From Screen to Home: How Movies Shape Interior Design Trends

One of my favorite pastimes (aside from sharing design tips with you all, of course!) is watching movies. I love immersing myself in another world, experiencing different cultures, time periods, and stunning physical spaces—all from the comfort of my couch. But once the credits roll, the film’s impact doesn’t fade. More often than not, I find myself inspired by the aesthetics I’ve just seen, wishing I could bring a piece of that world into my own home.

Movies do more than entertain—they shape trends in fashion, culture, and, of course, interior design. From grand, gilded sets to effortlessly cozy spaces, film has a way of influencing the way we see and style our own surroundings. In this article, I’ll break down some of the most memorable design trends inspired by the movies we love and share how you can bring a touch of cinematic magic into your own home.

The Great Gatsby: Glamour, Gold, & Everything Art Deco

Fig. 1 The Great Gatsby  (2013) - Tom and Daisy’s Sitting Room

When The Great Gatsby premiered in 2013, I was mesmerized by its opulence and glamour—classic Baz Luhrmann, dazzling his audience with grandeur. I was so inspired that I begged my mom for a pink velvet chair for my desk (inspired by the ones pictured below), but we compromised on a frilly flapper dress for that year’s spring formal instead.

I wasn’t the only one captivated by the film’s stunning set design. Even today, a quick Google search for The Great Gatsby and "interior design" brings up hundreds of articles on how to recreate its aesthetic at home. While Art Deco never truly disappeared, the film undeniably sparked a renewed interest in the style, bringing back gold accents, geometric patterns, luxurious statement pieces, and, of course, plenty of velvet. More than just a design style, Art Deco captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties—celebratory, dramatic, and unapologetically glamorous.

That’s what makes The Great Gatsby’s production design look so timeless. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about creating a space that feels grand and intentional. Whether it’s through a bold geometric rug, statement lighting, or touches of gold, embracing Art Deco means bringing a bit of that cinematic magic into your everyday life. 

The Holiday: Cozy Cottage-Core Charm

Fig. 2 The Holiday  (2006) - Amanda bundled up in bed

The Holiday (2006), directed by Nancy Meyers, is the perfect film for, well…the holidays. Much like Amanda (Cameron Diaz) in the photo above, I love watching it bundled up in my coziest blankets with a warm, comforting meal in hand. But beyond the heartwarming story, what truly captivates me is Iris’ (Kate Winslet) charming English cottage—a dream setting for anyone who loves a cozy, lived-in space.

The cottage core aesthetic thrives on warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of intimacy, all of which Iris’ home embodies effortlessly. The inviting glow of soft lighting (and if you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, that’s an instant win), earthy, natural tones, and vintage décor all contribute to the lived-in charm. What makes this style so appealing is its sense of history; antique furniture, well-worn textiles, and collections of books and trinkets that feel like they’ve been gathered over generations. The cottagecore look doesn’t strive for perfection; instead, it embraces personality and storytelling, making every space feel like a reflection of the people who inhabit it.

That’s what I love most about this aesthetic—it feels deeply personal, like stepping into a space filled with memories. It’s as if every time you walk through the door, you’re transported into the same cozy, romantic world that The Holiday crafted so beautifully.

Barbie: Playful & Pink: The Barbie Dreamhouse Aesthetic

Fig. 3 Barbie  (2023) - “Hi, Barbie.” “Hi, Barbie!”

Barbie (2023) took the world by storm, with moviegoers flocking to theaters in their finest pink outfits—but the craze didn’t stop there. Suddenly, celebrities were dressed head to toe in pink, grocery store aisles turned into Barbie-branded wonderlands, and I found myself dreaming of my very own Malibu Barbie Dreamhouse.

The best part? Bringing the Barbie aesthetic into your home doesn’t require a million-dollar mansion in Malibu. Instead, it’s about infusing playfulness, personality, and a touch of nostalgia into your space. It’s refreshing to let loose and have fun with design—almost like channeling your inner child, but with an elevated twist. Whether it’s soft pastel pinks, ruffles, and lace for a dreamy, feminine look or bold pops of hot pink and statement pieces for a fun, modern take, there’s no wrong way to embrace Barbiecore.

Personally, I took a more subtle approach by adding hot pink pillows and a bold, playful rug that Roller Skating Barbie would be obsessed with. A friend of mine, on the other hand, fully embraced the aesthetic, revamping her bedroom with vintage-inspired furniture, delicate florals, and touches of pink in every corner. That’s the beauty of Barbie-inspired design—it’s all about expressing yourself and having fun with your space. If Barbie has taught us anything, it’s that you can be anything, and your home should reflect that too!

Dune: Futuristic Minimalism, Extra Spice 

Fig. 4 Dune  (2021) - Paul Atreides seeking comfort in his new room

Another recent movie series that has made waves across pop culture is Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024). According to Letterboxd, Dune: Part Two wasn’t just one of the most-watched films of 2024—it dominated the charts as the year’s top-rated movie. And it shows. Dune has influenced everything from internet memes to high fashion, with its desert-inspired aesthetic making its way to Coachella and beyond. But what captivated me the most was its breathtaking production design which blends vast, practical sets with a lived-in, otherworldly feel unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

At first glance, the Dune aesthetic might seem impossible to recreate in a home setting. After all, most of the film takes place in sprawling, futuristic palaces or the endless desert. But incorporating a touch of Dune’s signature style into your space is easier than you might think. The aesthetic thrives on two key elements: warm, atmospheric lighting and sleek, minimal furniture. Think sculptural, organic shapes, earthy textures, and muted desert tones. Bonus points if your space already features exposed brick or raw concrete elements.

To truly bring the Dune aesthetic to life, incorporate dark wooden furniture, layered neutral textiles, and statement lighting that casts dramatic, moody shadows. Decorative pottery, stone sculptures, and minimalist rugs in sand and rust tones can help ground the space. Now all that’s left is to throw on your stillsuit and embrace the spice.

The Royal Tenenbaums: Eclectic & Lived-In – Wes Anderson Vibes 

Fig. 4 The Royal Tenenbaums  (2001) - Raleigh St. Claire in his office 

For my final example, I knew I had to highlight the master of production design himself—Wes Anderson. The hardest part was deciding which of his beautifully crafted films to feature, but after much back and forth, I landed on my personal favorite, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). I’m biased, what can I say? But to be fair, this film did win an Oscar for Best Production Design, so I’d say my bias is pretty well justified.

Much like Anderson’s other films, maximalism takes center stage, with every inch of the set brimming with personality. The characters don’t even need to speak for you to understand who they are—their surroundings tell you everything. And beyond the storytelling, the film’s aesthetic is pure 1970s magic, an era that holds a special place in my heart for both fashion and interior design. While Anderson’s signature color grading adds an extra layer of vintage warmth, the real magic lies in the bold color choices, intricate patterns, and nostalgic décor that make every frame feel like a curated work of art.

Achieving The Royal Tenenbaums look in your own space is all about embracing personality and taking your style over the top. Bold, saturated colors like deep reds, mustard yellows, and rich blues set the foundation, while vintage-inspired wallpaper or striped walls add even more character. The key is layering; stacks of books and records, collected artwork, sentimental trinkets, and eclectic furniture pieces all contribute to a space that feels curated yet effortlessly lived-in. This aesthetic isn’t about perfection—it’s about storytelling through design, making your home feel like an extension of your own unique history.

Conclusion

Films have always had a profound influence on culture and society, shaping everything from fashion to pop culture to interior design. The opulent Art Deco of The Great Gatsby sparks a revival of vintage glamour, while the rustic warmth of The Holiday’s English cottage taps into the cozy allure of cottagecore. From the bold pinks of Barbie influencing playful design choices, to the minimalist elegance of Dune inspiring sleek, earthy interiors, and the eclectic charm of The Royal Tenenbaums pushing the boundaries of maximalism—cinema’s impact on design is both vast and far-reaching.

These are just a few examples of films that have left a mark on interior design trends, but inspiration can come from anywhere. Whether it’s a specific color palette, a cozy atmosphere, or a bold statement piece, movies have a way of shaping the way we see and style our surroundings. If you’ve got a movie you love, what’s stopping you from incorporating its essence into your space? After all, your home should be a reflection of what inspires you most.