As seen on the screen
Pop culture merchandise is jazzing up home interiors like never before. But how do you incorporate the trend without making your home look like a souvenir shop? TIPS
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In any other generation, indulging in your love for pop culture – in the form of a TV show, movie, book series or music album – would have been considered childish. You’d be stuck with a poster in your bedroom, never sullying the décor of the rest of your home.
But with the global and unabashed popularity of Game Of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, the Harry Potter series, the Avengers films and other merchandise-spawning titles, your home can be an interesting showcase for what you love. “Integrating pop culture into the décor helps add a fun element to interiors,” says Rajendra Kalkar, president (West) of Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai. “The colours are eye-catching, the graphics quirky and whimsical, and the designs bring a spark to the ambience of your home. It’s a great way to express your individuality.” It’s easily recognisable, and will be the object of interest in any home.
But when it comes to your favourite franchise, the sky is the limit. Themed cushions, serving trays, coffee mugs, photo frames, lamps, towels, sheets and figurines are available easily. “The Star Wars BB alarm clock is quite popular,” says Adetee Sawhaney, principal designer at Altus Interio. “The millennial generation tends to get absorbed by the characters in shows and indirectly to their surroundings as well,” says Yash Kela, founder, Arrivae. “A client wanted their office to look like Harvey Specter’s cabin in Suits. The purple door with the yellow frame from Friends is a rage among teenagers. But one needs to merge these elements well within their homes. They need to add value aesthetically and functionally.”
Start simple. Pick a franchise you connect with and stay within that theme so fictional universes don’t collide. Then look for welllit areas to set up displays. Living rooms, lounges and kid’s rooms are most suited. Quality should be a priority. Pick pop-culture-inspired artworks, well-crafted figurines and long-lasting materials that will not fade or wash out
Stick to a colour palette if possible. So even if you’re adding an object, a plain curtain, for instance, it complements your memorabilia subtly
Do not clutter. This is your home, not a gift shop at the Paramount Studios
Don’t make pop culture the focus of a room, but an accent
If you can afford it, look for original works inspired by pop art – Darth Vader handpainted in an unusual style, cross-stitched sigils of Westeros and Hogwarts themed studio pottery are more interesting than mass-produced plastic objects
bright interior elements in the bedrooms or in the rooms of elderly people,” says Vineeta Dassani, Co-founder, Etasaa Home and Lifestyle. “Don’t go overboard with the theme – if you have a print on cushions, avoid it on the sheets or curtains.”
Jade Davies, CEO and interior designer at MKM Luxe Suisse suggests looking at unusual nooks too. “If you have a bar at home, this is a great place to display your fandom in one space,” he says. “Show off your love for an old film with black-and-white framed photographs, have chairs upholstered with a print of your favourite singer, or display memorabilia from your favourite sports star. Choose a glass cabinet to display the figurines in a dust-free way.”
Pop-culture-themed décor should always respect the sensibilities of others in the home.