With his dreamy palettes, retro aesthetic and vivid vision it is no wonder that Wes Anderson has been a significant influence within design over the last decade. His style so instantly recognisable and symbolic within his films such as The Royal Tenenbaums, Grand Budapest Hotel and most recently The French Dispatch, that it has simply become artistic visualisation on its own – Wes Anderson Style.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF WES ANDERSON STYLE
- COLOUR
One of the vital elements of Wes Anderson Style is a strong use of colour, including muted earth tones such as brown, cream and yellow as well as whimsical pastel hues in pink, green and blue. Colour combinations that feel nostalgic as if you have stepped into the past inspired by the swinging Parisian 60s and sun kissed Americana 70s.
2. VINTAGE
Wes Anderson Style feels almost surreal and dreamlike, and you aren’t always able to specify the era or year of design influence. This is heightened with a usage of vintage furniture, curated pieces that are classic and timeless in their appeal. Stylised motifs and brass finishes are almost art deco in effect and combined with meaningful antique objects this produces a space that is harmonious and eclectic, indicative of Wes Anderson Style.
3. PATTERN
Checked patterns and curved lines are symbolic within Wes Anderson Style, and applied in abundance they form spaces that feel energetic, evocative and eccentric. Refined shapes and patterns that intensify the dazzling warmth of an interior encouraged by the filmmaker, seen here in the checkerboard flooring and sinuous lines in this Stockholm restaurant by interior studio ASKA.
4. SYMMETRY
One of the more identifiable graphic statements used within Wes Anderson movies is to focus on one perspective. Crafting an interior around this theatrical concept ensures a space translates the magical charm of Anderson’s style. Keeping a space balanced with textbook symmetry and ‘constructed perfectionism’ feels timeless, vivid and unexpected.
EXAMPLES OF WES ANDERSON STYLE
THE BUDAPEST CAFÉ – MELBOURNE
Designed by interior studio Biasol, The Budapest Café was inspired by Anderson’s film Grand Budapest Hotel. Using strategic design elements such as sunny colours and curved archways the café is playful and vibrant with a quaint relaxed atmosphere. Biasol have layered warm tones of orange, terracotta, red and beige and combined with hard marble textures this heightens the sophisticated and graceful ambience.
CHENGDU CAFÉ – CHINA
Another project designed by Biasol, this café has a surreal and whimsical concept that centres on contrasting shapes seen with the curved seats and lights with the zig zag painted staircase. Spirited green and grey tones balance with pops of pink and the marble and terrazzo materials boost that sense of magnificence.
MILK TRAIN – LONDON
An ice cream café in the centre of London that signifies the epitome of ‘instagrammable’ interior design. Designed by FormRoom this space feels warm and wacky, showing off crucial fundamentals of Wes Anderson Style. Milk Train has been designed to seem like a station with menu boards that look like train time displays and seating booths as if you are on a platform, along with smaller décor details like vintage suitcases that adorn the wall.
2LG STUDIO
An interior design studio based in East London, 2LG Studio have a recognisable style that seems straight off the screen of a Wes Anderson film. Mixing pastel tones with peculiar design details, this creative team embrace bold and bright along with a touch of pop culture making your home a performance piece of its own.
BAR LUCE – MILAN
Last but by no means least, is an interior space designed by the man himself, Bar Luce by Wes Anderson. Commissioned by Prada this interior hosts all of the key attributes of Wes Anderson Style – muted colours, quirky patterns, retro finishes and strong symmetry. A memorable and curious space that feels like you have stepped into one of Anderson’s iconic film sets.
Jalan Interior 