The way we design and decorate our homes is built on our own lived experiences – the artists we admire, the city we live in, the trends we follow and the television and films we consume. Culture, inspires art, and visa versa. If you're looking to re-design your home or simply want to immerse yourself in the unforgettable abodes of some of your favourite characters, it seems natural to look to these iconic on screen moments for the ultimate interior design inspiration.
While we can't deny that their storylines hold their own, there are some films and television series where the set design is the main event – and they deserve to be celebrated. Not only do they provide a much-needed escape from the four walls around us, but these on screen moments also offer much needed inspiration for our own interior. Below, we've rounded up 24 of the most memorable interiors across television and film.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
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A lesson in maximalism, Call Me By Your Name does not hold back. The design choices within the prolific film are led by a collection of carefully curated antique lamps, couches and of course, that grand piano – all unique in their own right, but united under the umbrella of Italian buona famiglia charm.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
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Known for his elaborate and unforgettable set designs, it came as no surprise that Baz Luhrmann's screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby was as extravagant as Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby's love story. Draping chandeliers, opulent furniture and who could forget the iconic, flowing curtains that encapsulated this entry hall?
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
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For those unafraid of committing an interior cardinal sin, follow in the footsteps of the 1971 dystopian film, A Clockwork Orange. Clashing prints, overlaying colour palettes and obscure furniture to match, the film celebrates the essence of 70s interiors – a trend that has begun to make its way into the zeitgeist once more.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
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Known for his ability to completely transform his audience through set design, Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel is a breathtaking insight into the fictional European republic of Zubrowka. Extravagant staircases, deep crimson carpet, and eye-catching symmetry, transform your home into the otherworldly with these interior design cues.
La Piscine (1969)
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La Piscine left an indelible mark for its fashion – with Jane Birkin onboard and Courrèges behind the costumes how could it not? – but also for its hazy interiors. We blame this film for our unbridled fantasies of summer in Saint-Tropez.
Big Little Lies (2017)
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While there's plenty to admire in the homes of the women who occupy California's wealthy town of Monterey, Celeste's (Nicole Kidman) modern ranch-style abode comes out on top. From the Jonathan Adler chandelier in the dining room, to the glacial-blue colour palette that sweeps almost every inch of her home, and the enviable walk-in wardrobe that resembles a storefront on Rodeo Drive.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
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The view from the inside is just as magnificent as from the outside – a sentiment reinforced throughout the cult-classic, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Although the sweeping views of the Italian coastline are undeniably desirable, the home of Jude Law's character, Dickie Greenleaf, is a collection of Curated Spaces most lust-worthy pieces.
Killing Eve (2018)
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Hit-show Killing Eve has become know as much for its eye-catching set designs as it's killer plotline. In an interview, decorator Casey Williams explained that each set and location is chosen based on the specific character it connects to. Which, is no surprise when looking at the lavish Catalonian apartment Villanelle moves into during season 3. The design inspiration we're taking from Killing Eve is to create a space that represents you – oh, and Moorish-style interiors and colourful decorative glass windows are always a good idea.
A Single Man (2009)
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A movie led by Tom Ford, it would be ignorant to anticipate anything but a cinematic, and design masterpiece. It's difficult to move past George Falconer's 1960s glass house, but once we enter, the modernist Californian residence offers expertly layered textures and colours amongst the covetable clean-line simplicity.
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
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Fresh off the press, The Queen's Gambit's intoxicating storyline was not the only element of the hit-Netflix series that reeled us in. The expert replication of 1950's-60's interior style are a 'grandmillenials' dream, characterised by traditional mid-century furniture, a liberal use of pastel colours and clashing prints. Essentially, The Queen's Gambit tapped into the exact design style Instagram is coveting right now.
Under The Tuscan Sun (2005)
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We can think of a million reasons to move to the Tuscan countryside, and watching Diane Lane's character, Frances, renovate her newly-purchased Italian villa is number one.
Down With Love (2003)
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If there's one thing we learnt from this cult film, it was the ultimate lesson in 'his and her' apartment styling. Barbara Novak's hot-pink and pale-pink-clad New York condo was over the top in all the right ways, while Catcher Block's subtle hues of navy, brown and affinity for sparsely finished interiors changed the way we think about the bachelor pad.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
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Delightfully decadent, Sofia Coppola's mid-Noughties rendition of Marie Antoinette left no stone, or surface unturned in the way of design. With several of the scenes filmed within the historic Versailles, we are submerged into the opulent world of the infamous life lived by the French queen. One, we admittedly wouldn't mind living in for a moment or two (especially if it involves soaking in this free-standing tub).
Mad Men (2007)
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When we first welcomed Mad Men to our screens, we became enthralled by the hit-show's design 'time capsule,' providing unrivalled 1960's on screen interior design inspiration like no other. From the expert colour-blocking, to Don's iconic peek-a-boo coffee table, the set of Mad Men is the vintage styling of our dreams.
The Holiday (2006)
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If we could be anywhere right now, we'd be soaking in the LA sun through the panelled windows of Amanda's (Cameron Diaz) mansion in The Holiday. Crisp white couches, the perfect dose of greenery and the most exquisite art – could we ask for anything more in a modern home?
Parasite (2019)
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Contemporary layouts, sleek structure and concrete flooring, the mansion in the Oscar-wining film, Parasite, is one you would undoubtedly find gracing the cover of some of the most prestigious home living magazines. Simple, elegant, and modern with plenty of wood, glass, and clean lines and silhouettes.
The O.C (2003)
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The most covetable home of the early 2000's, the 'Cohen house' as it is affectionately referred to, became the most iconic home in Newport Beach. The unbeatable ocean views, infinity pool and Mediterranean-inspired interiors merged the world's of The O.C and Italian villa-living into one. Truth be told, we'd be happy living in the Cohen's pool house if it came down to it.
Charlie's Angels (2000)
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Anyone who has watched the film will know they switch up location just as much as they do costumes. However, who could forget the scene set at John Lautner's Chemosphere House in Los Angeles? The history books sure won't, and soundtracked with Marvin Gaye's Got to Give It Up nor will we.
High Fidelity (2020)
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Rob's apartment is lived-in, warm and exactly the sort of place we'd seek out for comfort in the wake of a breakup. There's stacks of records to cry our heart out too, boxes of takeaway lining almost every surface (we might clear a few up actually) and a pink bath to watch The Sopranos in.
Tár (2022)
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Given how austere and striking Lydia Tár's Berlin apartment is, it comes as no surprise to learn it was once a Nazi bunker. Not exactly the kind of backstory on which to build a home on. However, you can't deny how staggering the concrete Brutalist space is. Although, we much prefer her smaller and warmer studio.
House of Gucci (2021)
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Not pictured: Dalí's iconic Mae West lip sofa and the other assortment of historic designer furniture. This House of Gucci was impeccably curated.
Twin Peaks (1990)
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It would be remiss of us to exclude Twin Peaks from a roundup of on screen interiors, especially given how recognisable the red room is with its zig-zag flooring and floor length velvet curtains. A special mention to the Double R diner and the earthy Blue Pine Lodge. It's impossible to picka favourite space.
The Worst Person in the World (2021)
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Nothing makes you want to pack up and move to Oslo more than The Worst Person in the World. Especially the first home Julie lives in with Aksel. The scandinavian minimalism coupled with some personal touches is our idea of a dream home.
Annie Hall (1977)
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No to Woody Allen. Yes to the bedroom in which Diane Keaton sleeps. We love how spacious it is, with the bookshelves, freestanding bed frame, velvet loveseat and desk lamp. We just wish it was shared with better company.
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