Horror movies have a long history of using interior design choices to create a sense of fear, anxiety, and suspense. From the gothic décor of Dracula to the strong color symbolism of The Shining, the decorative choices in these films can have a huge impact on the overall atmosphere and storytelling.
Below, interior design expert Ryan McDonough from MyJobQuote.co.uk uses examples from popular horror movies to explain how interior designers strategically use décor to enhance the horror experience. I will explain in detail. Let’s jump right in…
claustrophobia and confinement
Claustrophobia and confinement are very prominent aspects of interior design in horror films. Below are two examples of movies where this is used successfully.
shining
The Overlook Hotel’s labyrinthine structure and narrow hallways create a feeling of claustrophobia and confinement. The hotel’s grand and imposing architecture also serves to heighten the sense of confinement and isolation. The use of mirrors throughout the hotel also increases the feeling of disorientation and confusion.
Hotel color palettes are dominated by dark, muted tones such as browns, greens, and grays. The walls are decorated with strange and disturbing drawings and photographs. The furniture is large and ornate, with mostly dark wood finishes. The overall effect is corruption and neglect.
Conjuring
Warren’s house in The Conjuring has several small, cramped spaces that create a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The dark and oppressive atmosphere of the house is further emphasized by the use of dim lighting, shadows and a limited color palette.
Having religious artifacts and symbols in your home, such as crosses, Bibles, and rosaries, can increase feelings of anxiety. The furniture in the space is simple and functional, with an emphasis on comfort over aesthetics. The overall impression is that of a typical traditional New England home, but there’s something sinister hidden beneath.
darkness and shadow
Darkness and shadows help create a sense of gloom 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
On Halloween, the suspense builds as Michael Myers’ shadow can be seen lurking in the suburban darkness. The film uses night scenes with little light, creating a sense of fear and anxiety. The contrast between the bright, cheery exterior of the suburban home and the dark, eerie shadows heightens the fear even more.
This movie neighborhood is characterized by manicured lawns and brightly colored houses. However, this film depicts a dark and dark shadow, which creates a sense of crisis and anxiety.
exorcist
The Exorcist uses dim lighting and long, dark shadows to create a mystical atmosphere. The shadows combined with the dark, confined spaces of the Regan family home add to the horror. The use of shadows here is also used to hide lurking danger and create a sense of suspense.
The house is dark and full of heavy furniture and thick curtains. The lights are dim and flicker frequently, increasing the feeling of anxiety. The overall effect is dark and oppressive.
corruption and neglect
Corruption and neglect are two additional themes that are prominent in horror films. Below are some examples where corruption and neglect are used to give a certain atmosphere in horror movies.
amityville horror
The film’s haunted house has peeling paint, broken windows, and overgrown vegetation, giving it an air of decay and neglect. The condition of the house suggests a history of violence and suffering. The use of dark, muted colors and the presence of mold add to the eerie atmosphere.
The house is filled with strange and unsettling objects and dark, decaying furniture. The walls are dirty and peeling and the floor is covered in dust and trash. The overall impression here is of an abandoned and forgotten house.
Suspiria
The dance academy in this film is filled with strange, decaying rooms and secret passageways, giving it an eerie atmosphere. The overall aesthetic here is one of decay and neglect, further emphasized by dark, muted colors, strange architectural details, and the presence of hidden dangers and traps.
This space is filled with strange, abstract paintings and sculptures that catch the eye and make you feel very uneasy. The furniture is heavy and ornate, finished in dark wood. The overall effect of the film’s interior design is both beautiful and unsettling.
gothic elements
Gothic interior design is very common in many horror movies. Below is a list of examples of Gothic interior design being used in horror movies.
dracula
The Gothic castle featured in the film features highly elaborate decorations, stained glass windows, and a grand staircase. This creates a sense of both grandeur and foreboding. The castle’s imposing architecture and dark, moody atmosphere contribute to the film’s horror. Using gothic elements such as tapestries, gargoyles, and heavy curtains also helps add a sense of mystery and danger.
In addition to dark and heavy furniture, ornate tapestries and stained glass windows, portraits of Dracula’s ancestors can also be seen on the walls. The overall theme and atmosphere of the space is one of decay and death.
crimson peak
Allerdale Hall at Crimson Peak is a Gothic mansion with a dark, moody color palette and intricate carvings. The decaying state of the house and the hidden secrets add to the horror and suspense of the story. In addition to the grandeur of the space, the secrets lurking behind narrow hallways and locked doors heighten the frightening experience.
The space is decorated with grand dark furniture, ornate tapestries, and eerie windows. The walls are decorated with rich wallpaper in deep colors, heightening the sense of gloom and terror. Dark wood is a prominent feature of the design, giving the space a luxurious yet dark and eerie feel.
symbolism and foreshadowing
Symbolism and foreshadowing are also prominent in many horror films. Below are some examples of how this works very well in certain movies.
shining
The red room of the Overlook Hotel foreshadows a tragic event and symbolizes the hotel’s dark past. The appearance here and the strange events that occur in it create a feeling of fear and anxiety. The use of red here is a powerful symbol of danger and violence in the film.
The red room is a small, cramped space filled with anxiety-inducing objects, such as a rocking horse and a vintage toy car. The overall effect of this room is that it is both a fascinating and terrifying place.
exorcist
The film’s crosses and religious symbols foreshadow demonic possession and the 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 depth and complexity to horror stories.
There are many rosaries, crosses, Bibles, etc. at my parents’ house. These symbols serve as a sign of hope and a reminder of the evil forces at work within the film’s storyline.
contrast and dissonance
These themes are very prominent in many horror films. Here are some examples of films where contrast and dissonance work very well.
psycho
In this move, the seemingly ordinary Bates Motel contrasts sharply with the dark and foreboding basement below. The juxtaposition of the motel’s cozy exterior and eerie interior adds to the film’s frightening fright. Using contrasting colors, textures, and lighting further enhances the sense of dissonance.
The motel is decorated in a tasteful Americana style with bright colors and cheerful patterns. But the basement is dark, dank, and filled with strange and disturbing objects. The contrast between the two spaces creates a sense of unease, foreshadowing the horror to come.
silence of the lambs
The film creates a cacophony of contrasting settings, including Hannibal Lecter’s elegant home and a dark, gritty prison.
Rector’s home is decorated in a luxurious European style, with ornate furniture, expensive art, and a well-stocked library. Prisons, on the other hand, are dark, dirty, and filled with shoddy, utilitarian furniture. The contrast here shows that two very different settings can still create an uneasy atmosphere.
How to create a spooky atmosphere in your own home
If you’re a fan of horror in general or the dark, gritty interiors featured in horror movies, you might be interested in incorporating this style into your own home. So how can you create a spooky atmosphere in your own home?
Below is a list of ideas to help you get started.
Use dark, calming colors: Dark colors such as gray, black, and deep blue can create a mysterious and spooky impression. Incorporate Gothic Elements: Create a Gothic atmosphere by adding elements like stained glass windows, ornate carvings, and heavy curtains. Use dim lighting: Dim environments can make you feel anxious and nervous. Add strange and disturbing objects: Unusual or disturbing objects can add to the spooky atmosphere of your home. Create a feeling of claustrophobia: Use tight spaces, narrow hallways, and maze-like layouts to create a feeling of claustrophobia. Use dilapidated or neglected elements: Peeling paint, broken windows, overgrown plants, etc. can add to the spooky atmosphere.
final thoughts
Horror movies have long been a masterclass in creating fear through visual storytelling. Interior design plays a vital role in creating this chilled atmosphere. By strategically manipulating elements such as color, space, and symbolism, filmmakers can evoke a sense of fear, anxiety, and suspense.
From the claustrophobic ambiance of The Shining’s Overlook Hotel to the decaying grandeur of Crimson Peak’s Allerdale Hall, interior design choices amplify the frightening experience. Whether using darkness and shadows, gothic elements, or contrasts between the familiar and the grotesque, the meticulous attention to detail in these film interiors serves as evidence of the power of design to evoke emotion. Masu.
As this article shows, the horror genre offers a rich tapestry of interior design techniques that can inspire both filmmakers and audiences. Understanding the nuances of these choices helps us understand the artistry behind the horror films that continue to fascinate us.
Ryan McDonough:
Ryan is an interior design professional with 15 years of experience in the field. Ryan works closely with his clients to bring their vision to life at a price that fits their budget. Ryan also provides interior design expert commentary on MyJobQuote and has been featured in a variety of top publications.
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