9 ways to add a little War and Peace theatre to your interior
Rococo, Regency and revival of the Gothic; how many imperial fashions can you pack into your home?
Who knew Russian politics could be so sexy?
With the helping hand of our latest actor addictions, the graceful Lily James and brooding James Norton, War and Peace is our latest TV infatuation that keeps us looking forward to the end of the weekend... and we never though we'd say that!
A recipe of Tolstoy's golden words, palatial sets, 19th
century etiquette and a surge of dashing new actors, has given us a giddy thrill and a NEED to bring the drama into our homes.
These glamorous interior looks will add a bundle of Baroque and revive the Russian Gothic whether you boast a mansion or a British country cottage.
Better your bathroom decor(um)
Bathe like a countess in a bathroom fit for Russian aristocracy.
From the roll top tub to the beaded swags, tail curtains and fanciful plants, this bathroom creates a striking set straight out of a Tolstoy masterpiece.
Be rich in Rococo architecture and design
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Four twisting pillars frame this elegant, Rococo fashioned bed. The ornate piece of artwork boasts the extreme wealth that only a nobleman could saunter and is finished in rich punches of plum. We can just imagine Pierre Bezukhov settling down here after a night with the Masons.
We've caught a case of cabin fever
Distract yourself in the countryside at the Rostov cabin with a little hunting and dancing to native folk music. In true sub-zero Siberian winter fashion, coat your remote cabin in furry layers and gather the family round a large table for a rustic banquet.
Dally and dream in a daybed
When the world gets too tough and too many suitors are after your love, throw yourself onto your daybed and dream away your troubles. Modernise Natasha's regal daybed by adding a fashionable, wrought iron frame and splash fresh paint colours over your chamber.
Polish your parquet flooring
You cannot host a ball of Anna Pavlovna proportions without varnishing your parquet floor patterns before the elite circle arrives. Parquet is perfect for performing endless renditions of the Russian Mazurka Quadrille or simply receiving guests at your modern day buffet dinner.
Gild every inch of your abode
The more you flaunt your wealth, the better as far as the Tsars were concerned. If in doubt go bigger, go bolder, and if you don't have a giant mirror strung beneath a dazzling chandelier in every room of your Dacha then you shall be shunned in society!
Embed some Baroque in the bedroom
Recreate Helene Kuragina's tempting, private quarters with a large Baroque bed. Make it the centrepiece of the theatrical boudoir by glazing its ornate carvings in alluring tones of silver before covering in silky bed sheets, but keep the walls a virtuous white to disguise those secrets...
Flaunt a family portrait gallery
Line your walls with painted portraits of your descended family to instantly achieve a winter palace look. This living space interprets the tradition by hanging an elongated profile alongside a low lying fire place, industrial metal framed windows and modern, matte black paint.
Recover Regency style furniture
Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky wouldn't write or chisel wood at anything other than a highly glossed, Gothic Revival come Regency style desk. Embed the trend into the contemporary home by complementing it with a classic armchair before clashing with exposed brick walls and glass walls.
Thea Babington-Stitt is the Managing Editor for Ideal Home. Thea has been working across some of the UK’s leading interiors titles since 2016.
She started working on these magazines and websites after graduating from City University London with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. Before moving to Ideal Home, Thea was News and Features Editor at Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc and Country Homes & Interiors. In addition to her role at Ideal Home, Thea is studying for a diploma in interior design with The Interior Design Institute.
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