The Mickey Mouse-shaped topiaries in front of Kelsey Hermanson’s house serve as a preview of the Disney-inspired themes visitors will find inside. Each room in her 3,300-square-foot Seattle home has its own unique Disney theme. For example, the stairwell pays homage to “Peter Pan” with star-shaped pendant lighting fixtures, vintage décor on the windowsill reminiscent of Captain Hook’s galleon, and wall decals of Wendy, her siblings, and Peter scaling the wall. In the living room, an ocean blue sofa and a shadow box coffee table create a “Lilo & Stitch” vibe with character figurines, coastal accents, and a thrift store oil painting embellished with character stickers. The dining room is inspired by “Beauty and the Beast” and Lumière’s warm hospitality, and so on for each room in the house.
Despite the abundance of Disney elements, Hermanson emphasizes that her styling is more elegant and not overwhelming with merchandise. The desire to incorporate Disney into home décor has been present since the early days of the Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney himself began selling Disney merchandise in the late 1920s, and Disney memorabilia continues to have high value in the collector’s market.
Nowadays, fans are looking beyond collectors’ items and embracing partnerships with companies like Ruggable and Sanderson to fill their homes with Disney-inspired décor. Social media has played a significant role in the rise of Disney-themed home décor, with hashtags like “Disney home décor” and “Disney home” generating millions of views on platforms like TikTok. Kelsey Hermanson, for example, has grown her Instagram following by sharing photos and videos of her Disney-themed rooms and DIY projects.
For some, incorporating Disney at home is a way to boost their mood and evoke a sense of happiness. Ginny Phillips, a blogger in Nashville, describes her Disney-inspired home as a “super happy, bright, rainbow explosion.” Her own children also embrace the Disney-themed décor.
Nostalgia often drives people to incorporate Disney into their home design. Millennials, in particular, have fond memories of watching Disney movies and growing up in a Disney-saturated media culture. Shows like the TGIF comedy block introduced ’90s kids to the magic of Disney parks, fostering a sense of nostalgia that resonates with them today.
The incorporation of Disney into home décor varies from budget-friendly DIY projects to high-end, bespoke designs. In Golden Oak, a development in the Walt Disney World Resort, tailor-made Disney-inspired rooms are designed to provide a park-level-quality experience for homeowners. In one project, an “Aladdin”-themed guest bedroom was customized with magic carpet canopies and an exquisite divider studded with gemstones. In another room paying tribute to “The Little Mermaid,” hand-painted water ripples adorn the ceiling, and an oversized clamshell headboard enhances the aqua-hued ambiance.
Even adults without children embrace Disney in their homes. Laura and Chris Chatterton in Columbia, S.C., incorporate Disney merchandise and hidden Mickeys throughout their house. Trips to Disney parks have become their shared passion and hobby.
In conclusion, the allure of Disney-themed home décor lies in the opportunity to create a personal escape and evoke the magic and nostalgia associated with Disney. From DIY projects to high-end designs, Disney enthusiasts find joy and happiness in filling their homes with elements inspired by the beloved brand.