Film Interiors Unwrapped: Tara Road

Before The Holiday -- in which Kate Winslet owns my all-time favorite movie house -- there was Tara Road. Marilyn (Andie MacDowell) is struggling with her son's sudden death when she decides to escape her Connecticut home and swap places with Ria (Olivia Williams), a Dublin wife and mother whose husband has just left her for his pregnant girlfriend. In Connecticut (Cape Town makes a beautiful but unlikely stand-in), Ria revels in the peace of Marilyn's sprawling house and pool. The sparse modern furnishings and few bright decorator accents are a break from the messiness of her life at home. While in Ireland, Marilyn is confronted by Ria's family drama at every turn and realizes that her marriage is worth trying to save despite its new reality. Ria's house on Tara Road is a character in itself that comes under threat and helps to reveal the full extent of her husband's treachery.

The Connecticut house and pool -- very little adornment.

The Connecticut living room -- the furniture is all right angles

 with the art and accessories adding precise blasts of color.

The Connecticut kitchen continues the house's color scheme of blue, orange and yellow. Pool tile adds shimmer to the walls and the lack of upper cabinets leaves room for art. A decorator's hand seems to have guided the entire house and very little of Marilyn's personality can be seen in the space. It gives Ria room to rediscover herself and her passion for cooking.

The house on Tara Road is shot from below to highlight its importance in the characters' lives. Though it has an imposing presence, the first scene shows Ria being greeted by her kids at the door and we understand that this is a happy home for them.

I've always loved a house with a proper entryway. Here the original tile and doors are offset by modern lamps. Red is the dominant color in this house.

The living room on Tara Road -- red walls bring the focus to a gorgeous black marble fireplace. The large mirror over it makes the room seem even bigger, yet the furniture makes the space feel cozy.

The kitchen on Tara Road -- three walls of counter space and a big kitchen table. This is the heart of the house, where Ria has clearly cooked many a meal for her family. Decorative plates add detail to the walls.

Here are a few items on the market that echo the warm family vibe of the house on Tara Road.

Black Marble Fireplace Mantel from Jamb.

Gold-Leaf Mirror from Jean-Marc Fray.

Handmade Lampshade from House of Chintz.

Vintage Greek Plate from 216 Stitches.

Bench from Primitive Passions.

Farmhouse Dining Table from Hastening Antiques.

Film Images: Noel Pearson Productions.

Film Interiors Unwrapped: Tara Road

Before The Holiday -- in which Kate Winslet owns my all-time favorite movie house -- there was Tara Road. Marilyn (Andie MacDowell) is struggling with her son's sudden death when she decides to escape her Connecticut home and swap places with Ria (Olivia Williams), a Dublin wife and mother whose husband has just left her for his pregnant girlfriend. In Connecticut (Cape Town makes a beautiful but unlikely stand-in), Ria revels in the peace of Marilyn's sprawling house and pool. The sparse modern furnishings and few bright decorator accents are a break from the messiness of her life at home. While in Ireland, Marilyn is confronted by Ria's family drama at every turn and realizes that her marriage is worth trying to save despite its new reality. Ria's house on Tara Road is a character in itself that comes under threat and helps to reveal the full extent of her husband's treachery.

The Connecticut house and pool -- very little adornment.

The Connecticut living room -- the furniture is all right angles

 with the art and accessories adding precise blasts of color.

The Connecticut kitchen continues the house's color scheme of blue, orange and yellow. Pool tile adds shimmer to the walls and the lack of upper cabinets leaves room for art. A decorator's hand seems to have guided the entire house and very little of Marilyn's personality can be seen in the space. It gives Ria room to rediscover herself and her passion for cooking.

The house on Tara Road is shot from below to highlight its importance in the characters' lives. Though it has an imposing presence, the first scene shows Ria being greeted by her kids at the door and we understand that this is a happy home for them.

I've always loved a house with a proper entryway. Here the original tile and doors are offset by modern lamps. Red is the dominant color in this house.

The living room on Tara Road -- red walls bring the focus to a gorgeous black marble fireplace. The large mirror over it makes the room seem even bigger, yet the furniture makes the space feel cozy.

The kitchen on Tara Road -- three walls of counter space and a big kitchen table. This is the heart of the house, where Ria has clearly cooked many a meal for her family. Decorative plates add detail to the walls.

Here are a few items on the market that echo the warm family vibe of the house on Tara Road.

Black Marble Fireplace Mantel from Jamb.

Gold-Leaf Mirror from Jean-Marc Fray.

Handmade Lampshade from House of Chintz.

Vintage Greek Plate from 216 Stitches.

Bench from Primitive Passions.

Farmhouse Dining Table from Hastening Antiques.

Film Images: Noel Pearson Productions.

Film Interiors Unwrapped: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

When Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium first came out, I assumed it was just for kids and didn't make any effort to see it. One day I caught part of it on cable and ended up putting the DVD on my queue because it so captured my interest. The film is a visual feast. The toy store at the center of the narrative is exactly what its name implies--bursting with wonders both new and vintage. Mr. Magorium's apartment above the shop is equally charming--full of quirky curiosities and jewel-tone colors on the walls and furnishings, not to mention a pet zebra.  Molly, played by Natalie Portman, also lives in a space rich in color and the pleasant clutter of one-of-a-kind furniture. Besides being a gorgeous film to watch, the story itself is lovely and life-affirming. Mr. Magorium utters one of my favorite movie quotes to a struggling Molly: Life is an occasion. Rise to it. 

No living room is complete without a life-size toy soldier.

Beyond the zebra, tangerine curtains and quirky silhouettes in oval frames.

Love the high-backed armchair with a cityscape design on the fabric
and the miniature Tiffany lamps lining the table.

Industrial molds and newspaper-wrapped chairs are stacked precariously.

The kitchen has one blue wall, one purple one and emerald green plates displayed on a shelf. 
The look is pulled together by two jewel-toned glass chandeliers.

My eye goes to the turquoise walls, the lamp with a coral shade and the parasol.

Architectural posts with stained-glass windows between them make unique room dividers.

Etsy is full of creative options that channel the magic of Mr. Magorium's world. A bold coat of paint makes the perfect companion to some of these pieces.

Horse silhouette from Flea Market Trixie.

Armchairs from Name Design Studio.

Newspaper Dress Form from Corset Laced Mannequin.

Mid-century Mod Lamp from Arty Czechs.

Japanese parasol from Poppeacock Vintage.

Stained glass window from Silence DoGood's.

Movie Images: Walden Media.

Film Interiors Unwrapped: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

When Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium first came out, I assumed it was just for kids and didn't make any effort to see it. One day I caught part of it on cable and ended up putting the DVD on my queue because it so captured my interest. The film is a visual feast. The toy store at the center of the narrative is exactly what its name implies--bursting with wonders both new and vintage. Mr. Magorium's apartment above the shop is equally charming--full of quirky curiosities and jewel-tone colors on the walls and furnishings, not to mention a pet zebra.  Molly, played by Natalie Portman, also lives in a space rich in color and the pleasant clutter of one-of-a-kind furniture. Besides being a gorgeous film to watch, the story itself is lovely and life-affirming. Mr. Magorium utters one of my favorite movie quotes to a struggling Molly: Life is an occasion. Rise to it. 

No living room is complete without a life-size toy soldier.

Beyond the zebra, tangerine curtains and quirky silhouettes in oval frames.

Love the high-backed armchair with a cityscape design on the fabric
and the miniature Tiffany lamps lining the table.

Industrial molds and newspaper-wrapped chairs are stacked precariously.

The kitchen has one blue wall, one purple one and emerald green plates displayed on a shelf. 
The look is pulled together by two jewel-toned glass chandeliers.

My eye goes to the turquoise walls, the lamp with a coral shade and the parasol.

Architectural posts with stained-glass windows between them make unique room dividers.

Etsy is full of creative options that channel the magic of Mr. Magorium's world. A bold coat of paint makes the perfect companion to some of these pieces.

Horse silhouette from Flea Market Trixie.

Armchairs from Name Design Studio.

Newspaper Dress Form from Corset Laced Mannequin.

Mid-century Mod Lamp from Arty Czechs.

Japanese parasol from Poppeacock Vintage.

Stained glass window from Silence DoGood's.

Movie Images: Walden Media.