I bet I know the answer to this question: do you ever watch a movie and lose track of the plot because you’re completely absorbed by the house on screen? I do. I may look like I’m following the story, but I’m actually noticing every architectural detail, the decor, the windows, the rugs, the furniture. I can’t help it.
Last night I was catching up on blogs when I stopped dead in my tracks. The Skirted Round Table had posted an interview with the set decorator from Something’s Gotta Give. I had to listen in. That house in the movie has been a favorite of mine for years—its design keeps pulling me back.
The interview was fascinating and revealed things I hadn’t known—like the fact that the house wasn’t a real home at all. That was surprising and a little sad, but it was also eye-opening to learn how designers create a believable residence on a set and where their inspiration comes from.
If you loved the Something’s Gotta Give house as much as I do, you might enjoy hearing the set decorator talk about the process. It makes me want to watch the film again and look at every room with fresh eyes.
Click the image below to visit The Skirted Round Table… but first, I have a question for you…
What are your favorite movie set houses?
I want to know your favorites so I can add any I’ve missed to my watch list.
Movie houses do more than provide a backdrop; they tell stories about the characters who live in them. A thoughtfully designed set can communicate taste, history, wealth, or emotional state without a single line of dialogue. Maybe it’s the modern minimalism of a glass-and-steel home, the cozy clutter of a writer’s cottage, or the elegant lived-in look of a seaside retreat—each one sparks ideas about how to shape a real living space.
When you think about memorable on-screen homes, which ones come to mind? Perhaps you recall the warm, lived-in charm of The Holiday’s cottage, the iconic mid-century modern of Mad Men’s Draper residence, or the bold, cinematic architecture in films like The Great Gatsby. Some sets feel timeless and inspire real-world decorating choices; others captivate with a unique mix of color, texture, and scale that’s impossible to forget.
Share your favorites—classic or contemporary, realistic or fantastical. I’m collecting examples to rewatch and study, and I’d love recommendations for anything I might have missed. Mention what about each house captivates you: the furniture, the layout, the lighting, or a specific detail that made the setting unforgettable.
Your suggestions will help build a list of movie homes worth revisiting for design inspiration. Whether you favor sleek modernism, rustic charm, or eclectic maximalism, every entry helps me—and other readers—discover new ideas to bring into our own spaces.
So go ahead: name the movie houses that made you pause the film and stare. I’ll add them to my list and promise to admire every detail right alongside you.