When Karen Pasquarella and her husband John purchased their traditional Pennsylvania home in a historic steel town, they knew they wanted to make some updates. But they didn’t realize just how magical the transformation would be until they decided on a Disney theme for the redesign. Now bursting with nods to classic Disney films, rides, and characters, the house is truly a fairy tale come to life.
Embarking on the Disney Makeover
The Pasquarellas bought the stately brick home in 2015. While the architecture possessed Old World charm, the décor was dated and uninspired. As big Disney fans and annual passholders at Walt Disney World, the couple conceived the idea of a Disney-inspired renovation. “We wanted the makeover to be fun and family-oriented,” Karen explains. “The Disney theme would allow us to be creative and make the house more livable for our two young daughters.”
The Pasquarellas turned to builder Anthony Catagnus Design & Construction to execute their vision. “Disney is all about the details, so we incorporated subtle references everywhere to create a cohesive theme,” says Catagnus. “But we were careful to preserve the home’s historic character.” The renovation took a year, during which time 250-year-old barn wood flooring was refinished, walls were painted in Disney hues, and custom décor alluding to Disney classics was commissioned. “Now when you walk through the front door, you feel like you’re stepping into the Magic Kingdom,” Catagnus says.
Down the Rabbit Hole in the Entry Foyer
The entryway sets the whimsical tone, alluding to Alice in Wonderland with a giant faux key hook and ombre blue and white décor referencing Alice’s dress. “We painted the ceiling bright blue, installed blue and white pillars, and had a local artisan create tree branches with playing card suit symbols,” Karen describes. Underfoot, the original exposed brick flooring gives a nod to the Red Queen’s castle.
Dining in Beauty and the Beast Style
The dining room evokes the magnificent ballroom from Beauty and the Beast. A hand-painted mural depicts the iconic chandelier, while a rug designed to mimic glowing floor tiles creates ambiance. Floral wallpaper, an ornate mirror, and provincial dining furniture further capture the movie’s 18th century French aesthetic. “At night, we turn on the chandelier and sconces to make the space feel even more magical,” says Karen.
Cooking Up Fun in the Alice in Wonderland Kitchen
With its whimsical teapot and teacup light fixtures, quirky mismatched chairs, and pops of vibrant color, the kitchen brings Wonderland vividly to life. Catagnus’ team hand-painted the original cabinets with an Alice blue and white checkerboard motif. They also suspended antique-style plates and teacups from the ceiling, added a giant wooden key hook, and topped the farmhouse sink with a unique faucet resembling the Caterpillar’s hookah pipe. “It’s such a fun, unexpected space,” Karen raves.
Relaxing in the Hakuna Matata Themed Family Room
With its laid-back safari feel, the family room evokes the “no worries” vibe of The Lion King’s iconic song “Hakuna Matata.” Neutral tones, rattan seating, greenery, and art depicting African animals establish a serene atmosphere. Mounted animal heads, wooden tribe masks, and wooden bowl light fixtures add playful punches of safari style. “The room has such a cool bohemian feel. It’s our favorite space to unwind,” says Karen.
Adventuring Through the Jungle Cruise Basement
Perhaps the home’s most elaborate Disney tribute, the basement brings Disney World’s iconic Jungle Cruise ride to life. As you descend the stairs, the adventure begins with an audio recording of a Jungle Cruise boat captain. In the main basement, vibrant jungle murals envelop the walls, while artificial tropical plants, tiki accents, and animal props set the scene. One corner even resembles a jungle temple, with crumbling pillars and glowing ‘gemstones.’
“Our Jungle Cruise basement is the perfect hangout spot for our daughters and their friends,” says Karen. “The girls love playing dress-up here.” Karen’s favorite finishing touch? The python emerging from the bathroom’s toilet!
Slumbering in Style in the Princess Suite
Upstairs, the Pasquarellas’ elder daughter enjoys a fantasy princess retreat. Here, the team painted castle-influenced stonework on one wall and Cinderella’s carriage on another. Delicate butterfly wall decals take flight overhead, while flowers and birds adorn the ceiling. The room sparkles with a crystal coronet chandelier, rose gold accents, and custom bedding fit for royalty. “Our daughter says she feels like a real princess when playing in her bedroom,” Karen says. “It’s a room frozen in time.”
Adventuring in Neverland in the Younger Daughter’s Room
In contrast, the Pasquarellas’ younger daughter relishes adventure in her Peter Pan-themed bedroom. Murals depict Neverland’s Mermaid Lagoon, Skull Rock, and the Jolly Roger pirate ship, while Mary Blair-inspired palm trees lend a tropical feel. Glowing faux lanterns, a hammock chair, and a Peter Pan shadow box all reinforce the theme. “Like any little girl, our youngest loves princesses too,” says Karen. “But we wanted to give her a bold, playful space to spark her imagination.”
Relaxing Down on Main Street
Even the master suite exudes Disney magic, with a charming Main Street Electrical Parade theme. Karen explains, “At night, color-changing bulb lights cast reflections of the parade floats across the room.” The background music even features the Electrical Parade soundtrack.
Other fun touches include a faux carved wood headboard resembling smiling circus animals and custom bedding based on Mickey balloons. “After a long day, it’s so nice to relax in our own little slice of the Magic Kingdom,” says Karen.
More Magic Throughout the House
Disney details extend throughout the home, down to the doorknobs. “Many knobs resemble ride tickets or Disney souvenirs,” Karen describes. “We also had PSX graphics design custom wallpaper borders showcasing park icons for accent walls.” And touches like Hidden Mickey doorknob backplates and character silhouettes in the window film add even more whimsy.
“I don’t think there’s a single space we didn’t Disney-fy in some way,” Karen says with a laugh. “We even made the laundry room magical.” Here, the couple mimicked the laundromat in Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, with character travel posters and oversized film reels on the walls.
“People are amazed when they visit and see the extent of our Disney makeover,” says Karen. “The house has so much personality now. I love coming home to our own Disney World.”
Challenges and Triumphs During the Renovation
Executing such an ambitious renovation on a 90-year-old home did not come without challenges. The biggest hurdle was updating the infrastructure without compromising the historical character. “We had to get creative with running electric and plumbing lines through the original plaster walls,” Catagnus explains. His team also faced the tricky task of soundproofing the basement’s Jungle Cruise while retaining the space’s curved architecture.
Homeowners John and Karen Pasquarella also encountered challenges furnishing the home after the renovation. “A house this unique required non-traditional décor,” Karen explains. “It was difficult finding pieces that aligned with our theme. We searched everywhere for items that embodied the Disney aesthetic.” National chains rarely sufficed, so the couple explored small boutiques, Etsy makers, and custom fabricators to bring Disney details to life.
But for the Pasquarellas, the challenges paled in comparison to the finished product. “Despite any difficulties, the renovation gave us immense joy and creativity,” says Karen. “Seeing the house transformed into a Disney dream was pure magic.” Karen also takes pride in the project’s positive local impact, having exclusively hired regional Pennsylvania artisans and sourced reclaimed wood from Pennsylvania barns.
Both Karen and builder Anthony Catagnus have cherished gaining recognition for their Disney dream home, too. National media coverage has allowed the Pasquarellas to share their unique vision with Disney fans worldwide. “We never expected such an enormous response,” says Karen. “Knowing the house brings happiness to fellow Disney lovers makes every challenge worthwhile.”
Inspiration for Your Own Disney Makeover
The Pasquarellas observe that you need not undertake a whole-home renovation to incorporate some Disney magic. “Start small and let your vision grow,” Karen suggests. She and Catagnus recommend these tips:
- Pick a focal point. Select one special space to make over rather than tackling the entire home at once. Good starter spaces are a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.
- Let your favorite movie inspire the theme. If you adore The Little Mermaid, create an under-the-sea bedroom. For Toy Story fans, an Andy’s Room design could be fun. Match the theme to your tastes.
- Add Disney music. Nothing sets the mood like beloved Disney tunes. Create a custom soundtrack for your car or room.
- Use wall decals. Removable decals like vinyl scenes, quotes, or characters make easy accents. Place them on walls, floors, or furniture.
- Accessorize with Disney décor. Find Disney-themed knick-knacks, pillows, lamps, towels, shower curtains, and other items you enjoy seeing daily. Etsy offers many handmade options.
- Incorporate “hidden Mickeys.” Conceal Mickey shapes in wall paintings, tile designs, window films, or woodwork. Search “hidden Mickey ideas” for inspiration.
- Use Disney colors. Mickey red, goofy blue, and other signature shades add subtle theming when painted on walls, cabinets, front doors or accent walls.
- Add character silhouettes. Decorate using vinyl or painted outlines of beloved characters like Mickey, Ariel, Woody, or your favorite.
By starting small, thinking creatively, and integrating touches you truly love, you can gradually transform any space into your own Disney haven. “Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside the box,” says Karen Pasquarella. “Even if an idea seems unconventional, that’s what makes it special.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Creating a Disney-Inspired Home
Many who hear about the Pasquarellas’ Disney renovation wonder how they too can incorporate Disney magic into their own homes. Here are some of the most common questions homeowners have about theming a space with Disney details:
How expensive is it to do a full Disney-themed renovation?
The cost varies widely based on factors like home size, the elaborateness of theming, and whether structural changes are made. The Pasquarellas spent around $150,000 on their full home makeover. Smaller Disney accents can be added on most budgets, however. Shop sales, DIY projects, and budget-friendly theming in select rooms to save.
What are good ways to add Disney theming on a budget?
Use removable wall decals, inexpensive character figurines, Disney-themed shower curtains, lamps with character bases, wall art, custom playlists of Disney music, Mickey/Minnie door mats, and painted accent walls in Disney colors. Focus on smaller spaces like a bathroom or bedroom rather than entire home.
Should Disney theming be subtle or bold?
That depends on your style. Some homeowners opt for overt theming with in-your-face character murals, props, and loudly colored décor. Others take a more subtle approach with hidden Mickeys, subtle color schemes, and abstract representations of rides/films. Determine your comfort level.
Is it difficult to get permission to use Disney intellectual property?
Yes, Disney strictly enforces copyrights. Technically, you need permission for Disney trademarks in commercial applications or publicity. But Disney doesn’t go after individuals doing small-scale home projects for personal use. Just don’t try to profit from the theming.
Should I decorate with official Disney merchandise or buy non-Disney items?
You can blend both. Buy affordable basics like character towels/bedding at Disney. Then use unlicensed items from Etsy, thrift stores, etc. for unique accents Disney doesn’t offer. As long as items aren’t mass-produced for sale, Disney likely won’t object.
How can I give a room an immersive theme without looking over-the-top?
Use illustrations of key setting elements rather than plastering characters everywhere. For example, paint jungle plants to theme a room after the Jungle Cruise ride without being too loud. Also utilize colors, music, scents, lighting and subtle accessories to establish a theme.
Can I make furniture, art, or other DIY home goods featuring Disney intellectual property?
Technically Disney could object to this, but low-profile DIY projects just for personal use are unlikely to be an issue. Disney focuses enforcement on companies mass producing and selling unlicensed goods. Just don’t try to sell your home décor on Etsy or promote it heavily on social media.
What paint colors match classic Disney films and rides?
For Alice In Wonderland, use light blues and greens. Opt for deep jungle greens for Jungle Cruise inspiration. Pick mermaid teals and blues for a Little Mermaid theme. And don’t forget bold primary colors for a retro Disneyland feel.
What are good resources for home décor and ideas to create Disney-inspired spaces?
Pinterest is a goldmine for Disney home inspiration. Follow Disneybounding blogs and Instagram accounts too. Etsy offers unique décor you won’t find elsewhere. For DIY project tips, search Disney crafting blogs and YouTube.
Conclusion: Let Disney Magic Inspire Your Home’s Story
Karen and John Pasquarella’s Pennsylvania home stands as a testament to the power of imagination and childhood nostalgia. By embracing their shared love of classic Disney films and theme parks, the couple transformed their traditional home into a magical, family-friendly oasis brimming with creativity and joyful memories. Their one-of-a-kind Disney renovation should motivate homeowners everywhere to think outside the box and infuse their living spaces with their own passions.
Even small Disney accents can provide daily enrichment, from a subtle Mickey decal to an eclectic Beauty and the Beast theme in your dining room. “Don’t be afraid to take chances and geek out over the things you love,” urges Karen Pasquarella. “Your home should tell your family’s story.” So embrace your inner child, dream big, and design a space bringing magic into your everyday. The result might just be your own Disney-inspired “happily ever after.”
