Interior Designer Analyses the Decor Choices in Popular Horror Movies

Horror movies have a long history of using interior design choices to create a sense of dread, unease, and suspense. From the gothic décor in Dracula to the powerful colour symbolisation in The Shining, the décor choices in these films can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and storytelling.

Below, interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk delves into how interior designers strategically use décor to enhance the horror experience, using examples from popular horror movies. Let’s dive right in…

Claustrophobia and Confinement

Claustrophobia and confinement are very prominent aspects of interior design in horror movies. Below are two examples of movies where this is used very well:

The Shining

The Overlook Hotel's maze-like structure and narrow hallways contribute to a sense of claustrophobia and entrapment. The hotel's grand, imposing architecture also helps to add to the sense of feeling trapped and isolated. The use of mirrors throughout the hotel also adds to the sense of disorientation and confusion.

The hotel’s colour palette is dominated by dark, muted tones such as browns, greens, and greys. The walls are adorned with strange, unsettling paintings and photographs. The furniture is large and ornate, with predominantly dark wood finishes. The overall effect is one of decay and neglect.

The Conjuring

The Warren’s home in The Conjuring features some tight, cramped spaces that create a feeling of isolation and vulnerability. The dark and oppressive atmosphere of the house is further enhances by the use of dim lighting, shadows, and a limited colour palette.

The presence of religious artefacts and symbols throughout the house, such as crucifixes, Bibles, and rosaries, add to a sense of unease. The furniture in the space is simple and functional, with a focus on comfort rather than aesthetics. The overall effect is one of a typical, traditional New England home, but one with something sinister hidden in the depths.

Darkness and Shadows

Darkness and shadows help to create a sense of gloominess and doom. This is shown very well in horror movies. Below are some examples where darkness and shadows work to create a certain atmosphere in horror movies:

Halloween

In Halloween, we see Michael Myers’s shadowy figure lurking in the darkness of the suburban neighbourhood, adding to the suspense. The film’s use of night scenes with low-light conditions create a sense of fear and unease. The contrast between the bright and cheerful exterior of the suburban homes and the dark ominous shadows add to the horror.

The neighbourhood in this movie is characterised by manicured lawns and brightly-coloured houses. However, the film features dark and gloomy shadows, which create a sense of danger and unease.

The Exorcist

In The Exorcist, the use of dim lighting and long, dark shadows creates a sense of mystery. The shadows, combined with dark, cramped spaces in the Regan family home adds to the horror. The use of shadows here is also used to hide lurking dangers and to create a sense of suspense.

The home is filled with dark, heavy furniture and thick curtains. The lighting is dim and often flickering, adding to the sense of unease. The overall effect is one of a dark and oppressive atmosphere.

Decay and Neglect

Decay and neglect are two additional themes that seem prominent in horror movies. Below are some examples of where decay and neglect are used to give a certain atmosphere in horror movies:

The Amityville Horror

The haunted house in this film features peeling paint, broken windows, and overgrown vegetation, creating a sense of decay and neglect. The state of the house suggests a history of violence and suffering. The use of dark, muted colours and the presence of mould and mildew further contribute to the eerie atmosphere.

The house is filled with strange, unsettling objects and dark, decaying furniture. The walls are stained and peeling, and the floors are covered with dust and debris. The overall effect here is one of a house that has been abandoned and forgotten.

Suspiria

The dance academy in this movie is filled with strange, decaying rooms and hidden passages which add to the eerie atmosphere. The overall aesthetic here is one of decay and neglect, which is further emphasised with the use of dark, muted colours, strange architectural details, and the presence of hidden dangers and traps.

The space is decorated with strange, abstract paintings and sculptures which draw the eye and feel very unsettling. The furniture is heavy and ornate, with dark wood finishes. The overall effect of the interior design in this movie is one that is both beautiful but also unsettling.

Gothic Elements

Gothic interior design is very common in many horror movies. Below is a list of examples where gothic interior design was used in horror movies:

Dracula

The gothic castle in this movie features very ornate details, stained glass windows, and grand staircases. This creates a sense of both grandeur and foreboding. The castle’s imposing architecture and dark, moody atmosphere contribute to the horror of the film. The use of gothic elements, such as tapestries, gargoyles, and heavy curtains, also help add a sense of mystery and danger.

In addition to the dark, heavy furniture, ornate tapestries, and stained glass windows, we also see portraits of Dracula’s ancestors on the walls. The overall theme and atmosphere of the space is one of decay and death.

Crimson Peak

The Allerdale Hall in Crimson Peak is a gothic-style mansion with dark, moody colour palettes and intricate carvings. The house’s decaying state and hidden secrets add to the horror and suspense of the story. The grandeur of the space, along with the narrow corridor and secrets lurking behind locked doors, further enhance the horror experience.

The space is decorated with grand, dark furniture, ornate tapestries, and creepy windows. The walls feature luxurious wallpapers in deep shades, helping to enhance the gloominess and dread. Dark wood is a prominent feature in the design, giving the space a luxurious yet dark and spooky feel.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

Symbolism and foreshadowing are also prominent in many horror movies. Below, you will find some examples of where this works very well in certain movies:

The Shining

The red room in the Overlook Hotel foreshadows the tragic events and symbolises the hotel's dark past. The appearance in here and the strange occurrences that take place within it create a sense of dread and unease. The use of the colour red here is a powerful symbol of danger and violence in the movie.

The red room is a small, cramped space filled with unsettling objects, such as a rocking horse and a vintage toy car. The overall effect of this room is that it is a place that is both inviting and terrifying.

The Exorcist

The crucifixes and religious symbols in this film foreshadow the demonic possession and battle between good and evil. These symbols also serve as a visual representation of the spiritual conflict at the heart of the story. The use of religious imagery adds a layer of depth and complexity to the horror narrative.

The family home is filled with things like rosaries, crucifixes, and Bibles. These symbols act as both a sign of hope and a reminder of the evil forces that are at work in the film’s storyline.

Contrast and Dissonance

These themes are very prominent in many horror movies. Here are some examples of movies where contrast and dissonance work very well:

Psycho

The seemingly normal Bates Motel in this move contrasts sharply with the dark and disturbing basement which lies beneath. The juxtaposition of the motel’s pleasant exterior with its sinister interior adds to the horror of the film. The use of contrasting colours, textures, and lighting further enhances the sense of dissonance.

The motel is decorated in a quaint, Americana style with bright colours and cheerful patterns. However, the basement is dark, damp, and filled with strange and unsettling objects. The contrast between the two spaces creates a sense of unease and foreshadows the horror that is to come.

The Silence of The Lambs

The contrasting settings in this movie, such as Hannibal Lecter's elegant home and the dark, gritty prison, create a sense of dissonance.

Lecter’s home is decorated in a luxurious European style with ornate furniture, expensive artwork, and a well-stocked library. The prison, on the other hand, is dark, dirty and filled with harsh utilitarian furniture. The contrast here shows how two completely different settings can still create an unsettling atmosphere.

How to Create a Creepy Vibe in Your Own Home

If you are a fan of all things horror and of the dark and gritty interiors found in horror movies, you may be interested in bringing this style into your own home. So, how do you create a creepy vibe in your own home?

Below is a list of ideas to help you get started:

• Use dark, muted colours: Dark colours like grey, black and deep blues can create a sense of mystery and foreboding.
• Incorporate gothic elements: Add elements like stained glass windows, ornate carvings, and heavy curtains to create a gothic atmosphere.
• Use dim lighting: Low light conditions can create a sense of unease and suspense.
• Add strange and unsettling objects: Unusual or disturbing objects can add to the creepy vibe of your home.
• Create a sense of confinement: Use tight spaces, narrow hallways, and maze-like layouts to create a feeling of claustrophobia.
• Use decaying or neglected elements: Peeling paint, broken windows, and overgrown vegetation can add to the eerie atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Horror movies have long been a masterclass in creating fear through visual storytelling. Interior design plays a pivotal role in crafting these chilling atmospheres. By strategically manipulating elements like colour, space, and symbolism, filmmakers can evoke a sense of dread, unease, and suspense.

From the claustrophobic confines of The Shining's Overlook Hotel to the decaying grandeur of Crimson Peak's Allerdale Hall, interior design choices can amplify the horror experience. Whether it's through the use of darkness and shadows, gothic elements, or the contrast between the familiar and the grotesque, the meticulous attention to detail in these films' interiors serves as a testament to the power of design to evoke emotion.

As this article demonstrates, the horror genre offers a rich tapestry of interior design techniques that can inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. By understanding the nuances of these choices, we can appreciate the artistry behind the horror films that continue to captivate us.

RYAN MCDONOUGH: 

Ryan is an interior design expert with 15 years worth of experience in the field. Ryan works closely with clients to make their visions come to life at a price that suits their budget. Ryan also provides expert interior design comments for MyJobQuote and has been featured in a range of top publications. 

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.

For more information on MyJobQuote's release or comment requests, please email the PR team at ContentTeam@ICMEnterprises.co.uk. Copyright © 2024. MyJobQuote.co.uk. All reserved.