Alice in Wonderland & the Return of Chintz

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

I just sent all three of my kids off to school for their first day and I can’t help but feel a little sad that they won’t be running around, playing some epic battle or asking for refuel juice. Harry the Bunny won’t be hopping through the living room, though the house is littered with swords and cars and stuffed animals… because I couldn’t stand to clean up and wish away those last few moments of summer. And I while I know that I’m suppose to be grateful and happy that they are at school, the sudden emptiness and quiet is pounding in my head.

It’s just me and the silent butterflies landing on their namesake bushes right outside my window.

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

Of course I know as soon as they come home we will sit and talk abut every single thing they did today and we will resume a bit of that magic, which is exactly why the home of Alice in Wonderland (or Mrs Alice as she is known on Instagram) struck me so deeply. Stibbington House, the fairy-tale-like country home in Cambridgeshire which is shared by Alice, her husband Tom, and their two children Nancy and Billy, is packed with adventure, curiosity, and wonder. It’s unrestrained and whimsical and breaks as many of the rules as possible. There is more Chintz than a 80 year old Grandmother and proof as far as I am concerned that it will be making a comeback alongside shades of green and other florals.) I especially love that this family has created a home that represents their unique personalities! And who doesn’t love a house packed with flamingos, unicorns, tigers, llamas, and rainbows?

“Where should I go?” -Alice. “That depends on where you want to end up.” – The Cheshire Cat.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

Whether you are ready to bring on the Chintz or not, I hope you will find the daring home of Alice in Wonderland as jaw dropping and inspiring as I did today. May our days be filled with just a little more magic and wonder and may our homes be created with freedom and adventure!