Fun Houzz: 10 Ways to Celebrate ‘The Sound Of Music’ in Your Home
Channel the glorious Austrian landscape and musical drama of ‘The Sound of Music’ as we celebrate its 50th anniversary this year
If you’ve always fancied yourself as Julie Andrews’ Maria, knocking up clothes from patterned curtains or running across the hills taking in lungfuls of crisp mountain air while belting out a song or two, then you’ll be pleased to learn that the Oscar-winning musical movie, The Sound of Music, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The film, starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews, has an unforgettable musical score by Rodgers & Hammerstein, but let’s not forget the breathtaking Alpine scenery or the beautiful sets and locations that make up this much-loved film, either. Fans can take inspiration from the classic von Trapp story and re-create the look at home with a few design tricks. (And don’t worry, you won’t need to master the art of guitar playing or take to the hills if you really don’t want to…)
The film, starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews, has an unforgettable musical score by Rodgers & Hammerstein, but let’s not forget the breathtaking Alpine scenery or the beautiful sets and locations that make up this much-loved film, either. Fans can take inspiration from the classic von Trapp story and re-create the look at home with a few design tricks. (And don’t worry, you won’t need to master the art of guitar playing or take to the hills if you really don’t want to…)
Make a dramatic entrance
The stunning, central staircase with its fretwork balcony that featured in the film’s bedtime scene is as memorable as the accompanying song, So Long, Farewell.
Most of us probably don’t have anything as spectacular as the von Trapp sweep, or indeed, the beautiful staircase pictured here, but you can still make the most of a hallway by painting treads and banisters in crisp white with a contrasting black handrail. It’s a smart decorating trick that will work wonders in any size of home and any architectural period.
The stunning, central staircase with its fretwork balcony that featured in the film’s bedtime scene is as memorable as the accompanying song, So Long, Farewell.
Most of us probably don’t have anything as spectacular as the von Trapp sweep, or indeed, the beautiful staircase pictured here, but you can still make the most of a hallway by painting treads and banisters in crisp white with a contrasting black handrail. It’s a smart decorating trick that will work wonders in any size of home and any architectural period.
Freshen up with gingham
There is nothing like a snappy red and white gingham print to conjure up the decorating panache of the Austrian hills. Re-create this refreshing style with checked duvet covers for the bedroom, chair loose covers or a set of crisp gingham napkins for the dining table to brighten up mealtimes. Who wouldn’t be charmed by such a pleasingly homespun look and all that oompah-pah cheer?
There is nothing like a snappy red and white gingham print to conjure up the decorating panache of the Austrian hills. Re-create this refreshing style with checked duvet covers for the bedroom, chair loose covers or a set of crisp gingham napkins for the dining table to brighten up mealtimes. Who wouldn’t be charmed by such a pleasingly homespun look and all that oompah-pah cheer?
Relish the great outdoors
Of course, while Alpine views and snow-capped mountains à la The Sound of Music are not readily on tap here in the UK, we can always dream of Austria’s beautiful landscape and breathe in winter’s cold, sharp air as a reminder (and we do have plenty of that).
On crisp evenings, why not brave the elements by enjoying a piping hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate outdoors, wrapped up in thick woolly blankets with the glow of candlelight casting a cosy gleam over proceedings.
Of course, while Alpine views and snow-capped mountains à la The Sound of Music are not readily on tap here in the UK, we can always dream of Austria’s beautiful landscape and breathe in winter’s cold, sharp air as a reminder (and we do have plenty of that).
On crisp evenings, why not brave the elements by enjoying a piping hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate outdoors, wrapped up in thick woolly blankets with the glow of candlelight casting a cosy gleam over proceedings.
Be daring with print
I’m not suggesting for a moment that you tear down your patterned curtains and whip up a set of play clothes for your children, as Julie Andrews’ Maria did (nor even a summer dress for yourself). Because long drapes in a bold print – be it florals, geometrics or a pretty toile de Jouy – can add a real design statement to a classic modern room decked out in barely there neutrals. But, of course, if you do change your mind…
I’m not suggesting for a moment that you tear down your patterned curtains and whip up a set of play clothes for your children, as Julie Andrews’ Maria did (nor even a summer dress for yourself). Because long drapes in a bold print – be it florals, geometrics or a pretty toile de Jouy – can add a real design statement to a classic modern room decked out in barely there neutrals. But, of course, if you do change your mind…
Bunker down in bunks
If, like the von Trapps, you are struggling to squeeze in a growing brood, then bespoke, built-in bunks might be the solution. This tailor-made timber creation, with quite the mountain chalet look about it, fits snugly into a corner, while integrated drawers make use of every inch of space.
Finish off the homely rustic look with sets of thick heavy curtains in a wintry palette of ruby red and forest green to cocoon the sleeping den when the temperature drops.
Browse more space-smart bunk beds
If, like the von Trapps, you are struggling to squeeze in a growing brood, then bespoke, built-in bunks might be the solution. This tailor-made timber creation, with quite the mountain chalet look about it, fits snugly into a corner, while integrated drawers make use of every inch of space.
Finish off the homely rustic look with sets of thick heavy curtains in a wintry palette of ruby red and forest green to cocoon the sleeping den when the temperature drops.
Browse more space-smart bunk beds
Make it monastic
Perhaps you are inspired more by the monastic chic of Maria’s convent – the quaint Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg – than the palatial residence of the von Trapps?
I love the juxtaposition of old and new and natural versus manmade in this ancient building. The grand architecture and mellowed stone arches have been fitted with the most magnificent streamlined kitchen for a contrast with real design clout. It’s a definite triumph of mixing eras, where creative conviction certainly wins the day…
Perhaps you are inspired more by the monastic chic of Maria’s convent – the quaint Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg – than the palatial residence of the von Trapps?
I love the juxtaposition of old and new and natural versus manmade in this ancient building. The grand architecture and mellowed stone arches have been fitted with the most magnificent streamlined kitchen for a contrast with real design clout. It’s a definite triumph of mixing eras, where creative conviction certainly wins the day…
Re-create a rustic look
You don’t have to take up residence in the hills to appreciate the wholesome, rusticity of mountain living. Channel a modern-day Alpine vibe at home with a few simple design tricks, such as an open fire and a handsome set of antlers taking centre stage. Complete the look with tartan blankets and big baskets of logs, and curl up for the evening with a good book.
See 10 ways to decorate with antlers
You don’t have to take up residence in the hills to appreciate the wholesome, rusticity of mountain living. Channel a modern-day Alpine vibe at home with a few simple design tricks, such as an open fire and a handsome set of antlers taking centre stage. Complete the look with tartan blankets and big baskets of logs, and curl up for the evening with a good book.
See 10 ways to decorate with antlers
Fill your home with music
All proficient and wannabe guitarists will take great pleasure in filling their homes with the sound of music, just as Maria did. But make sure you have somewhere to house all your prized instruments with a bespoke storage unit tailor-made to suit your needs.
Seek out a reputable tradesperson to do the job well – a good place to start is the The Guild of Master Craftsmen, an established trade association in the UK that represents skilled craftspeople, tradesmen and artisans. Or try the pros section of Houzz to find professionals in your area.
All proficient and wannabe guitarists will take great pleasure in filling their homes with the sound of music, just as Maria did. But make sure you have somewhere to house all your prized instruments with a bespoke storage unit tailor-made to suit your needs.
Seek out a reputable tradesperson to do the job well – a good place to start is the The Guild of Master Craftsmen, an established trade association in the UK that represents skilled craftspeople, tradesmen and artisans. Or try the pros section of Houzz to find professionals in your area.
Squeeze in a summerhouse
Who can forget the charming garden villa where star-crossed sweethearts Liesl and Rolf sing their coming-of-age duet, Sixteen Going On Seventeen, and steal a kiss in the dark?
If space permits, bring the idea home with a pretty timber and glass summer house or cabin installed at the end of the garden. A circular or multi-sided structure painted in a muted vintage shade should meld beautifully with your natural surroundings. Make sure walls, floor and ceiling are insulated, windows are doubled glazed and, if the building has a power supply, consider an electric radiator, too, as this way you won’t have to wait until summer to enjoy this extra outdoor room – a private retreat can be yours all year round.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of The Sound of Music? Please share your favourite memories from the film in the Comments below.
Who can forget the charming garden villa where star-crossed sweethearts Liesl and Rolf sing their coming-of-age duet, Sixteen Going On Seventeen, and steal a kiss in the dark?
If space permits, bring the idea home with a pretty timber and glass summer house or cabin installed at the end of the garden. A circular or multi-sided structure painted in a muted vintage shade should meld beautifully with your natural surroundings. Make sure walls, floor and ceiling are insulated, windows are doubled glazed and, if the building has a power supply, consider an electric radiator, too, as this way you won’t have to wait until summer to enjoy this extra outdoor room – a private retreat can be yours all year round.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of The Sound of Music? Please share your favourite memories from the film in the Comments below.
There is no competing with breathtaking views like this, so interiors need to be kept as simple and stripped-back as possible, with natural materials and bleached-out colours. Sadly, we don’t all wake up to a glorious mountain vista every morning, but if you love the Alpine look, you could always consider hanging an oversized mural or photographic wallpaper scene and bask in the impressive make-do view.