiderman ''The Impossible Escape' poster from £100

'Dennis The Menace Catapult' screen print. £135 from Will & Glory. This would look perfect in a boy's room

'Quentin's Menagerie' wallpaper by Quentin Blake for Osborne & Little (visit
stockist for pricing). This is a unisex wallpaper and so fun! I am obsessed with
Quentin Blake's illustrations

Very cool Jade Fox wool cushion by Donna Wilson for Liberty, £75.
Remind you of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox, much?

Sandwich Defender plate by Jimbob Art for Liberty, £27.95.
My favourite piece from this blog - how awesome! A good way to ensure that
no sandwich is left uneaten.

Mr. Fox teacup set by Jimbob Art for Liberty, £49.95. Jimbob Art's pieces are hand drawn original illustrations. This particular fox is suave and polished. 

Charming Zhao Rabbit Tray by Ibride for Liberty, £126. This is part of a wider Ibride
collection for Liberty. The tray can also be used as a decorative wall hanging. The image reminds me of Beatrix Potter's works, albeit I don't think any of her rabbits were this elegant!

Star Trek, After Earth: Cutting Edge

Sci-Fi is one of my favourite film genres. No doubt that literature such as Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty Four,' H.G Well's 'The War of the Worlds' and Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' inspired both future novels and motion pictures such as Star Trek and After Earth. Part of the reason why I adore sci-films is its futuristic set and costume designs. Have a look below for some uber-modern home decor pieces.

Louis Ghost Chair, £189 from Aram. Made from polycarbonate and based on a Baroque
style of a Louise XVI armchair, this chair has been carefully crafted and is totally in keeping with the Spring/Summer perspex look. Brands from Alexander McQueen to Chanel are adding a touch of perspex to their clothes and accessories

Voido Rocking Chair, £477 from Aram. Suitable for outdoor use, it's a statement piece that would really add some character to your living room or garden

Masters Chair, £140 from Aram. Actually inspired by space age technology. I love the sinuous hybrid  pattern  of the back of the chair

Loft Sofa (split back), £7, 456 from Aram. This is a smartly-designed sofa with adjustable seat depths and adjustable backs. The modern age is all about the personal - and this is certainly a personal, statement piece in the living room

Eileen Gray Brick Screen, £34, 950 from Aram. This is a re-edition of one of Eileen Gray's most iconic designs. It can be used as a sun screen (you can control the sunlight by moving the panels around), a room divider, or as an expensive collector's item