From the playful charm of Amélie to the vintage glamour of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, film interiors have the power to transport us into another world. In this article, we’ll explore the distinctive interior styles of these six movies, offering inspiration on how to bring their unforgettable aesthetics into your own space. Watch these movies before decorating:
1. Casablanca
The interiors of Casablanca exude an old-world charm, blending mystery, romance, and exotic elegance. If you’re looking to recreate the iconic look of Rick’s Café and the film’s captivating settings in your own home, here are a few tips to bring that timeless Casablanca vibe to life:
Embrace Rich, Earthy Tones
The film's sets are bathed in warm, earthy hues—think deep browns, warm golds, and muted oranges. To capture this feel, opt for wall colors like terracotta, mustard, or salmon pink. Incorporate warm wood furniture, leather accents, and vintage rugs in similar tones to create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Moroccan handcrafted Kilim rugs are an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Read the story behind these beautiful rugs here!
Intricate Moroccan-Inspired Details
Moroccan design elements play a key role in Casablanca’s interiors, offering a sense of exotic allure. Add intricate, hand-carved wooden furniture, lantern-style lighting, and bold, colorful tiles to create a touch of North African influence. A carved wooden mirror or decorative brass candle holders can instantly bring the exotic charm of Rick’s Café to your home.
Dim, Atmospheric Lighting
The lighting in Casablanca is dramatic and moody, with dimly lit spaces that evoke a sense of mystery and romance. To recreate this effect, use soft, ambient lighting such as low-hanging pendant lamps, vintage-style chandeliers, and warm-toned floor or table lamps. Opt for dimmable fixtures to adjust the mood according to the time of day or occasion.
Classic Vintage Furniture
The furniture in Casablanca is elegant yet understated. Choose vintage-inspired pieces with clean lines and traditional craftsmanship—think dark wood armchairs, velvet-upholstered sofas, and a Moorish Mashrabiya coffee table. Look for furnishings that suggest both comfort and sophistication, reflecting the film’s old-world luxury.
Add Luxurious Fabrics and Textures
Velvets, silks, and brocades were popular in the movie’s glamorous settings. Incorporate cushions with tassels, heavy drapery, and silk throws to add richness and texture to your space. Opt for luxurious textiles in deep, jewel-toned shades like burgundy, emerald, and navy to create a sense of opulence reminiscent of the film's décor.
Incorporate Vintage or Antique Accessories
Add layers of intrigue and sophistication to your space by integrating vintage or antique accessories. Think brass candlesticks, antique mirrors, and vintage globe bars. You could also showcase nostalgic items like old-fashioned clocks, classic barware, or even black-and-white photos in elegant frames.
Create Intimate, Cozy Spaces
Rick’s Café and the hotel rooms in Casablanca feel inviting yet intimate. To create a similar atmosphere, arrange your furniture in cozy, conversational groupings. Use smaller lighting sources like candles or lanterns to bring the room an intimate, romantic feel.
By blending warm, exotic influences with vintage elegance and timeless furnishings, you can capture the romantic, mysterious ambiance of Casablanca in your own home, creating a space full of timeless charm and intrigue.
2. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
In Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), nostalgic 1960s Los Angeles is seamlessly crafted, with interiors that evoke the era's glamour and nostalgia. From stylish homes to gritty diners and movie sets, the film's sets are a masterclass in retro design.
Here’s how to bring those iconic looks into your home:
Rick Dalton’s Retro Retreat
Rick's mid-century modern home oozes masculine charm with warm wood paneling, low-slung furniture, and earthy tones. Accessories like rotary phones, vintage record players, and framed movie posters amplify the nostalgic vibe. The outdoor poolside patio with colorful furniture brings a touch of California luxury.
Sharon Tate’s Sunlit Sanctuary
Sharon’s home is airy and feminine, filled with pastel tones, soft furnishings, and large windows that invite natural light. Indoor plants and an open layout connect the indoors to the sunny California outdoors, creating a fresh, free-spirited atmosphere.
Design Takeaways
Vintage Furniture: Look for teak sideboards, leather chairs, and glass-topped coffee tables to evoke 1960s glamour.
Bold Patterns: Add geometric or floral designs in your rugs, curtains, or wallpaper for a true retro feel.
Accent Pieces: Incorporate nostalgic items like, old fans, record players, or vintage movie posters for that cinematic touch.
Lighting: Opt for warm-toned lamps and pendant lights to create soft, ambient lighting.
Outdoor Vibes: Set up a patio area with colorful lounge chairs to capture the relaxed California lifestyle.
Tarantino's vision of 1960s Hollywood offers endless design inspiration. Layer vintage treasures, embrace bold patterns, and celebrate eclectic, retro elements to infuse your home with timeless charm and old Hollywood allure.
3. Amelie
This classic French film, serves as a wellspring of design inspiration, employing richly saturated colors and vintage-inspired details throughout.
The first thing that captivates you about Amélie’s interior is its bold, red-dominated palette. This vivid color creates an inviting warmth, accentuated by metallic-patterned wallpaper with a vintage texture. The painted wainscoting to match the wallpaper further amplifies the room’s harmony. Despite the strong color scheme, the room avoids feeling monotonous—delicate accents like gold-trimmed cushions and muted-toned furniture create depth and variety.
Amélie’s design isn’t about uniformity; it’s about expression.
To recreate this, experiment with other bold colors, but maintain the interplay between cohesion and contrast. For example, the electric blue lamps scattered in the room offer a surprising counterpoint, drawing attention without disrupting the space’s balance.
Achieving a bedroom with red wallpaper that exudes relaxation rather than sensuality is no easy feat, but Amélie accomplishes it with grace and style.
What makes Amélie’s bedroom truly special is its “organized clutter,” where every object tells a story. From vintage trinkets to whimsical sculptures like the pig lamp (that you can buy online), every item feels handpicked for its charm and individuality. This attention to detail reflects Amélie’s romantic and nostalgic spirit.
To capture this, explore second-hand shops, antique markets, and flea markets for unique finds.
Choose pieces that spark joy or curiosity and display them with care. The room’s eclectic charm lies in its sense of discovery—whether it’s the Michael Sowa prints above her bed or a quirky figurine tucked on a shelf.
Lighting is another defining feature of Amélie’s room. A mix of small lamps, fairy lights, and gentle spotlights create a cozy glow. Soft lighting is key; it casts a dreamy ambiance that feels both intimate and magical.
Complete the look with a quilted duvet in a peachy-champagne hue and oversized cushions in muted shades. This finishing touch captures the room’s comforting and romantic essence—a perfect reflection of Amélie herself.
4. Eat Pray Love Eat Pray Love takes viewers on Julia Robert’s global journey of self-discovery, offering glimpses of diverse locales that inspire exotic interior decor choices. However, be prepared for the film to evoke intense wanderlust.
Julia Roberts’ character, Elizabeth Gilbert, travels to Italy, India, and Bali, immersing herself in different cultures. Each destination features distinct interiors that not only reflect their unique cultural identities but also serve as a metaphor for Elizabeth’s personal journey.
Italy is all about indulgence, warmth, and the joy of living.
The interiors in this part of the film reflect that ethos with earthy tones, warm lighting, and an inviting, lived-in feel.
Create a space that celebrates comfort and good food. Incorporate warm colors, natural materials, and accessories that evoke the feel of an Italian trattoria with design elements like:
Rustic wooden furniture, terracotta tiles, and walls with textured plaster exude authenticity.
Open kitchens with hanging copper pots and large dining tables encourage a communal, food-centric lifestyle. Here are 5 essential tips for creating an Italian-style outdoor kitchen
Decorative details like wine racks, vintage bottles, and herb bundles bring an organic and earthy charm.
The Indian segment highlights spirituality and introspection. The interiors reflect a blend of simplicity and vibrant colors deeply rooted in Indian culture.
Add meditative touches to your space. Use bold fabrics, soft lighting from candles or lanterns, and objects that encourage tranquility with design elements like:
Minimalist spaces with floor cushions, low seating, and handmade textiles like block-printed fabrics and vibrant saris.
Spiritual symbols such as prayer beads, incense burners, and small altars create a sense of serenity and mindfulness.
Rich jewel tones—like saffron, emerald, and ruby—contrast with neutral, earthy backdrops.
Bali’s interiors radiate a sense of peace, balance, and connection with nature. The aesthetic is relaxed yet refined, blending traditional elements with tropical luxury.
Create a sanctuary-like space by incorporating natural materials, greenery, and a balance between elegance and simplicity with design elements like:
Open-air designs with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Think of flowing curtains, bamboo or rattan furniture, and natural stone.
A neutral color palette with accents of green, inspired by lush landscapes and tropical flora.
Decorative details like hand-carved wooden panels, woven baskets, and ikat or batik textiles reflect Balinese craftsmanship.
Water features, such as small fountains or bowls of floating flowers, enhance the sense of serenity.
The film celebrates cultural authenticity, encouraging viewers to embrace local design elements when inspired by different parts of the world.
Don’t be afraid to combine influences from multiple places to create a personalized, eclectic space. For instance, pair Italian warmth with Balinese natural elements for a cozy yet tranquil feel.
5. The Royal Tenenbaums
Besides The Grand Budapest Hotel, Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums is often celebrated for its fascinating and meticulously designed interiors. Each room of the Tenenbaum family’s Harlem mansion is adorned in Anderson’s trademark saturated hues, complemented by unexpected details.
The interiors of the Tenenbaum family home are layered, eclectic, and undeniably charming, making it a source of endless inspiration for design enthusiasts.
The Tenenbaum house is the epitome of curated chaos.
Every corner is packed with detail, reflecting the quirky and eccentric lives of its residents.
Vintage furniture pairs seamlessly with bold wallpapers (the original wallpaper is available!), while the mix of old-world charm and bohemian disorder creates a lived-in, almost theatrical atmosphere.
It’s the kind of space that feels like it has evolved over decades, each layer adding to its story.
What makes the interiors truly remarkable is their character-specific design. Each room is a window into its occupant’s personality and past:
Rooms That Tell Stories
Margot’s Room: Muted tones and Art Deco influences mirror her enigmatic and artistic nature. The subdued color palette exudes quiet sophistication.
Richie’s Room: Tennis trophies and sports memorabilia dominate, highlighting his glory days as a tennis prodigy. It’s nostalgic, melancholic, and utterly personal.
Chas’s Space: Pragmatic and utilitarian, it reflects his obsession with safety and order.
The clean lines and structured layout contrast sharply with the rest of the home.
A Palette of Nostalgia
The film’s color scheme enhances its storytelling. Muted earth tones form the base, but they’re punctuated by vibrant pops of red, yellow, and green.
This interplay between subdued and bold colors gives the interiors a nostalgic yet surreal quality, perfectly aligned with the film’s tone.
A House with Personality
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Tenenbaum house is its personality.
The home feels alive, packed with books, art, and family relics that whisper tales of the family’s once-grand life and their unraveling over the years. It’s a space that’s messy, imperfect, and achingly human—a reflection of the characters themselves.
For those looking to bring a touch of The Royal Tenenbaums into their own interiors, start by embracing imperfection and layering meaningful items. Combine vintage finds with bold patterns, and don’t shy away from letting your personality shine through in every corner. Like the Tenenbaum house, your space should feel like a story waiting to be told.
6. Midnight In Paris
This movie takes viewers on a journey through different time periods, showcasing numerous scenes with breathtaking interiors. From the ‘20s nightclubs to Gertrude Stein’s home, and even the modern-day hotel rooms, each setting exudes a distinct style while remaining entirely captivating.
To truly capture the 1920s aesthetic, aim for a balance of elegance, creativity, and personality. Combine bold design elements with artistic accents and luxurious details to create a space that feels alive with the energy of the Jazz Age.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant 1920s scenes can help you create interiors full of life, creativity, and charm. Here’s how you can translate the key design elements into your space:
Art Deco Glamour
Features: Geometric patterns, polished wood, brass, chrome, and rich colors like emerald, sapphire, and gold.
Inspiration: The film’s 1920s nightclubs feature bold patterns, metallic accents, and dim lighting.
Recreate: Add a gold-trimmed art deco mirror, geometric-patterned rugs, or metallic lamps.
Layered Eclecticism Features:
Features: Mixed furniture styles, warm colors, bold textures, and “organized chaos.” Inspiration: Gertrude Stein’s apartment blends vintage furniture, eclectic lighting, and avant-garde art.
Recreate: Pair vintage and modern pieces, hang art salon-style, and layer patterned rugs or cushions.
Whimsical Lighting:
Features: Ambient light from sculptural lamps and chandeliers.
Inspiration: Hemingway’s bar and 1920s salons use warm, intimate lighting.
Recreate: Use dimmable lamps, frosted shades, or a statement chandelier.
Luxurious Fabrics and Finishes:
Features: Velvet, silk, and rich textures.
Inspiration: Opulent curtains, chairs, beds, and rugs in 1920s interiors.
Recreate: Add velvet pillows, patterned rugs, and heavy curtains in deep tones.
Statement Furniture
Features: Elegant, sculpted objects that double as conversation pieces.
Inspiration: Rounded armchairs, ornate tables, tabourets, and bar stools in the film.
Recreate: Choose vintage-inspired curved sofas, tufted chairs, or unique coffee tables.
Artistic Accents
Features: Bold art, sculptures, and curated decor.
Inspiration: Homes adorned with Picasso and Modigliani pieces.
Recreate: Hang striking art, display sculptures, or add unique vintage artifacts.
There is more to interiors than backdrops in these six films - they contribute to storytelling, capturing an era, a character, or a mood. By drawing inspiration from these cinematic worlds, you can bring the same charm, elegance, or eccentricity to your home. No matter what your style is, let these iconic designs spark your imagination and help you create a space that reflects your personality.
At Cake, we create things we love and feel passionate about: home and style pieces that tell stories, connect people and have something unique to offer. This keeps us centered - we don’t follow trends or fads. Customers must keep loving and using their items.
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