More is more when it comes to homes that celebrate everything from horror movies to Disney franchises.
Last week, the most popular listing on Realtor.com® was an eye-popping pink house in Hamilton, NJ. The candy-colored vintage decor is what captured attention across the nation. Everything in the house—from the barware to the throw pillows to the Jane Fonda movie posters on the wall—was chosen with a very particular decor style.
Homeowner Kate Gabrielle told Realtor.com: “You spend so much of your life in your house, and it should feel like your own personal sanctuary. For me, that means lots of pink, retro details, kitschy knickknacks, and flowers.”
Designer Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR, and Seattle, coined a term to describe this unique design style: “Deep Theme Design,” or DTD.
Gabrielle carried out DTD in every room of her house, including the flower-patterned bathroom and rainbow-hued basement.
She is not alone in her love of over-the-top, all-encompassing decor. Ready to take a deep dive into Deep Theme Design? Here’s more about the decor trend and how you can embrace it.
(Realtor.com)
What is Deep Theme Design?
“Deep Theme Design is a concept where every single choice is based on a very small group of guiding principles,” says Riordan.
Those principles are decided by you, he says, and depend on the theme you pick. They usually involve these important questions:
- Is it pop culture-driven?
- Does it make me happy?
“If two or more of the answers to these questions are affirmative, then the item passes the test and is allowed into the house,” Riordan explains.
Why people are embracing Deep Theme Design
Like many trends today, DTD is driven by social media. The trend often goes viral because viewers slow down to stare at these spaces longer online to digest every last detail.
“When we do, social media algorithms notice and show these items to more people,” Riordan says. “Deep Theme Design effectively influences these algorithms, contributing to its growing popularity.”
As passion for pop culture continues to rise, DTD can be another way for people to express their fandom.
“Incorporating elements from favorite movies, shows, or books into their living spaces allows fans to celebrate what they love in a tangible, everyday way,” says interior designer Jodi Peterman, CEO of Elizabeth Erin Designs in Fort Walton Beach, FL. “It’s not just about having a themed room—it’s about bringing a part of that world into their own lives, making their connection to it even more personal and immersive.”
Want to infuse your space with DTD? Here’s some advice from the design pros.
Pick a theme you’re passionate about
When choosing your theme, it’s important to pick something you’re wild about.
“Without passion, the novelty will wear off quickly, and the themed space might feel out of place or even tiresome,” Peterman explains. “Choosing a theme that authentically resonates with you and your desires is essential to creating a lasting, enjoyable environment.”
Make sure everyone is on board
If you don’t live alone, it’s important to make sure everyone in your home is OK with your DTD concept before diving in.
“You must have buy-in from everyone living in the household,” says Peterman. “This agreement helps avoid possible conflicts. When everyone is on board, they are more likely to appreciate and maintain the design.”
Adhere to your guiding principles
Once you choose your theme, sticking to it is essential—and that’s where the guiding principles come in.
“The moment you deviate from your guiding principles, it is no longer Deep Theme Design,” warns Riordan. “This style requires strict adherence to the theme.”
Otherwise, the design can become disjointed and lose its impact.
Peterman says sticking to your theme “ensures that every element in the space works together harmoniously, creating a unified and visually appealing space that feels intentional and well thought-out.”
Consider starting with just one room
Dedicating just one room instead of your entire house to DTD can be a good way to dip your toe in the water before going all in, according to Riordan.
“I’ve never met someone who lived in 100% Deep Theme Design who didn’t express anxiety about maintaining the theme,” Riordan says. “It’s no easy task playing decor security guard 24/7.”
Starting slow will help you test the waters to make sure the design exhilarates you rather than exhausts you.
Show off your space
One of the benefits of living in a DTD home is having people over and allowing them to experience the unique space you’ve created.
It also offers a bonus: Every gathering is a theme party!
Check out these DTD homes
Here are some incredible real-life examples of Deep Theme Design. See one you love? It might even be for sale.
Deep Theme: Paris
Location: Liberty Lake, WA
(Realtor.com)
Deep Theme: Air travel
Location: Reunion, FL
(Realtor.com)
Deep Theme: ‘Star Wars’
Location: Reunion, FL
(Realtor.com)
Deep Theme: Aliens
Location: Hurricane, UT
(Realtor.com)
Deep Theme: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
Location: Plano, TX
(Realtor.com)
Deep Theme: Spaceships
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
(Realtor.com)
Deep Theme: Horror movies
Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
(Realtor.com)
