The enchanting victorian home in Practical Magic

I own the movie Practical Magic, I like the story, but mostly THE HOUSE.  If you haven't seen it, these pics will convince you to grab a copy and watch it ASAP. The house is truly magical.

The house, which was actually built on a platform because the site is a protected Indian burial ground, and no digging is allowed. The house is empty on the inside, and was taken down after filming. The interior was all sets in LA. Though the book takes place in New England, the house was built in San Juan Park in Washington, where the weather is better for filming.

2 above via Hooked on Houses

You don't see it in the film - but there was actually a small cottage built on the site as well!

 sketches and inspiration board for the house
2 above via A Fanciful Twist

via Endless Inspiration

The kitchen is definitely the heart of the home and where they spend the most time

4 above via Hooked on Houses

via Attic Mag

The potion room/pantry
via Hooked on Houses

via The Steampunk Home

The dining room
via Amitas Veritas

The parlor set
via Hooked on Houses

One day I'll have an antique leather chair like this
via Amitas Veritas

The attic is one of my favorite spaces in the house

3 images above via Hooked on Houses

via Amitas Veritas

Along with the attic, my favorite room is the conservatory, with all the herbs and glass vessels.

2 via Hooked on Houses

What do you think of the house? If you've seen the movie/read the book, do you think the house was a successful interpretation of the Owen sister's sanctuary?

Creating a space with whites/neutrals, and dark accents

So reader Cynthia wrote me with a question regarding her bedroom suite and using it to create the look she's going for:

"We are in the process of moving into our new house and I was wondering if you could help us with the decoration of our bedroom? We have an antique white colour bedroom suite (same as the photo attached but the only difference is ours is antique white in colour).

We would like our room to be cosy and elegant,with loads of neutral colour and loads of dark wood. Our main inspiration is from the house in "Something's Gotta Give". We are just worried that it might look out of place with the white bedroom suite and that would throw the whole scheme off.."

Here is the style of her bedroom suite - but her's is antique white.

Here are shots from the home in "Something's Gotta Give, " to get an idea of the look she's going for


So lots of neutrals, creams, and dark wood accents. The floors are also a dark wood.
Movie shots via Hooked on Houses

Pretty much, I think the look Cynthia is going for is totally possible with the white bedroom suite that she already has. The important thing is to keep in mind the proportion of lights and darks when decorating the space. So Cynthia might want to balance out her white bedroom suite with some furniture pieces in dark wood - such as lamps, a side table, chair, etc.

This room has white furnishings but dark wood beams and a dark piano.
via Living Better Together

The white furniture in this room is kept from being too matchy-matchy be the addition of the brown leather chair.
via House to Home




3 above via DecorPad

via Ideal Home
The three images above all display a casual balance or white and/or neutrals, and dark woods.

This room is a mix of so many styles but still gorgeous
via DecorPad


via The Lennoxx


The four images above illustrate how even with dark walls white furnishings can be integrated with dark wood; just make sure you supply adequate lighting.
2 above via CocoCozy


Well, I hope I was some help Cynthia - or atleast provided some eye candy. If anyone else has some advice for Cynthia please comment!