A Fantasy Movie Set

How fun would it have been to work as a set decorator on those old 1930s movies? It's amazing what art directors like Cedric Gibbons and Van Nest Polglase conjured up, usually using smoke and mirrors (literally and figuratively). Back at that time, budgets were limited and art directors were forced to create glamorous, fantastical sets for not a lot of money. Suffice it to say, I think they were quite successful. A bit over the top perhaps, but not quite tacky either.

On a whim, I decided to play set decorator and throw together a fantasy 1930s bedroom. I think Carole Lombard would look quite smart in this bedroom. I don't envision Joan Crawford in it though. I hear she was quite the rounder, and my pristine bedroom set might end up in shambles!

How about these velvet roman shades from Pottery Barn? White and grey were de rigeur back in the 1930s (and still are in my book!), and the velvet provides just the right amount of sheen. Shine, shimmer, and gleam are very important when one is designing a decadent boudoir!



And of course you've got to have some satin and silk, such as these quilted silk throws from Schweitzer Linen. I'd use either the cream or white.


I would have to find some place for Jonathan Adler's Montmartre table, because you have to have some type of Neoclassical element in the room. Or maybe you need a few...


...in which case I would use the Athena stencil and paint this Greek motif on every door in the room.



This acrylic pedestal from Richman Design would look fabulous in a corner with some type of urn on top. Perhaps a ceramic one with lilies in it? Or, what about an alabaster urn lamp?


I might use this old Western Electric rotary phone, but I would prefer it in white. If you're going to schedule social engagements or liaisons, you really should do it in style.


The leading lady would have to wear the appropriate attire for such a room. No flannel pjs!! But we wouldn't want our leading lady to dress (or undress) like Gypsy Rose Lee either, so this robe is glamorous but tasteful too.


Keep in mind that the next time you're on television or in a movie, your eyes will really stand out if you use false eyelashes. And as long as we're going with the glamour theme, what about these feather lashes from shu uemura.

Image at top: A still from the 1935 movie "Top Hat"; set design by Van Nest Polglase