An homage to the movies at 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.
Jazz age 03 wallpaper, £158 a roll, Wallpaper Direct. PA Photo/Handout.Jazz age 03 wallpaper, £158 a roll, Wallpaper Direct. PA Photo/Handout.
Jazz age 03 wallpaper, £158 a roll, Wallpaper Direct. PA Photo/Handout.

Director Baz Luhrmann has recreated the lavish 1920s playground of the rich where the beautiful, upper-class 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.

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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 crystal lighting.”

There’s no room for fuss and clutter when conjuring this look, says Marianne Shillingford, design director of Dulux Design Service.

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“The Great Gatsby-inspired scheme is grown-up and understated, with a subtle, sophisticated colour palette so it pays to have a light touch when trying to evoke it,” she says.

“The right backdrop and even just a few deco details will capture the atmosphere of this era.”

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.

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“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.

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.

Let it glitter

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“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.

Style steals

A monochrome scheme is always suggestive of art deco and pristine white walls with some signature pieces of furniture will endure long beyond the hype of the movie.

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