The beautifully feminine bejewelled flapper dresses, and the rich golds and graphic lines of 1920s interiors, all make for a much-anticipated remake of The Great Gatsby and it seems that director Baz Luhrmann hasn't done things by halves - we say take a leaf out of his lavish book...
Images from Project Fairytale
You may well have seen the film by the time you read this post, but as we write this on the day of its UK release, we've excitedly seen just meagre hints at what Baz Luhrmann has created for his "unrestrained" shall we say, film sets, and we're already inspired enough to follow his lead. We've seen tonnes and tonnes of papery blooms - literally flowers everywhere, spilling out of urns and cut-glass fishbowl-shaped vases at every turn. Re-create this in your own French bedroom - if you don't have the tabletop spot on your shabby chic chest of drawers for a generous vase of huge hydrangeas, stand it on your painted floorboards beside your white dressing table and dainty dressing chair. When it comes to the feminine touch in 1920s interiors, think ladylike and very grown up rather than frivolous and girly, so French style furniture, luxe cream upholstery, geometric and graphic Art Deco flower prints (but restrained in their application - see below re: pattern) and blush peach and pink velvets - simply delicious.
Furniture and accessories in the 1920s aren't highly patterned, but are gorgeously-luxurious, and what pattern there is, is saved for the inset panelled walls and marbled flooring, whilst huge room-sized rugs contain all of the furniture which is a focal point, so all of the sofas and armchairs, side tables and coffee table in a living room for example - sociable styling. Adopt the same idea with your French style furniture, grouping it on top of a statement rug, or even paint a double-lined simple frame onto your floorboards in a contrasting colour, even a metallic gold or silver to contain your lounging area.
Clockwise from top left - Darjeeling Darling Teapot Ceiling Light: £99; Dolores Cushion: £69;
Zebra Print Cowhide: £395; Black & Gold 5-Arm Floor Lamp: £199; Yardley Sideboard: £POA, Black & Key;
Victor Table Light: £298.80, Holloways Of Ludlow.
Smart monochrome styling is also dominant in 20s/30s interiors. Think Agatha Christie's Poiret, and the prominent Art Deco apartment blocks, which are all about expensive finishes and carefully-curated design classics with a strong Bauhaus influence. You will see black and white cowhide rugs, and black leather and chrome armchairs, and alongside this slightly stark styling, the look is often softened by a piece of highly-polished inlaid walnut furniture - from a sideboard to a cocktail cabinet.
Clockwise from top left - Frou Frou Glass Chandelier: £145; Champagne Starburst Rectangular Frame Small: £16, Laura Ashley. Pearly Queen Throw: £85; Layla Upholstered Headboard in Ivory: from £695 for double;
Mayfair Ivory Chair: £395; Vintage 1920's Deco Telephone: £57.95, Boxfords
The interiors in the Great Gatsby era are the epitome of opulent decadence too. Think beautiful chandeliers, classic with clear cut-glass or crystal droplets and beads, but literally dripping in them - highly-decorated, and not skimping on scale. Smart gold gilt, silk upholstered beds sit alongside metallic high-shine accessories. There aren't lots of patterns in the mix, just a very expensive feel - highly polished woods like walnut, and magnificent mirrored glass dressing tables - we seriously like their style!
Author: Georgia Metcalfe, Managing Director, The French Bedroom Company
