Designers go wild for Alice's wonderful world

With the combination of the stellar cast and the director famous for his off-the-wall ideas, the film was always going to be a big hit. It is no wonder, too, that the world has gone mad for Alice merchandise. From Asos to eBay there are pendants and costumes a-plenty. The design world hasn't let this one slip by either.

There is a definite trend of combining mad colours with wacky furniture and accessories, but you don't have to go super crazy to get a great effect – unless you want to, of course. A few "items of interest" can create an exciting room that you can still live with.

Some interesting wallpaper is an easy way to start off your room. My recommendation is called Ecochic which is available from wallpaperdirect.co.uk.

It features trees with a beautiful ochre yellow background and gives the impression of being in a wood in wintertime.

When it comes to picking the furniture it is a good idea for the majority of the room to pick out tones in your wallpaper. You can add in clashing colours with accessories later on. Barker and Stonehouse, which caters for all tastes, has a great selection of great "out-there" furniture as well as more reserved pieces too.

There is the stunning collection of Duresta sofas – famous for high quality and vivid colours. Their sofas wouldn't be out of place in a grand residence, a bright family home or a room that reflects all that is eccentric. Or, alternatively, along the brightly coloured theme there is the Dolce Vita collection. Any of the three Dolce Vita console units would be an ideal addition to a colourful home.

There is the large two drawer chest featuring multi-coloured stripes, a slightly smaller pink chest or a bright blue corner unit with gold scrolling detail.

However, if your tastes are a little tamer, don't worry. Barker and Stonehouse also has lots of quirky accessories to add a hint of the eccentric. For starters, and going back to the Alice in Wonderland theme, there is the shatter teapot which looks like it has been broken and stuck back together. Or there is the Ace of Spades paperweight or the giant wooden dominoes.

All of the products mentioned are available from www. barkerandstonehouse.co.uk