Game of Thrones – Fashion and Interior Design Inspiration

I’m a massive Game of Thrones (GoT) fan so exploring how this show is influencing fashion and interiors was a very fun exercise for me. The costume and set designs on GoT are of such a high quality they are truly inspiring and I’m ruined for any other shows mirroring this era and style. The HBO series could have been at risk of simply appealing to a few hard-core nerds; however it has broken that stereotype and engaged the masses worldwide. There is even a Tumbler account dedicated to GoT interiors called Home of Thrones a useful find for me in researching for this post. Even Vogue got on board the GoT wave and released this article "What if Game of Thrones had 2014 Fashion?" The shows influence is not just reaching fashion, but it has had a dramatic influence on popular culture for example the names Khaleesi and Arya have become very popular baby girl names in many countries.

Winterfell

The various realms offer different aesthetics, from Winterfell in the cold north, down to the warm South of Kings Landing to wherever Daenerys is roaming in the desert (I get a bit lost there), different locations offer variations on the historical Gothic, European, Medieval and Middle-Eastern style of decor and dress. Let’s start in the North with the Winterfell home of the Starks. The lovely Catelyn Stark had a lot of strength and grace, it was so sad when her character was executed at the infamous red wedding as she was one of my favourites. In terms of fashion and decor when emulating Winterfell think fur, wool, leather, dark and subdued colours,  stone masonry, candles and goth rustic style furniture.

The Starks of Winterfell - Season 1. Fur and full-length capes are a must have in the cold realm.
Image via gameofthrones.wikia.com

That red hair always looked lovely with her emerald green gowns and scarves. The fur and leather accents add another level of class.
Image via supermomx3wordpress.com

Winterfell fashion - fur and leather
Outfit image via salonthesis.com Interior image via pinterest.com

Winterfell fashion - The darkside. Gothic style with black fur, candles, rustic table and chairs.
Outfit image via usmagazine.com Interior image via pinterest.com

Winterfell fashion - three quarter sleeves with leather gloves look very classy. The heavy weight grey wool dress is a great way to stay warm in winter.
Outfit image via style.com Interior image via trendener.se

 Brienne of Tarth
Image via desconectados.com

Brienne of Tarth was sworn to serve Catelyn Stark and protect her daughters. She has a very masculine style and quite ahead of her time in terms of a feminist, women can kick ass and swing swords, girl power sort of way.

Channeling Brienne of Tarth is the military style with the double breasted jacket, high boots, and shiny metallic buttons.
Image via voguemagz.com

Jon Snow and Ygritte
Image via huffingtonpost.com

Jon Snow originally from Winterfell is the bastard son of Ned Stark and now lives in the most miserable place in Westeros, The Wall. Living here you have to think serious layers and hard core outerwear with a generous dose of fur for survival. But Jon still manages to look good as arguably the hottest male character in the TV show. His love story with the Wildling woman Ygritte didn't end well with the whole shooting him with arrows as he ditches her thing, and then the dramatic wall battle finish.

The biggest mainstream fashion influence I've noticed is the amount of faux fur in fashion at present. Especially the fur vest, seen everywhere right now. Not stuck in traditional browns and blacks, fur can come in all colors including pastel blues and pinks.

My favorite fur tone is the multi-shades of grey. This coat is very 80s in terms of the strong shoulders and is nicely accented with a fitted swing skirt. Fur in a bedroom easily gives a warm and comforting feel to your night time sanctuary.
Fashion image via Passion for Prying Interior image via Matter of Style Blog

I wouldn't really go for a pink fur coat like this, but this woman has styled it so well with the black leather skirt and white collared shirt, it looks fantastic. Also in this interior image, there is a lot going on with seemingly garish and opposing styles, but the pink velvet bed goes so well with the fur throw giving the whole room a luxurious, cozy and opulent feel.
Fashion image via Passion for Prying Interior image via Matter of Style Blog

The natural brown tones are more traditional and timeless. This long vest is nicely complemented with the skinny leather pants.
Fashion image via Passion for Prying Interior image via Freedom Furniture

I'd like to think that Ygritte and Jon Snow could live here, you know if they had metaphorically stayed in the cave, I'd imagine they'd decorate their cave like this. Log cabin style with stone masonry fire place, Gothic chandeliers, and of course fur. 
Image via houzz.com

Kings Landing

Kings Landing is the capital city of Westeros' Seven Kingdoms. Of all the kingdoms to live in this seems the most appealing with the warm climate, beautiful gardens, food abundance and wealth.

Cersei the epitome of an evil Queen
Image via princess-and-dragon.blogspot.com

A key character here is Cersei the Queen. She plays a great baddie, in a nutshell she is guilty of being an incestuous manipulative cheater, raising a horrible monster King in Joffery, and being a truly evil older sister. But hey we’re not here to judge her character but her style and in that sense it’s pretty good. She rocks the braids which are also very hot right now and her Queen glamour gowns are always figure hugging and flattering.

If Cersei was to walk the red carpet in 2014 I think she would wear something like this dress that Blake Lively looks absolutely gorgeous in. She even has the long braid in a style updated for the 21st Century. Kings Landing decor has a middle eastern, Moroccan aesthetic in terms of the luxurious, ethnic and summer time feel.
Fashion Image via Tumbler Interior Image via Decor Tips

Kings Landing is also the  home of the coveted Iron Throne. I don't think its particularly attractive, but I am a fan of a nice feature chair.

The giant garish Iron Throne, could provide some interest and a focal point for a living area.
Image via warosu.org

Have your own throne at home. Remember if you have a feature chair ensure there is enough space around it to let it breathe and have the presence it deserves.
Image via ayraid.blogspot.co.nz

For a more modern throne feature chair try this laser cut plywood high back peacock chair by Ferruccio Laviani.
Image via Charleston Grit

Sansa Stark and Margaery Tyrell in Kings Landing.
Image via fanpop.com

Margaery knows that her power is in diplomacy and seduction and essential to her tool kit is her hotness. So she works it with sexy outfits with keyhole peeks at her skin. It’s modest by today’s standards but none the less eye catching and a bit scandalous for these GoT times. I’m sure everyone in the realm copies her style just as all of those ASOS dresses sell out within seconds of Kate Middleton being seen wearing them.

Fast forward to the royals of 2014 and I couldn't have imagined a more perfect comparison to Margery's style than Kate Middleton's gorgeous teal gown by Jenny Packham that she wore to the London Olympic gala. Margaery Tyrell would totally wear this, the lovely teal color and capped sleeves are elegant but still sexy with a low V-cut neckline. Kate is also even channeling the GoT braids.
Image via Catwalkqueen

Where-ever Daenerys is

Image via screenrant.com

Daenerys Targaryen, Khaleesi, mother of dragons, freer of slaves, firm (don’t mess with her she will slay your ass) but fair ruler who I believe is going to be sitting on that iron throne soon. She is by far my favorite character who is going from strength to strength and is constantly on the move through various cities that all seem to be warm, sandy places of wealth and gold.

Her style is Grecian goddess like but quite tailored and structured. Rocking the platinum blonde braids and even throwing back to the dress over trousers phase which was big here in the 90s. I wanted to explore how her style could be reinterpreted for a modern 2014 woman.

Daenerys Targaryn in the teal blue grecian goddess style dress. Miranda Kerr beautifully brings this look into present day 2014 red carpet style. I also think the red lippy perfectly accents this soft pastel colored flowing gown.
Danerys image via gameofthrones.wikia.com Miranda Kerr image via popsugar.com.au

Okay so you may be thinking that this comparison is a bit of a stretch, but essentially Daenerys is wearing a halter crop top with a skirt over pant combo that gives her a vulnerable yet strong and masculine look. This image of Kendall Jenner captures that crop top style paired with the three quarter pant it keeps it sexy yet strong. The monochrome color palette also gives the look a polished feeling of masculinity.
Daenerys image via pl.lodiogien.wikia.com Kendall Jenner image via cambio.com

The dress over pants is not a very common look today, but Emma Watson does it in I believe the most stylish way possible in this red carpet outfit.
Daenerys image via wetpaint.com Emma Watson image via thenewstrack.com

Right now Daenerys is somewhere in a stone pyramid. The decor and architecture is a combination of Greek, Italian, Moroccan and Gothic styles.
Image via gameofthronesstyle.com

This is definitely a Khaleesi worthy shower. High ceilings and over sized space with rustic stone masonry, it has a very expensive, retreat feel.
Image via homeofthrones.tumblr.com

Great set design, again the Moroccan desert style comes through with gold accents.
Image via gameofthronesstyle.com

A touch of ethnic style with the tribal art and accessories and the Moroccan rug are modernized with the ply-wood paneling and floor to ceiling glass. This beautiful desert home brings a GoT influence into the 21st Century. I can imagine Khaleesi living here with her Dragons playing in the desert.
Image via redesigningsarah.com

This beautiful interior reminds me of Khaleesi as this screen can be an interpretation of the dragon skin, the star shapes reflect that Middle-Eastern style and the opulent size is luxurious and regal.
Image via interiordesignfiles

Image via glamour.com

I'm excited about the final episode of the season tomorrow, happy watching everyone, and try to take in the wonderful costume and set design. I'm personally hoping that Daenerys and her dragons play a key role in this episode, but we will see...

5 Fashion and Interior Design Fails

In our last post we provided you with some tips on what you should do style wise to maximize your best assets for your physical body and for your physical space. This time we thought it would be fun to go over our top 5 style don'ts. There are some surprising crossovers...

1. Taking a theme too far

There is a fine line between acknowledging a trend or style and taking it so far that you look like you’re dressed for a costume party or you own a theme house. Now you can be inspired by a particular theme or style, but be wary of adding too many 'themed' elements. To avoid this tipping point you need to think balance and only introduce some theme inspired pieces, and try not to go over the top.

For example the equestrian look was very hot about two years ago and is still going strong. The look is essentially centered around the great fashion item the riding boot. But if you add too many elements such as the riding jodhpurs and the top hat it could look like you're actually going to ride a horse, probably not a good idea if you're just going to the shops. Image courtesy of Roxanne Parker.

Nicole Richie does the Boho Chic or Hippie look really well. However she is just a precarious beaded handbag and floral headband away from looking like she is going to a 70's costume party. Thankfully she balances it well with sleek black heels and a plain clutch. Image courtesy of Forever Boho.

This Moroccan inspired interior is over the top, but this particular client wanted the fantasy "genie in a bottle" look. So unless you want to have a fantasy theme room in your house or you own a Moroccan restaurant, you can avoid the harem boudoir look by just adding some of these lovely elements such as the Persian rug, colorful throws, or cushions - but not everything! Image courtesy of Modenus.

2. Too matchy matchy

When you love something you can take this love too far. For example I've seen people take their love for something like pink or leopard and go to the extreme. You need to choose your moments and think less is more.

In my opinion this is too much pink, and the heaviness of the drapes make this room feel smaller and closed in. Proves that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Image courtesy of Interior Design 5.

So a teenage girl loves pink, this is how you can introduce it without going over the top and having pink walls, floors and accessories. Instead just a few tasteful colorful accessories that can be changed out when she changes her mind about loving pink so much. Image courtesy of Nicedecors.

I got this pretty image from the lovely ladies at A Beautiful Mess. They've asked the same question about too much of one thing and although this outfit is undeniably pink, its perfectly balanced with white and black accessories. Now if the shoes, sunglasses and cardigan were also pink, it could be too much.

3. It doesn't fit

Just as poorly fitting clothing can look odd, furniture that doesn't fit well in a space will make a room feel awkward and have poor flow. For example an over sized chair in the corner can ruin a perfectly good space by making it seem crammed in. I saw this on the TV show The Block NZ where a contestant just loved a chair and had to have it but didn't take into consideration the size of the room it had to go into. Then she crammed it into a small space which meant the flow of the room was compromised and the room was made to feel smaller than it actually was.

I’m guilty of liking a piece of clothing and not really thinking about how it will fit my body shape and just buying it even though it is not flattering. See below for some other guilty examples.

Ellen Pompeo really doesn't do herself any favors in this tent shaped dress. Poor fit, poor style for her body makes it all wrong. Image courtesy of Fashion.about.com

I'm not sure if this dress could look good on anyone, the poor fit makes her boobs look smaller and her hips look enormous, not traits I think most women go for. Image courtesy of Fashion.about.com

4. Function over form

I've seen this many times, making things look bad for the sake of function, but trust me when I say that there is a middle ground, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for function. For example a project that my architect husband worked on he recommended for heating in the bedroom they install a gorgeous gas heater, but his client decided to go for a heat pump instead. Yes it did the same job, in fact it also had the ability to cool in the summer, but it really didn't give that luxurious feel in the bedroom, rather they have a massive eyesore in the middle of the room that doesn't give that same romantic feeling a gas fire heater would have.

Imagine the cozy, romantic feeling a fireplace like this creates in a bedroom. Aesthetically pleasing, atmosphere creating and functional. Compared to a heat pump, this option is much better. Image coutesy of Houzz

The best fashion example I can think of to compare is the “Sneans” look. Now I know that that sneakers are a very comfortable shoe, but that is still no excuse to wear them with jeans. The “Sneans” look can be okay if you wear street shoes as opposed to straight up sneakers. Just remember that if comfort was always the number one priority I would leave the house in my sloppy track pants every day and never set foot in anything as impractical as a high heel.

George Lucas committing the classic Sneans crime, his partner is faring much better in bare feet. Mad respect for the guy, afterall he just sold the Star Wars rights for over $4 Billion, not bad, I'm sure he can afford some styling. Image courtesy of Daily Mail UK.

As this bluesteel model demonstrates the Sneans look can be achieved for comfort and aesthetics by going for a more 'street' style shoe, I recommend the classic Converse sneakers. Image courtesy of BlogMeFashion.

5. Exposing what shouldn't be exposed

Some things need to be concealed and shouldn't be exposed. Underwear as outerwear can arguably look good, but most of the time as Britney displays below, it should be put away. 

Visible bra not to mention the visible midriff are two big fashion crimes Britney is committing.  Some things are better not seen. Image courtesy of mamapop.com. 

Exposed cables are just so ugly and should be hidden behind walls or cord organizers and tidily put away. Interior  design crime! Image courtesy of bomehianhellhole.com.

My final word would be that although these are cliche faux pas, the truth is that wherever there are rules there are always exceptions. As they say, rules are made to be broken, so please take these tips as more or less a guide and not strict rules. So have fun following or totally disregarding this advice.