Happy Birthday, 'Alice in Wonderland'!
Celebrate the anniversary of Lewis Carroll's iconic novel by peering through the looking glass on Houzz
Melissa Cowan
2 December 2016
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 celebrate the 151st anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland this week, we’re taking a gander through some wondrous homes that have taken aspects of the novel and brought them to life in their interior and exterior spaces – intentionally, or unintentionally. From animals to colour, mirrors, clocks and chessboards, there are many elements you could introduce into your home. The only limit is your imagination – as Lewis Carroll writes, “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” Down the rabbit hole we go…
Mix and match
The only rule for Alice in Wonderland-inspired spaces is that there are no rules! Patterns, colours, sentimental objects and feature cushions are all a go. The selection and composition of decor in the bedroom pictured here is far from random though. If you’re unsure, use trial and error by placing different items around the room and just seeing what works for you. Try contrasting bright colours against whites or neutrals to prevent a visual overload.
The only rule for Alice in Wonderland-inspired spaces is that there are no rules! Patterns, colours, sentimental objects and feature cushions are all a go. The selection and composition of decor in the bedroom pictured here is far from random though. If you’re unsure, use trial and error by placing different items around the room and just seeing what works for you. Try contrasting bright colours against whites or neutrals to prevent a 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 friends into your home through wallpaper, trinkets or artworks. It could be a matter of introducing one or two key animal-themed pieces, or letting them run wild in your home. Let’s just hope they don’t start talking to you!
Homes gone wild with animalian decor
Many of the key characters in the novel are animals (the White Rabbit, Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat to name a few). Bring furry friends into your home through wallpaper, trinkets or artworks. It could be a matter of introducing one or two key animal-themed pieces, or letting them run wild in your home. Let’s just hope they don’t start talking to you!
Homes gone wild with animalian decor
Oh hi there, White Rabbit. If you find animal wallpaper a little extreme, there are other ways to include critters more subtly. Hide a couple of bunnies in your garden for guests to spot in surprise. The artificial grass means the rabbits won’t start nibbling on it should they suddenly come to life…
Checkmate
The game of chess plays a key role in Carroll’s sequel, Through the Looking Glass. Most of the story’s main characters are represented by a chess piece or animals, with Alice herself being a pawn. Having an oversized chess set is sure to make your outdoor space the king of the castle, whether you’re a chess nut yourself or you invite friends and family over to play.
The game of chess plays a key role in Carroll’s sequel, Through the Looking Glass. Most of the story’s main characters are represented by a chess piece or animals, with Alice herself being a pawn. Having an oversized chess set is sure to make your outdoor space the king of the castle, whether you’re a chess nut yourself or you invite friends and family over to play.
Or take the best of both worlds and have an outdoor checkerboard-inspired backyard. It could be used for mindful walking as you take care to step from square to square, or become a fun game for kids.
Mirror mirror
Be like Alice and step through a mirror into an alternate reality (or just enjoy looking at them). Mirrors need not be confined to the indoors – have you ever seen them placed on a hedge like this? The frames make the hedge itself become a work of art and the mirrors reflect other greenery beautifully. Hang a chandelier and wait for the Mad Hatter to come to tea.
Be like Alice and step through a mirror into an alternate reality (or just enjoy looking at them). Mirrors need not be confined to the indoors – have you ever seen them placed on a hedge like this? The frames make the hedge itself become a work of art and the mirrors reflect other greenery beautifully. Hang a chandelier and wait for the Mad Hatter to come to tea.
Queen of hearts
Get the main antagonist, the Queen of Hearts, on side by creating her very own place of residence. Placate the foul-tempered monarch with views of the lush garden and a comfortable seat. Or, should she fail to arrive, enjoy the grandeur of velvet and ruffles yourself.
Get the main antagonist, the Queen of Hearts, on side by creating her very own place of residence. Placate the foul-tempered monarch with views of the lush garden and a comfortable seat. Or, should she fail to arrive, enjoy the grandeur of velvet and ruffles yourself.
This room is a representation of a modernised Queen of Hearts, who it seems has become a little more in touch with her playful side. The splashes of red, white and black allude to a deck of playing cards – the Queen of Hearts’ main guards.
Fall into a dream
This Alice in Wonderland-inspired ‘big girl’s room’ makes you wonder if perhaps you’ve just drifted into a short sleep. But because everything else looks quite normal … maybe the wonky bookshelf is a figment of your imagination?
This Alice in Wonderland-inspired ‘big girl’s room’ makes you wonder if perhaps you’ve just drifted into a short sleep. But 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 that “We’re all mad here” is a rather comforting thought – we’re all in this crazy thing called life together.
Alice in Wonderland has so many great quotes – why not put one on your wall? The Cheshire Cat’s belief that “We’re all mad here” 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 kids’ playroom just takes the fun to the next level. It would be hard to be bored in this space!
This White Rabbit mural in a kids’ playroom just takes the fun to the next level. It would be hard to be bored in this space!
Mad hatter
This ode to the Mad Hatter is an unexpected display to find in a bedroom corner. But in the words of Alice in response to Hatter’s concern he’s gone mad, “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
This ode to the Mad Hatter is an unexpected display to find in a bedroom corner. But in the words of Alice in response to Hatter’s concern he’s gone mad, “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 will get bigger. But if she eats from the other side, she’ll get smaller. While you may not want to have a nibble of these giant mushrooms, you’ll be sure to admire the sense of wonder and adventure they add to the outdoor area of this children’s hospital.
When Alice meets with the Caterpillar, he tells her that if she eats from one side of the mushroom, she will get bigger. But if she eats from the other side, she’ll get smaller. While you may not want to have a nibble of these giant mushrooms, you’ll be sure to admire the sense of wonder and adventure they add to the outdoor area of this children’s hospital.
Colour explosion
This dining room would be a dream come true for Mad Hatter. The drapery hanging from the ceiling almost makes the room feel surreal, while the chandelier adds some glamour.
Drape your home in unexpected ways
This dining room would be a dream come true for Mad Hatter. The drapery hanging from the ceiling almost makes the room feel surreal, while the chandelier adds some glamour.
Drape your home in unexpected ways
Don’t be late
You’ll never have an excuse for being late again with this vast array of clocks to tell the hours. Just make sure you look at the one with the correct time!
You’ll never have an excuse for being late again with this vast array of clocks to tell the hours. Just make sure you look at the one with the correct time!
Time for a tea party
Get together with all your favourite characters and have a lovely little tea party. Don’t be afraid to source vintage pieces and hang up fabric from a likely tree. But first things first, make sure the March Hare invites you to sit down before you join the table.
TELL US
What are your favourite memories about Alice in Wonderland? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more fun Houzz stories
Get together with all your favourite characters and have a lovely little tea party. Don’t be afraid to source vintage pieces and hang up fabric from a likely tree. But first things first, make sure the March Hare invites you to sit down before you join the table.
TELL US
What are your favourite memories about Alice in Wonderland? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more fun Houzz stories
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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!