GO GATSBY
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, upperclass 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, with decor fans determined to ‘jazz up’ their interiors. 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 need to get in a ‘flap’ about decor - simply follow our guide to Gatsby glamour. SILVER SCREEN STYLE 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.”
34 LIVING ALONG THE THAMES
RAZZLE-DAZZLE DECOR All smoke and mirrors could sum up the essence of this style, which evokes the glittering world of the ‘bright young things’ who danced to ragtime. “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. Gatsby Glitz: Dunelm Mill’s Deco range of desirable mirrored furniture includes a Parisian four-drawer chest, £349.99. The Apartment collection at Isme is a snip with a console table and side table currently on offer online at £79 each and a coffee table, £159. Reflect light with decorative all-glass mirrors which are ‘art’ for walls. You’re spoilt for choice at The Chandelier & Mirror Company, and its Foggia mirror, £495, is a classic in an art deco Venetian Sunburst style using more than 90 separate angled mirror pieces. LET IT GLITTER “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 Marianne Shillingford at Dulux. “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.” Gatsby Glitz: Tom Faulkner has embraced art deco