Design Diary Film Series: The Parent Trap
The Parent Trap is a classic for a variety of ages. You have the original made back in the 1960s and the 1998 version starring Lindsay Lohan. Either way, people know the film, but today I will be focusing on the 1998 version, directed by the iconic Nancy Meyers. This film features a variety of design elements that we will cover. The fact that it includes two settings in opposite parts of the world makes it even more special. If I had to choose which setting to live in, I’d probably go back and forth just like the girls. Let’s go through and see what you’d do…
Parker Knoll: 1506 Keith Road, Napa Valley
The film begins with the girls meeting at Camp Walden in Maine, unaware of each other’s existence. The first introduction to Hallie’s home in California occurs when she starts to connect with Annie in the “isolation” cabin at camp. The home is introduced with a photo showing it in Napa Valley, located in Rutherford, California. The home exemplifies a Spanish-style design, featuring dark stucco, terracotta roof shingles, and an incredible porch overlooking the vineyard. We feel like we could step into the photo (in those 0.6 seconds we get) and spend the day enjoying the large arches that create the porch. A cozy furniture setup invites us to grab a book, read in the shade, and enjoy the view until the hanging lanterns turn on to welcome the night.
The home is just a horseback ride away from the vineyard owned by Nick Parker. Throughout the film, more scenes of the home appear. The exterior is jeweled with ivy-covered walls, shutters that accessorize the windows, and stained french doors that incorporate the natural elements of the countryside. The tall arches continue from the front entrance to the windows with heavy muntins, giving the home detailed character. And just when we think we’ve seen it all, the backyard becomes even dreamier. The cobblestone pony walls and terracotta-colored cement squares lead you to the pool, surrounded by colorful Mexican tile that shimmers with the flowing water. The lounge chairs and umbrellas create a relaxation area with shade, adding a beautiful accessory to the pool scene that makes it seem like a little paradise.
Stepping inside, we get a brief look at the kitchen. Although not shown in full, we get a glimpse of the muddy blue cabinetry and shadow marble countertops, which continue upward to form the backsplash and create a light, airy feel in the open-concept kitchen and living room. We see several large statement pieces, such as art and the fireplace, which compete to become the focal point of the living room.
Hallie’s Bedroom:
Just as you might expect from a little girl raised by her dad (who probably isn't into decoration and details), Hallie’s room appears to have been designed once and left as is. You can see her colorful, child-like drapes by the window, which match the custom-made window bench. The room has playful details, with a striped chest used as a nightstand and quilted bedding that looks as if it's been passed down or thrifted over the years. Everything about this home is so light and cozy, I could move here in an instant. Falling in love? Well, let’s check out London…
7 Pembroke Lane:
When the twins switch places, the scenes first take us on a trip to London where Elizabeth James aka Annie and Hallies mom live. We see a Georgian home lathered luxuriously in white paint, with tall ionic columns forming a doric porch. The french windows are accessorized with floral window boxes as the home continues to be surrounded by greenery and hydrangea bushes that overflow out of the black iron fence and give the home that extra charm.
As “Annie” really Hallie is admiring the facade walking on a brick herringbone pattern leading to the home, we see a glimpse of the 2nd floor window terrace that is letting in a cool airy breeze with its curtains whirling around letting us know it's one of the main spaces in the home.
Knowing what we know, when Annie first gets a look into the home she's missed out on all these years, we expect nothing but a classic style. The front door opens and we are welcomed into the home that has been filled with personality over the years. The walls are decorated with art and lights that fill the space with warmth along with the dark salmon wallpapered walls that make the entry look like it's icing on the cake. The curved stairs immediately want to take you up the 2nd floor as the wainscotting follows the railing as it's almost saying the magic continues up there.
The sitting area is filled with furniture that looks like it’s been worn from years of laughs and get-togethers. The room invites us to see how the space continues to be layered with books, pictures, awards, and memories built up over time. Brass hardware adds a touch of elegance, creating a jewelry-like effect in the interior. The doors open to reveal a change in the spaces—from painted and wallpapered walls, to a wood stained room that creates moody study where “Grandfatha” is introduced. Last but not least among the main areas, we enter the dining room, adorned with green damask wallpaper and a childlike art piece showcased in a custom frame, as if Annie had created it as a little girl. Let’s be real, everyone should have art like this!
Miss Elizabeth’s Suite:
Walking into “Lizzie’s” room, we see that it has a French feminine flair with walls covered in a linen moiré wallcovering detailed with a stitched pattern, giving the interior a timeless feel. The bed frame, with its ornate details, suggests it’s an antique piece, while the white duvet covers with embroidered edges allow the frame to be the focus. The bedroom continues to showcase the sketched art found throughout the home (after all, it is a wedding dress designer's home). Her detailed style extends into her personal closet, where we see a thin stripe of maroon and cream wallpaper behind her collection of fashionable wardrobe pieces—ooh la la!!
Have you made up your mind about which home you’d like to live in? Once again, the iconic director and set designer, Nancy Meyers, evokes a sense of cozy and beautiful interiors in the film for us to fall in love with and admire forever. There are many more interior details to drool over, but you’ll just have to rewatch the film to see them all.
If you’re looking for an inspired Parent Trap look, shop at with me Oakstreet Shoppe to get a spanish countryside style or a French feminine flare for your home.
Cowboy art by Emma Katherine.
Disclaimer: I do not own copyright to all images. No copyright is intended. Photos from Pinterest
