How to make your home feel like a Wes Anderson movie
Step into the whimsical world of Wes Anderson's movies, where every frame is a meticulously crafted work of art. Beyond their compelling narratives and iconic characters, Wes Anderson's movies are renowned for their enchanting interiors and captivating colour palettes. From the iconic pinks of The Grand Budapest Hotel to the retro charm of Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson's interiors are an integral part of his storytelling, creating rich visual worlds that have captivated audiences and been a source of endless inspiration for decorators.
Check out our tips on how to bring the quirky director’s iconic style into your home.
Stick to a Wes Anderson colour palette
One of the most instantly recognisable elements of any Wes Anderson movie is the colour palette. It is through colour that the Director does his world-building; using colour to define the era of his stories, create a mood and atmosphere in each scene, play around with character personas, and elicit emotion from the audience. Notably, the colour palettes he chooses have a 70s retro aesthetic, balancing muted earth tones with pastel or more vibrant, saturated colours.
Pastel pinks, earthy oranges, muted browns, mustard yellows, neo greens and sea blues. These are some of the colours Wes Anderson returns to time and time again, giving each of his movies their distinct look and feel. Think the candy pink exterior of The Grand Budapest Hotel to the minty-green grade on Asteroid City and that iconic yellow-drenched bedroom in Hotel Chevalier.
Shop the palette
Think about symmetry:
A distinct cinematic feature of Wes Anderson movies is his symmetrical framing, editing, doubling of architectural features, and interior styling. Shots are taken straight on, characters are positioned in the center of the screen, and buildings and furnishings often mirror each other. Symmetry is how he brings visual balance to his compositions and magnifies certain objects or characters to draw in the audience’s eye.
In your home, consider symmetry when styling your furniture to create visual balance. This could be matching bedside lamps, pairing sofa cushions, or mirroring your sofas. The result is a space that feels considered and elevated.
Invest in eclectic wallpaper and patterned fabrics
From the iconic red zebra wallpaper of Margot Tenebaum’s bedroom to the mosaic walls and geometric prints in Darjeeling Limited, Wes Anderson is known for his love of eclectic wallpaper and patterned fabrics. Vintage wallpaper, in particular, is a prominent design element that not only adds texture and colour to his film sets but also conveys a sense of nostalgia, transporting viewers to the eras in which his films are set, creating a whimsical feel. Look out for stripes, dense florals, and animal-themed wallpaper.
Explore our wallpapers
- Painted Stripe 03 Wallpaper
- Diamond 01
- Painted Stripe 01
- Animal 03 Wallpaper
- Mars Meadow 02
- Bubble 01 Wallpaper
Embrace a retro interior aesthetic
Wes Anderon's love for vintage design creates a visual feast for viewers. Combined with a 70s colour palette, his sets are filled with a blend of antique and mid-century furniture, retro telephones and quirky lampshades that you're most likely to see at your grandmother's house. And we can't get enough.
In your home, look to bring in retro decor pieces like a Roberts Radio or invest in a second-hand mid-century TV console.
Don't be afraid to colour drench
Wes Anderson uses colour drenching in his movies by immersing scenes (and even sometimes the entire screen with the use of a grade) in one colour. He does this to enhance the whimsical or surreal atmosphere. For example, take Hotel Chevalier. In the famous scene where Natalie Portman’s character is sitting upright in the hotel bedroom, everything from the walls to the furniture, accessories, lighting and even the character’s clothing is drenched in various tints and shades of yellow too.
In interiors, colour drenching translates as taking one colour and painting everything from your walls to your woodwork in it. Think skirting-boards, radiators, doors, window frames, picture rails and ceilings. Take this further and drench your furniture and accessories in that colour too for a really bold and playful space.
If you've been inspired by these interiors, then why not have a go at embracing Wes Anderson's style at home? Explore our collection of colours to find your perfect match.