How to bring your favourite fictional characters to life in your home
From Winnie The Pooh to Lord of the Rings, we all have our favourite childhood books. And, with World Book Day’s 25th anniversary set to take place on 3rd March, it’s the perfect time to re-discover the joy of reading by channelling your beloved characters and stories in your home.
While the traditional celebrations of dressing up or hosting reading parties will still take place, why not commemorate your love for those stories in a more permanent way through your home’s interior décor. Here are a few ways you can bring World Book Day into your every day.
Through the wardrobe
The idea of having access to a winter wonderland through your bedroom wardrobe is something many of us have thought about. With strong wooden features, warm lighting and crisp white bedding, it is easy to transform a bedroom into a scene straight from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Whether it’s a simple nod to Narnia such as a birch tree feature wall or using wardrobe doors to create a hidden playroom, there are plenty of ways to incorporate the magical world created by C.S. Lewis into your space.
Second to the right, and straight on ‘til morning
Adding elements of your favourite story into the home doesn’t always have to be done in an obvious way. Tales such as Peter Pan have a variety of elements that can be subtly introduced into the home to create a warm and cosy feel, similar to that of the welcoming parlour room and snug children’s nursery as told in the book.
Including items such as a large Big Ben-style clock and Victorian style accents will make your home feel just like the Darling’s, while plenty of artificial foliage and gold touches provide a nod to Neverland and Tinkerbell.
For the artistic types, a hand painted wall mural can transform a child’s bedroom into the Lost Boys’ woodland home, and a croc-print storage box will remind residents of Hook’s reptilian nemesis.
A very hungry caterpillar
A book many of us will remember reading as a child. This bright and colourful story is the perfect inspiration for the kitchen.
Statement colours on kitchen walls, tiles and cupboards are becoming increasingly popular, with primary colours bringing a fresh look to one of the most important rooms in your own little ‘cocoon’.
Similar to the apple the caterpillar devoured in the story on a Monday, red interiors are once again on the rise in the interior décor world. Using dark burgundy on a kitchen island can add a warming touch, while bold and bright reds for your accessories can provide a retro 50s feel.
Just like the plums the caterpillar ate his way through on the Wednesday, deep blue hues are trending in the kitchen as well. Offering a classic and calming atmosphere without feeling too overbearing, it is fast overtaking white as a common kitchen colour. Paired with brass accents, the shade will bring about a luxe feeling, whereas chrome contrasts will give the room a clean, modern aesthetic.
Yellow might not be everyone’s first choice for a kitchen, however it can bring brightness and positivity to the room while providing a subtle nod to the cheesy treats munched by the caterpillar in the book. Whether it’s soft, golden tones paired with wood furnishings for a touch of Mediterranean chic, or splashing sunshine across the cupboards, a little yellow is bound to bring happiness to any kitchen.
Under the sea
The ocean has always been a popular bathroom interior theme. Whether you’re taking inspiration from The Little Mermaid’s treasure trove or Prince Eric’s ship, there are many ways in which you can incorporate the theme.
By adding decorative items such as starfish, rope mirrors and vases filled with shells, your bathroom will instantly make you feel like you’re diving with Ariel. For a more subtle approach, colours such as clean whites and turquoise blues always work well.
Bringing Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian to children’s bath time also couldn’t be easier with a Little Mermaid inspired shower curtain or bath mat.
The reading nook
Those who love getting lost in stories, often dream of having their own library or reading nook where they can escape to, and it isn’t difficult to create in your home.
You don’t need a grand room with books from floor to ceiling to create the perfect space for diving into a good tale. Building a windowsill bench with cosy cushions is ideal for curling up and getting some alone time. Or, try draping a curtain across an empty closet door for the perfect little hideout.
The staircase can also provide the perfect canvas for letting your creativity run wild. Try turning your stairs into a work of art fit for all book lovers, by painting each step with the different spines of some of your favourite books.
If you have any more World Book Day inspired décor ideas, share them with us over on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.