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Coraline Core Interior – Bathroom Edition!

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mood board for coralinecore, fanfiction coraline movie interior decor inspiration
mood board for coralinecore, fanfiction coraline movie interior decor inspiration

What is Coraline Core?

Coraline core is a design style inspired by the film Coraline, a 3D stop-motion dark fantasy horror film. Although rated PG, this film is celebrated by adults everywhere. Despite it being released in 2009, Coraline makes its yearly appearance in the fall most notably due to the spooky essence of Halloween around the corner but also perhaps in part to the ominous undertone often felt in the crisp fall air. Coraline core interior blends elements of gothic and fantastical aesthetics, often featuring dark, moody tones mixed with vibrant colors to evoke a sense of the uncanny.


Victorian Style House for A Coraline Core Interior

The movie Coraline takes place in an old Victorian style home called The Pink Palace. The Victorian design style is most notable for high ceilings and complimented with tall baseboards and crown moldings. The permanent features of this bathroom should reflect the style of this home because in this fantasy world of bathroom design, we're still thinking of resale value for our fictional characters. With the interior walls being painted pink, of course. Sherwin Williams', Sashay Sand is perfect for this.

Victorian style home where the plot of Coraline takes place

Tile Selection for a Coraline Bathroom Interior

marble basket weave tile tile inlay bordered with dark grey marble strips and lighter white marble for victorian style flooring

Flooring in a Victorian styled bathroom would be none other than the classic basket weave. A Basket weave marble mosaic reflects the era's love for intricate and decorative designs. To keep the style modern and up to date, bordering it as a tile inlay versus covering the entire floor will add decorative value to the different areas of the bathroom. In this example, I chose a focal point of the bathtub but it can also be used in this sense for a shower floor. Coraline's contractor may hate her after this bathroom though because the grey border can only be made by individually cutting the strips out of 12x12 or larger tiles. Learn all about marble care and maintenance, here.


The walls are a completely different story. This is the Coraline's story and nothing will tell it better than a deep, dark black wall tile. Keeping with the traditional theme, a subway tile is best suited here, but I'd opt for one that has a hand made look to it. This is a nod towards the craft of stop motion brilliance the movie was created in. Not to mention pairing a glamorous marble with ceramic tile is that ying and yang, or push and pull that Coraline feels throughout the entire movie towards her parents. Finally adding decorative trim like a matching base mold and chair rail will add that touch of Victorian flair.

Coralinecore tile bathroom for fictional character black subway tile

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Fixtures for a Coraline Bathroom Interior

Victorian-style plumbing fixtures are known for their intricate, elegant designs that reflect the ornate aesthetics of the era.. We see this classically in the lighting fixture with ornate glass as well as in the plumbing work. Spouts with curved appearance to them like the ones below are called gooseneck because they resemble the curvature of a goose's neck! Another fun detail of Victorian style home is exposed piping. Cabinetry was typically reserved for the kitchen areas as they served a purpose of cupboards in storing food. Bathroom piping was often exposed. The brass legs of the vanity sink reflect this style appropriately.

coraline core plumbing fixtures for a victorian style bathroom. brushed gold trim

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Decor Ideas for Coraline Inspired Bathroom Interior

The decor in any Coraline house interior should reflect the symbolism and characters the movie portrays. The sewing theme in Coraline is central to its plot and symbolism. The antagonist, Other Mother, sews buttons over the eyes of those she controls, representing her desire to manipulate and "recreate" them in her own image. Sewing and stitching also symbolize control, entrapment, and the creation of an artificial world. Having sewing related art is an absolute must have for any Coraline house interior.


Another artful tribute is a painting or large print of a black cat. Although the character remains unnamed throughout the entire movie, the cat serves as a mysterious and wise guide to Coraline and often helps Coraline understand the dangers of the Other Mother.


The decor style of Coralinecore is meant to be dark and grim, just like the movie. There's one bright light of hope throughout the entire movie itsself and that is Coraline herself. With her Bright Blue hair, this iconic look is exactly what a moody Corlaline house interior needs. Here, we used it as a rug at the wash basin. The fun pop of color perfectly contrasts all the other more serious notes in the interior.