Interior Design in Film

A few months ago, House and Garden featured a list of the most striking interiors of cinema. Many of the movies that were mentioned were favorites of mine, while others I was not familiar with. I adore old movies for many reasons: the suave actors and glamorous actresses, the gorgeous costumes, and of course the scintillating dialogue. But what I love most about movies are the interiors. Many times I catch myself focusing on a character's home rather than on the plot.

I thought I would make a mini-list of some of my favorites as my complete list would be far too long. I tend to gravitate towards the movie sets from the 1930s and 40s. I love the glamour of it all. What would really be interesting, though, is to hear from others- what are your favorite movie interiors??

(And please forgive me for the quality of the photos- it is very hard to find decent film stills of interiors!)



"Dinner at Eight" (1934). This comedy with a cast of characters that included Jean Harlow, the Barrymores, and Wallace Beery has fantastic Art Deco interiors. Jean Harlow's bedroom is so over the top, but it's perfect for her character. Art Direction was by Hobe Erwin and Fred Hope.

"The Thin Man" (1936). The Art Director was the legendary Cedric Gibbons. I adore Nick and Nora's apartment in this movie. It's quintessential Manhattan of the 1930s.

"Top Hat" (1935). What list could not include a Fred Astaire movie? It was actually hard for me to pick one Astaire/Rogers movie, but this one is fun to watch. Art Direction by Van Nest Polglase.

"My Man Godfrey" (1936). Yet another screwball comedy, this time with William Powell and Carole Lombard. Fun (and a bit theatrical) art deco/ Hollywood regency interiors.

"Rope" (1948). This is one of my favorite Hitchcock movies, and the plot was so creepy that I actually had trouble concentrating on the set. The entire movie takes place in a bachelor's Manhattan apartment, and although the apartment is very elegant, sinister things occur!

"A Perfect Murder" (1998). Ok, so I'm the only person who seemed to like this Gwyneth Paltrow movie. I loved her Fifth Ave. penthouse- quiet chic!