These ‘Wonka’-Inspired Decor Tips Strike the Perfect Balance of Playfulness and Nostalgia

The new Willy Wonka movie, out in theaters this week, is brimming with sweet treats, whimsy—and maybe even the golden ticket to your home decor.

The weird and wonderful world of Willy Wonka is back, with a new film starring none other than Timothée Chalamet as Willy himself (and Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa!). Out in theaters in the U.S. December 15, the newest installment inspired by Roald Dahl’s fantastical story follows how Willy Wonka himself—magician, inventor, and chocolatier extraordinaire—came to be.

The trailer promises a moving backstory and the innate whimsy of the Wonka world, but also a wealth of breathtaking sets that we can’t help but be inspired by. From city streets boasting grand architecture to the mechanical details of the chocolate factory’s beginnings, there’s so much to love—and to take back to your own home.

Edmund Barr
Edmund Barr

With a mindful mix of industrial and vintage design, plus touches of marble, lively hues, and playful lighting, you’ll feel like you found the last golden ticket. So, as Wonka says himself, “quiet up and listen down. Nope. Scratch that, reverse it”—here’s how satisfy your sweet tooth by channeling Wonka in every room of your house.

Related: Channel ‘The Hunger Games’ with These Expert-Approved Dystopian Design Tips

George Ross
George Ross

Start with Over-the-Top Architecture

Everything in Wonka’s world is over the top, and that includes architecture—just about every set featured in the trailer is grand and awe-inspiring. People float high above the floor in a beautiful domed building after eating one of Wonka’s concoctions, and a bundle of balloons lift Wonka himself, pulling him across the town. None of these magical, marvelous stunts would be possible without extravagant sets.

Channel the Wonka atmosphere with lofty ceilings and statement architecture features—think wooden stairway banisters, ornate crown molding, and picture windows. These design elements will take your home design to the next level, having you feel like you’re living in Wonka’s fantastical world.

If you don’t have the budget to make any major renovations, there are still ways to emulate these impressive features without breaking the bank. Look for gilded vintage picture frames or create your own crown molding with a clever DIY—little touches of magic will be lining your house in no time.

Related: Gothic Revival Architecture: Key Features and Design Ideas

Julie Soefer
Julie Soefer

Feature Marble and Stone

Marble columns, mosaic floors, and domed buildings lined with golden detailing steal the show throughout Wonka’s trailer, and there are easy ways to bring hints of these features into your own home.

From kitchen counters and tiles to fireplace detailing, sophisticated stones like marble, granite, or quartz are a great way to scale up your interior design. Be creative with integrating marble and similar details—picture frames or side tables are subtle ways to showcase a bit of charm.

Related: Quartz vs. Granite: How to Decide Which Is Best for Countertops

<p>John Granen</p>

John Granen

Lean into the Industrial Look

Even before his chocolate-making acclaim, it seems that Wonka had a penchant for wheels, cogs, and complicated machinery. Not only does he show off his chemist-like setup, but the movie’s sets reflect the inventor’s passion. Leaning slightly into steampunk, the industrial yet futuristic design of the Wonka universe is chock-full of intelligent decor tricks.

Lean into the world of industrial design by mixing rustic wood with hardy metals and stick with a neutral color scheme. Pick out silver, gold, or black detailing and futuristic furnishings, and go for exposed wood ceiling beams. Choose simplistic furniture, and use copper accents for drawer handles, or to hang shelves. The design style will have your gears turning quicker than Wonka himself.

Related: How to Mix Metals in Your Home

<p>Eric Roth</p>

Eric Roth

Add Vintage Touches

Set in Wonka’s past, the new movie features vintage storefronts and old-timey, classic clothes. With coattails and top hats, there’s certainly fashion inspiration to be found in Wonka. But if fashion’s not your forte (or if you‘re not inclined to wear hats), you can bring this antique touch to your interior design.

Visit your local thrift store for furniture, artwork, or home accessories that suit your style, and scatter them throughout your house for a lovely mix of old- and new-school design. Ornate, wooden furniture from a couple decades back is often sophisticated and made-to-last. Plus, look for vintage picture frames or secondhand art—classy touches of timelessness you’ll fall head over heels for.

<p>Anthony-Masterson</p>

Anthony-Masterson

Integrate Playful Pops of Color

Although the settings of the film themselves aren’t the most colorful, Wonka brings life and whimsy to every space he enters. With his signature purple coat, a bunch of rainbow balloons, and a flock of bright pink flamingos (plus the Oompa Loompas’ classic orange and green complexion), there’s no shortage of fun-loving design to be found.

Emulate this energy by bringing pops of playful color into every room of your house—choose your favorites and tastefully integrate them in. Throw pillows, artwork, and coffee table books are subtle yet powerful ways to bring the spirit of Wonka into your daily life.

<p>Tria Giovan</p>

Tria Giovan

Light the Space with Purpose

Lighting makes a good movie, and Wonka is defined by shadowy, atmospheric lighting that sets the mood. Avoid glaring overheads, and pick out some task lighting with a playful punch—chandeliers or hanging lights are great ways to go. Light fixtures are easy ways to add some whimsy into your home without doing a full-scale renovation, and they’ll enhance your mood every time you use them.

<p>Edmund Barr</p>

Edmund Barr

Let Chocolate Tones Define the Space

If you’re convinced that Willy Wonka’s decor is right for you, go the extra mile by bringing those signature, rich chocolate tones into your home. With hardwood floors, upholstered furniture, and extra touches like curtains and clocks, your home will be a chocolate-coated wonderland that’s Wonka-approved.

Related: 12 Flawless Pairings Featuring Colors that Go with Brown

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