From Set to Home: Films to Watch for Home Design Inspo

Cinema isn’t just about storytelling—it’s a masterclass in mood, texture, and spatial design. From minimalist sanctuaries to maximalist dreamscapes, films can offer a treasure trove of ideas for transforming your home into a reflection of your personal narrative. Whether you're chasing Afrocentric elegance, bohemian warmth, or sleek modernity, these 5 films will ignite your inner interior designer.

1. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

The aesthetic draws inspiration from sun-drenched stone villas, antique furnishings, and lush, verdant gardens. Bring this timeless elegance home by embracing vintage finds, warm terracotta tones, and spaces designed for open-air dining and leisurely gatherings. The film’s slow, sensual pacing mirrors the relaxed sophistication of its setting, offering a blueprint for interiors that feel like a perpetual summer escape.

2. The Great Gatsby (2013)

Picture the glamour of 1920s interiors, where gold accents gleam against geometric patterns and dramatic lighting casts every corner in cinematic shadow. Layer in mirrored surfaces, plush velvet textures, and bold chandeliers to capture that sense of opulence. Baz Luhrmann’s film is a visual feast—a masterclass in maximalist luxury, where every set piece, every sparkle, and every texture contributes to a world that feels both decadent and intentional. Translating this into your home means embracing boldness with purpose, creating spaces that celebrate drama, sophistication, and immersive style.

3. Parasite (2019)

Aim for clean lines, neutral tones, and lighting that feels both intentional and atmospheric. Draw inspiration from modular furniture, clever hidden storage, and an architectural flow that guides movement naturally through the space. In this film, the set emerges as a character in its own right; an elegant demonstration of how design can convey power, ambition, and aspiration. Bringing these ideas home means crafting interiors that are not just visually striking, but purposeful, reflecting both style and intent in every corner.

4. A Single Man (2009)

Picture warm woods, clean silhouettes, and a quiet sense of emotional restraint. Bring this cinematic calm into your home with statement furniture, curated bookshelves, and subtle, harmonious colour palettes. In his directorial debut, Tom Ford crafts a visual poem—each frame meticulously composed, every corner a mood board that balances sophistication with intimacy. Translating this into interiors means prioritizing thoughtful details, restrained luxury, and spaces that feel as contemplative as they are inviting.

5. La la Land (2016)

The film unfolds in a world defined by bright colours, tall windows, and purposeful placements that feel both effortless and deliberate. To translate this cinematic elegance into your own space, focus on comfortable, inviting furniture, intentional colour palettes, and airy layouts that allow light to flow freely. Damien Chazelle’s vision immerses viewers in a realm of atmosphere, music, and romance, where every element; whether a vintage chair, a softly glowing lamp, or a carefully chosen rug feels like part of the narrative. The key to capturing this magic at home lies in balancing aesthetic beauty with livable comfort, creating spaces that are as enchanting as they are functional.

How to Translate Film into Home Design

To translate film into home design, focus on shot scenes that resonate with you and build a palette inspired by them. Let textures and materials guide the mood; think fabrics, lighting, and architectural details that bring depth to the space. Finally, consider the narrative flow, shaping your home like a story where every room connects with intention. Whether you're styling a studio flat in Joburg or dreaming up a creative loft in Cape Town, these films offer more than aesthetic cues—they invite you to live cinematically.