The Reimagined Home of Star-Cross'd Lovers, Romeo and Juliet
With love on everyone's lips this Valentine's Day, we take a guess at how this Shakespearean couple's love nest would look
Anyone who loves a good book finds it hard to leave the characters on the page. The same applies to any kind of story, even those acted out on the stage, and you would have your work cut out for you to find two more iconic or well-loved characters from theatrical history than Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The tale of these tragic teens is the epitome of epic romance, and has been since its debut way back in the 16th century.
Born into warring families, Romeo and Juliet meet by chance at a party one night in the very definition of love at first sight. There follows a whirlwind romance and a secret marriage (along with several duals, at least one murder, and Romeo’s exile from Verona, where the action all takes place). Unfortunately, while the young pair’s love is true and eternal, the odds are stacked against them and their ending is far from happy. Still, they will always be remembered as the pinnacle of romantic love, and that’s why we honour them today.
Born into warring families, Romeo and Juliet meet by chance at a party one night in the very definition of love at first sight. There follows a whirlwind romance and a secret marriage (along with several duals, at least one murder, and Romeo’s exile from Verona, where the action all takes place). Unfortunately, while the young pair’s love is true and eternal, the odds are stacked against them and their ending is far from happy. Still, they will always be remembered as the pinnacle of romantic love, and that’s why we honour them today.
The colonnades
Romeo and Juliet would probably be significantly influenced by the city in which they lived – Verona in Italy. I like to think that if they were around today, they would revive some of the architectural style of the time, such as colonnades, arches, atriums and courtyards, all of which could still suit the setting of their modern-day lives.
Romeo and Juliet would probably be significantly influenced by the city in which they lived – Verona in Italy. I like to think that if they were around today, they would revive some of the architectural style of the time, such as colonnades, arches, atriums and courtyards, all of which could still suit the setting of their modern-day lives.
The balcony
Juliet would likely go into some sort of deep depression if her new home did not contain at least one Juliet balcony. She may be modern in this imagining, but she’d still need a suitably romantic spot from which to gaze lovingly at the stars and converse with the moon.
Juliet would likely go into some sort of deep depression if her new home did not contain at least one Juliet balcony. She may be modern in this imagining, but she’d still need a suitably romantic spot from which to gaze lovingly at the stars and converse with the moon.
The colour scheme
Juliet and her Romeo are both so passionate and fiery that I imagine they would decorate their home with a great deal of flair and drama. Bold, romantic colours like reds and oranges, complemented by a flourish or two of monochromatic black and white, would really make the space theirs.
Juliet and her Romeo are both so passionate and fiery that I imagine they would decorate their home with a great deal of flair and drama. Bold, romantic colours like reds and oranges, complemented by a flourish or two of monochromatic black and white, would really make the space theirs.
The layout
The house itself would be full of interesting nooks and crannies, with plenty of secluded spots for the young couple to … enjoy one another’s company. And it would of course all be decorated in regal and opulent style. They were both from noble families, after all.
The house itself would be full of interesting nooks and crannies, with plenty of secluded spots for the young couple to … enjoy one another’s company. And it would of course all be decorated in regal and opulent style. They were both from noble families, after all.
The living room
Juliet would no doubt like to have some big, beautiful windows in her living space, so that she could stand in front of them and hear Romeo burst into poetic rapture: “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!” Is there any girl alive who wouldn’t want to be compared to the light of the sun? Sigh.
Juliet would no doubt like to have some big, beautiful windows in her living space, so that she could stand in front of them and hear Romeo burst into poetic rapture: “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!” Is there any girl alive who wouldn’t want to be compared to the light of the sun? Sigh.
The kitchen
I’m not sure if this couple would cook – it may not be terribly safe to have Romeo in the kitchen, considering how quickly he resorts to poisonous solutions to life’s little problems.
But, regardless of who’s doing the cooking, the kitchen in this bower of bliss would certainly need more than a pinch of pizazz. I think they’d love the chandeliers pictured here; they are grand yet pretty. The timber work is also intricate and beautiful, while the space on the whole manages to be contemporary, but also harkens back to their Italian heritage.
I’m not sure if this couple would cook – it may not be terribly safe to have Romeo in the kitchen, considering how quickly he resorts to poisonous solutions to life’s little problems.
But, regardless of who’s doing the cooking, the kitchen in this bower of bliss would certainly need more than a pinch of pizazz. I think they’d love the chandeliers pictured here; they are grand yet pretty. The timber work is also intricate and beautiful, while the space on the whole manages to be contemporary, but also harkens back to their Italian heritage.
The bedroom
“Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” If ever a couple deserved a romantic bedroom, it’s Romeo and Juliet. They need a room like this to celebrate the fact that in 2016 they are free to choose their own partners.
Candles? Tick.
Fireplace? Tick.
Soft pinks? Tick
Love heart bedhead? Tick!
Too much? Not for Romeo and Juliet!
“Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” If ever a couple deserved a romantic bedroom, it’s Romeo and Juliet. They need a room like this to celebrate the fact that in 2016 they are free to choose their own partners.
Candles? Tick.
Fireplace? Tick.
Soft pinks? Tick
Love heart bedhead? Tick!
Too much? Not for Romeo and Juliet!
The rose garden
Romeo and Juliet were nothing if not romantic. As such, I imagine their modern home would be full of loved-up touches – both architecturally and decoratively. With a garden full of these beautiful blooms, I’m sure Romeo would greet the morn by frolicking among the flowers to pick a bouquet for his beloved, returning to her with roses on a tray to accompany a sumptuous breakfast in that big heart-shaped bed.
Romeo and Juliet were nothing if not romantic. As such, I imagine their modern home would be full of loved-up touches – both architecturally and decoratively. With a garden full of these beautiful blooms, I’m sure Romeo would greet the morn by frolicking among the flowers to pick a bouquet for his beloved, returning to her with roses on a tray to accompany a sumptuous breakfast in that big heart-shaped bed.
The romantic nook
Later in the day, after the couple return home from their busy lives in the modern world, they retreat here to sit in their private garden under the floral archway, and recite poetry to each other. Shakespearean sonnet anyone?
Later in the day, after the couple return home from their busy lives in the modern world, they retreat here to sit in their private garden under the floral archway, and recite poetry to each other. Shakespearean sonnet anyone?
The man cave
Although he was a romantic, Romeo loved spending time with his mates. He was always hanging out with Benvolio and Mercutio, so he’d definitely need some time and space for the boys. I’m sure they’d love the set-up pictured here. Who wouldn’t?
TELL US
Who was your favourite character when you were a child, and what do you think their home would be like if they were here today? Share your literary memories with us in the Comments section.
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Although he was a romantic, Romeo loved spending time with his mates. He was always hanging out with Benvolio and Mercutio, so he’d definitely need some time and space for the boys. I’m sure they’d love the set-up pictured here. Who wouldn’t?
TELL US
Who was your favourite character when you were a child, and what do you think their home would be like if they were here today? Share your literary memories with us in the Comments section.
MORE
Reimagining the Home of Anne of Green Gables
The Reimagined Home of Ebenezer Scrooge: Past, Present and Future
Celebrating ‘Puberty Blues’ With Debbie and Sue’s Reimagined Retro Home
The famous story of these young lovers has been retold many times, and in many different guises. From Taylor Swift’s song about the star-crossed lovers, to Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes’ portrayal in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation, there is something about the couple that is universally captivating. I find them so fascinating that I couldn’t help but wonder where they would live if they were alive today.
Fictional Characters at a Glance
Who would live here: Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet
From which play: Romeo and Juliet
Author: William Shakespeare
Why this month: Valentine’s Day falls on 14 February, the day we celebrate love and romance everywhere
Home style: Italian-style castle or an opulent villa