Harry Potter and the House that Magic Made

I LOVE Harry Potter, and am totally amazed that it was all dreamed up by one mind. And, as per usual, I often find myself inspired by a particular scene or location. It's not always Harry Potter – films and books of all walks seem to influence me – but I do think this magical world is particularly inspiring.

So, should you too feel inspired by the Harry Potter Universe and want to indulge in a little fantasy interior, here are a few items available on the high street to help you on your way.

Thinking about trawling the Hogwarts library in search of Nicolas Flamel? There's a whole world of Library themed wallpapers which have been in vogue since about 2005 and are still going strong. This one is available from Andrew Martin is very Potteresque.

Remember the case which Mad Eye is kept captive in during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire? This piece by Antropologie really fits the bill. And this Rug from The Rug Company could easily have resided in the Griffindor Common Room.

And what Harry Potter interior is complete without the token Chesterfield?

And finally, if you really want to splash the cash to go all-out-castle-interior, this Wall Tapestry surely is a must have.

 

Beach Chic – a Hollister Inspired Bedroom Scheme

When you tell somebody you're an Interior Designer (or used to be) they can't help but say "ooh, that sounds exciting" closely followed by "I've been wondering how to decorate my living room…". Such a conversation took place a couple of weeks ago, with our Mortgage Adviser:

Mortgage Advisor: "what did you do for a living"
Me: "I was an Interior Designer"
Mortgage Advisor: "Wow, that sounds interesting. I've been wondering how to decorate my bedroom…"

Firstly, the walls need to close in on the space - a dark marine-inspired palette would be best, maybe a deep teal or oceanic blue. "Green Smoke" by Farrow & Ball is an interesting shade: a strange mix of blue, green and grey which oozes masculinity. I think it important to explore further than the usual pale blue hue, white weathered wood and nautical stripes. I like how Hollister create this dark rabbit warren which is in no way nautical and yet undeniably Beach Chic.

Next, the furniture is almost Antique – has a certain worn, threadbare appearance. Wallis & Gambier have a great furniture range, "Zanzibar" which is a beautiful red brown wood which compliments the Green Smoke perfectly. Add in a wrought Iron bedframe, black, with plain white bedding, and a wingback armchair in a rich Grey or Hessian fabric. And finally, this Beach haven isn't complete without the dark wood plantation shutters. Ceiling and floor should be dark too – maybe even a black ceiling – and a walnut floorboard with feature Zebra print rug (the Rug Company has a fab design by Diane Von Furstenburg, or alternately her Climbing leopard design)Then he said that he loved the Hollister Store in Liverpool and would love his bedroom to be styled like that. I can see the appeal, I thought later, and ever since I've been thinking about how that could be achieved.

REPLICATE THE MOVIES: Sex and the City

Ever watched a film and thought "I'd love to live in a place like that"? Of course you have: that's why companies pay so much to have their products featured in films. I think a lot of people assume this Product Placement is mainly used by companies like Coke Cola and Pepsi, where the main character is seen sipping from a cup with a giant logo plastered across it and strategically placed facing the camera. But often I find myself drawn to the background, the scenery and the home accessories. So, I've decided to explore some films and really try to locate the products so you can try to recreate them in your own home. I decide to go firstly with the chick flicks; Sex and The City 1 & 2.

SEX & THE CITY… it's all about designer

Considering the series focused so much on designer clothing, it's not surprising that when they decided to bring it to the Big Screen, they thought to revamp the (let's admit it) drab interiors. And, no surprise at all that they decided instead to clad every surface in designer wares. Fortunately, the world of interior design has nowhere near as many designer brands and items as the world of fashion, so finding the exact items isn't too difficult… affording them is a little harder!

 

CARRIES "GROWN UP" APARTMENT

• Rug – Overleaf by Marni, available from The Rug Company
• Wallhanging – LOVE TOO by Paul Smith, also available from the Rug Company
• Sofa Upholstery – Wolf Home
• Sofa – hmmm, maybe Wychwood Furniture for a good replica
• Headboard – Bath Headboard by Graham & Green
• Media Centre – SMA
• Chair – Bluesuntree
• Wall Pictures – Graham and Green
• Wall colour – Cooks Blue by Farrow and Ball
• Side Tables - Lacquered by Area ID

Onto Sex and the City 2 (which is dire – seriously, don't bother watching this as it has absolutely no plot whatsoever) we see Carrie and Big in their marital home and instead get a design fusion of Carrie's Fashionista flair and Big's New York Banker style. Again, throw in multiple designer labels, vintage pieces and a price-tag that'll give you a heart attack, and BOOM, you've got it. I particularly like this colour palette I have to say – the masculine taupe with splashes of a feminine pink and blue really appeals to me.

 

CARRIE AND BIG'S APARTMENT

• Rug – Candyflower by Marni, available from The Rug Company
• Cushions – Birdie Blossom by Paul Smith, also available from the Rug Company
• Chairs – Vintage design by T H Robjohn Gibbings, available at Bergdorf Goodman
• Sofa – Woodframe by Montauk
• Chandelier – Discs by Property
• Hallway Wallpaper – Oiseau Chocolate by Katie Ridder
• Bedroom Wallpaper – Rococco by Cole & Son
• Headboard Fabric – Velvet Gate by Kravet

If I had to pick one, I think I'd opt for Carrie's apartment from the first film. I love the bold splash of colour and even though it's deemed the "grown up" version of Carrie's apartment, it's still young and fresh. Their marital home is very adult, and as much as I do like it, I certainly couldn't live in it as it's far too conservative for my tastes.

 

HOTEL BEDROOM TOURS: the Covent Garden Hotel

Following on from the first bedroom tour of the Charlotte Street Hotel bedroom, I have decided to explore another of Kit Kemp's creations: the Covent Garden Hotel of London. Here, Kit has used a combination of her winning "English Country" style alongside local suppliers to the Hotel and a few trusted favourites from accross the pond. Though we can't all go trotting off to New York in search of the perfect bedside cabinet, I have included some of the actual suppliers for really specific pieces and alternatives in other cases, should you wish to recreate the style in your own home.

 

Top Scheme Items:

• Headboard: Just Headboards
• Headboard & Cushion Fabric: Galbraith & Paul, Citrus Maize Linen
• Wallpaper: Prestigious, Mystery
• Bedsides & Chest of Drawers: Blanc D'Ivoire
• Bedside Light: Graham & Green, Hector lamp
• Table Light: Andrew Martin
• Mirror: Graham and Green
• Desk Chair: Morgan Furniture, Diva Chair

 

This scheme is much simpler than the Charlotte, with fewer patterns and a fresher palette. I do like the simple geometric employed on the headboard and especially like the French inspired furniture. Were you to create this in your own abode, you could do so easily as the colours and patterns are those which you could find on the highstreet for less than those listed above. I think the items which I wouldn't deviate too far from are the headboard style (tall, fluted) as this really helps achieve the desired hotel look, and the Bedsides which are nicely detailed but could easily be revamped old pieces picked up from a car boot (if you're lucky enough to find such treasures!)
Next stop? You decide! Please leave a comment recommending a Hotel which you'd like exploring :D