I think that for a generation of teen girls, Grease really was the word. There are few girls who haven’t donned black leggings and a pink satin jacket with the words “pink ladies” emblazoned across the back for a girls’ night out or fancy dress party. The iconic film with its catchy songs and risqué tale of teen love continues to spawn new fans and romanticises 1950’s America, making us all wish that, despite its lack of internet and sky TV, we had been lucky enough to have been born in the era where a circle skirt was compulsory attire and school looked (almost) fun. But are today’s teenagers still as gripped by the film as we were? Or will the sight of Pink Ladies on a hen do disappear in years to come? No – I think it has a longevity which most films and musicals can only dream of. So, why am I, a self-confessed interiors addict, talking about films and fashion? To help any Pink Lady wannabes out there recreate a true Pink Lady bedroom of course, with a nod the 1978 classic film.
If we look at a screenshot of the movie during Rizzo’s rendition of “look at me I’m Sandra Dee” , we get a great snippet of Marty’s bedroom. Are we surprised the room is mostly Pink and Black? Not really. Are we surprised that there are pictures of 1950’s heart throbs pinned to the wall above her bed? Nope. And who wouldn’t have wanted to have such a cool bedroom as a teenager? I know I would have killed for my own en suite “powder room” that’s for sure. I’ve searched the web for furniture currently on the market which could help achieve a Pink Lady bedroom with inspiration drawn from Marty’s room.
To begin, the wallpaper in the film is a vintage coral pink swan design and there are a couple of options available for this: the Flamingo design by Cole and Son (£55 a roll) or Swan Lake by Nina Campbell (£52 a roll) both available from Wallpaper Direct. Use this in moderation like Marty, as a Feature Bedhead wall.
Accessorise: Marty is a real man eater and clearly a fan of Elvis and James Dean. If old 50’s heart throbs aren’t your thing though, how about using black and white photos of your own teen crush instead? But I’ve got to say, who wouldn’t have drooled over James Dean in this picture? Marty also shows her arty side with her half-finished Paint By Number’s Horse picture and a patriotic token Rydell High banner in red.
Furniture: Marty’s room is nice and girly on the colour side but has some fairly plain and simple furniture, much in-keeping with the era. The Ikea Brimnes bed with its headboard storage is ideal for a teenager’s room and matching simple bedsides and chest of drawers to complete the basics. Marty also has a deco style dressing table with marble effect top and vanity mirror –but I love this 1950’s style one available from Bouf.com.
Her bedding sticks with the pink and black colour scheme, much like this vintage 50’s fabric with lighting in the form of a tripod standard lamp and simple bedside light. Finally, finish the room with a weave chair like this one available from utilty – a classic 50’s design.
Is there anything else which you think should go in a Pink Lady bedroom? Feel free to leave comments and links below,
Oh, I forgot about the wall colour! in the words of Rizzo: Peachy Cream.
