The week between Christmas and the New Year brings lots of top ten lists.  Usually it’s really important stuff like, “the top ten Hollywood break ups” or “the top Hollywood kids’ names.”  I don’t like to disappoint, so here is my important list…the top movie interiors.  Not just from 2010, I have complied my all time favorite list.  This was painfully difficult for me since I confess to watching movies at times for just the sets. Almost as sad as going to the movies for the buttery topping fix, but hey, we all have our stuff…

Enjoy and please add a comment on your favorite interiors so I can add for next year!

Dinner At Eight (1933)

Filmed smack in the middle of the Great Depression, this movie typifies Hollywood glamor and the public’s desire to forget their troubles at the movies.

Jean Harlow's Bedroom is magnificent!

The Break Up (2006)

Being a native Chicagoan, I salivated at this cool set and could readily buy into the plot that neither one wanted to move out of their pad.

Hey Jen and Vince, "Why fight in such a great kitchen?"

The Nanny Diaries (2007)

Exactly what I imagined when reading the book.  Great job Andrew Baseman.

Mrs. X doesn't deserve her interior designer (or her nanny)

Citizen Kane (1941)

This is not only one of my favorite movie sets but one of my favorite movies of all time. Unbelievable interiors even in black and white.

Kane's mistress, Susan Alexander's childlike bedroom

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

This is one of the first movies I’ve seen where I could identify furniture and lamps by the manufacturer.  I saw it in the theatre with a friend (also a designer) and we got “shushed” by other theatre patrons because of our excitement over the set design.

What gives and why? What more do you need, sister?

Gone With the Wind (1939)

Obsessed. With. This. Movie.  I’ve read the book (differs quite a bit from movie) and have the seen the movie at least a hundred times.  The ever patient Mr. Vermillion knows to DVR it every time it comes on.  Sadly, (for Mr. V) I quote the lines before the character says them.  It’s prompted Mr. V to say, “Frankly I don’t give a damn.”  The Atlanta house that Rhett gives Scarlett makes me drool.  This really is a gimme since every girl loves it for the clothes too.

"Why, Rhett, thanks for the beautiful boudoir!"

It’s Complicated (2009)

This movie surprised me.  I thought it was going to be just okay and it turned out to be surprisingly engaging.   Another great set by Nancy Meyers who also did “Something’s Gotta Give.”

Who wouldn't want to cook in this kitchen?

Atonement (2007)

The movie made me nervous but the sets were fantastic.

Creepy movie. Lovely set design.

After the Thin Man (1936)

William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart and a fox terrier named Asta.  Do I need to continue?  The uncluttered symmetry of the Deco set is a winner.

Relevant even today

Auntie Mame (1958)

This movie (Rosalind Russell version) might have been the match to start my interior design fire.  The interior design is a character itself as it changes to show the passage of time.  Interesting, fun and all together iconic, it’s another gimme for set design junkies.

Rosalind Russell descending her ever changing stair case

A Single Man (2009)

Tribute to 1960′s swinging California interior design.  LOVE.

Flokati chair, Hollywood Regency White screen, Ikat draperies. Heaven

Top Hat (1935)

Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers dance their way across some of the most memorable sets ever.  Venetian canals, moving floors, Art Deco Hotel rooms, this one has it all!

Round bed. Enough said

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Wonderful old estate plus madcap comedy starring the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart.

I love the clothes almost as much as the set

Wall Street (1987)

Couldn’t find a picture but the image of Daryl Hannah as interior designer stapling fake brick onto newly rich Bud Fox’s 950,000 NYC apartment will stay with me forever. There is a montage scene where the two of them are cranking out handmade sushi to the tune of “This must be the Place” by the Talking Heads and it’s not to be missed.  Greed is good…

Blue Horse Shoe Loves Anacot Steel

And for Mr. Vermillion…an honorable mention for the cantina scene in Star Wars:

Hey Bartender!

It’s true!  My secret love job would be as a set designer.  I think they should have a separate Oscars show just for set design!

What is your favorite set?

Images courtesy of:  Cinemastyle, New York Times, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Hooked On Houses, Shelterrific, Wookieepedia, Feathers