Fictional Interiors - Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a famous novel set in Victorian England depicting the alluring and mysterious nature of the title character. The deep and dark Victorian gothic charm of this novel is reflected in the lavish interior of Dorian Gray’s home with its sumptuous soft furnishings, antiques and of course the all important artwork. This look can be recreated in your own home with some cleverly selected decor and accessories that will bring an air of period fantasy into your chosen interior space.

Opt for heavy patterned wallpapers on a single feature wall or if you are feeling brave then envelop every wall of your chosen room for a rich and cosy feel. Opt for black, white and grey for a modern gothic feel or for a more classic look then select deep green, red, purple or blue with black flocked patterns or gold embellishments for a rich and opulent finish. Select heritage paint colours that will co-ordinate with your wallpaper and where possible, stick to a universal colour scheme across the room. Choose simple wooden flooring across your room and add warmth with a colourful patterned carpet in a baroque or eastern style pattern that will look great in the centre of the room beneath a coffee table or dining table.

Select heavy velvet oversized curtains hung in a draped formation across the window and finish with tasselled tie backs for added visual detail. You can also use these drapes to decorate an ornate carved bed frame for a truly opulent bedroom interior.  Opt for rich gold, red or purple drapes that will create a hint of colour while maintaining an air of gothic decadence. Choose upholstery in co-ordinating colour schemes and materials with ornate carved and curvaceous frames in gold or black with cabriolet legs. Select spacious sofas, armchairs and dressing table stools in co-ordinating styles and finish with a chaise lounge at the base of the bed or windowsill area.

Fill your room with a plethora of period style accessories to create a cosy but uncluttered design. Select an array of candelabras and chandeliers in deep black metal that will create a classic gothic feel in any living room, dining room or hallway. Place a selection of Victorian ornaments such as vases, urns and trinket boxes along an ornate mantelpiece, sideboard or dressing table for an elegant and luxurious design. Opt for picture frames that are ornately carved in floral or scroll style patterns and finished in matt black or glistening gold for a striking visual finish.

Of course no Dorian Gray inspired room would be complete without a selection of portraits that will create a focal point on a grand feature wall, stairwell or alcove area. ‘How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrible, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young.’ The portrait of Dorian is arguably one of the most important characters in the novel and for me artwork is one of the most important parts of an interior space. For a classic Victorian look then display a gallery of portrait pictures (perhaps of your family or prints of famous works) on a feature wall or for a more modern take on this look then display an array of enlarged photographs in colour or black and white that will create a sleek and sophisticated focal point in your chosen room.

For more ideas and images of Dorian Gray inspired rooms and decor, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Dorian Gray