Happy Birthday, ‘Alice in Wonderland’!
Celebrate the anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel by peering through the looking glass on Houzz
Melissa Cowan
November 20, 2017
Lover of boho, Scandi and mid-century style. Got a project you think I might like? Get in touch!
Lover of boho, Scandi and mid-century style. Got a project you think I might like?... More
To commemorate the 152nd anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland this week, take a gander at wondrous homes that feature aspects of the novel in interior and exterior spaces, either intentionally or unintentionally. You may be tempted to introduce some of these elements in your decor as well, whether they’re animals, colors, mirrors, clocks or chessboards. The only limit is your imagination — which, as author Lewis Carroll writes, “is the only weapon in the war against reality.”
Mix and match. The only rule for spaces inspired by Alice in Wonderland, first published Nov. 26, 1865, is that there are no rules! Patterns, colors, sentimental objects and themed pillows are fair game. The selection and composition of decor in this bedroom are far from random, though. If you’re unsure, use trial and error by placing different items around the room to see what works for you. Try contrasting bright colors against whites or neutrals to prevent visual overload.
Furry friends. Many of the key characters in the novel are animals (the White Rabbit, Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat, to name a few). Bring furry creatures into your home through wallpaper, trinkets or artworks. It could be a matter of introducing one or two animal-themed pieces, or letting them run wild in your home. Let’s just hope they don’t start talking to you!
If you find animal wallpaper a little extreme, there are subtler ways to include critters. Hide a couple of white rabbits in your garden for guests to spot in surprise. The artificial grass means that they won’t start nibbling on it should they suddenly come to life.
Browse garden statues
Browse garden statues
Checkmate. The game of chess plays a big role in the book’s sequel, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. Most of the story’s main characters are animals or represented by a chess piece, with Alice herself being a pawn. An oversize chess set is sure to enhance your realm, whether you’re a chess nut yourself or you invite friends and family over to play.
Alternatively, a chessboard-inspired lawn could be used for children’s games or mindful walking as you take care to step from square to square.
Mirror, mirror on the hedge. Be like Alice and step through a mirror into an alternate reality (or just enjoy looking at some). Mirrors needn’t be confined to the indoors. The ones here (which are regularly rotated to let in sunlight and allow for trimming) make the hedge itself a work of art and reflect other greenery beautifully. Hang a chandelier and wait for the Mad Hatter to come to tea.
Fit for a queen. Placate Alice’s foul-tempered antagonist, the Queen of Hearts, with a place of residence that has a comfortable seat and views of a lush garden. Should she fail to arrive, enjoy the grandeur yourself.
This more contemporary room lets the Queen of Hearts get in touch with her playful side. The splashes of red, white and black allude to a deck of playing cards — the queen’s main guards.
Fall into a dream. This Alice in Wonderland-inspired “big girl’s room” makes you wonder if perhaps you’ve just drifted off into a reverie. Because everything else looks quite normal, maybe the wonky bookshelf is a figment of your imagination!
“We’re all mad here.” Alice in Wonderland has so many great quotes, why not put one on your wall? The Cheshire Cat’s belief is a rather comforting thought: We’re all in this crazy thing called life together.
Down the rabbit hole. This White Rabbit mural in a children’s playroom takes the fun to the next level. It would be hard to be bored in this space!
Hats off. This tribute to the Mad Hatter may be an offbeat choice for a bedroom corner, but bear in mind Alice’s response to his concern that he’s gone a bit batty: “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
Mushroom garden. When Alice meets with the Caterpillar, he tells her that if she eats from one side of the mushroom, she’ll get larger. But if she eats from the other side, she’ll get smaller. Although you may not want to have a nibble of these giant fungi, you have to admire the sense of wonder and adventure they add to the outdoor area of this children’s hospital.
Color explosion. This dramatic dining room would be a dream come true for the Mad Hatter. The drapery hanging from the ceiling makes the room feel rather surreal, while the chandelier adds glamour.
Don’t be late. You’ll never have an excuse for being tardy again with this array of clocks to tell the hour. Just make sure you look at the one with the correct time!
Teatime. Get together with your favorite characters and have a lovely little tea party. Incorporate vintage pieces and hang fabric from a nearby tree. But first things first, make sure the March Hare invites you to sit down before you join the table.
Share: Does your decor nod to Alice in Wonderland or another favorite story? Tell us in the Comments.
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Share: Does your decor nod to Alice in Wonderland or another favorite story? Tell us in the Comments.
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Beautifully executed!
Since this article celebrates the anniversary of the novel, not the movie, please note that the copy that accompanies the hat vignette is NOT a quotation from the book, but from Tim Burton's movie dialogue: “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” Let's not attribute it to Lewis Carroll, please!
This is so awesomely fun and beautiful gardens and gorgeous rooms, I love this!