Moving to New York is a decision often shaped by fantasy and influenced by the fictional representations of the city seen in movies and TV shows. In this article, we asked designers, architects, and creative individuals about the film and TV interiors that have influenced their perception of New York.
Toshiko Mori, an architect who moved to New York in the late 1960s, recalls how the movie “Rosemary’s Baby” impacted her view of the city. The film depicted apartments with an interiority that harbored secrets, and the small framed views of high-rise buildings fascinated her. Despite the horror elements, the movie made New York feel familiar and exciting.
For John Derian, a designer and retailer who moved to New York in 1992, the screwball comedy “Easy Living” left a lasting impression. The movie showcased various dwellings in the city, from a mansion on Fifth Avenue to a cozy room in a boardinghouse. The extravagant interiors of the fictional Hotel Louis sparked his imagination and influenced his desire to create a little fantasy in his own shops.
Stephen Alesch, a designer who moved to New York in 1994, was captivated by the gothic sets of Tim Burton’s “Batman.” The film showcased a Gotham that resembled an exaggerated Manhattan, with shadowy streets, misty balconies, and ornate interiors. Alesch’s noirish lens on the city led him to permanently move to New York and incorporate elements like rivets and vaulted buttresses in his designs.
Interior designer Loren Daye, who moved to New York in 1996, found inspiration in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It.” The protagonist’s semi-empty loft in Fort Greene, with its white walls, arched windows, and candles illuminating her bed, represented freedom and self-realization to Daye. When she finally arrived in New York, she found a place in Fort Greene that resembled her dream space.
Woody Allen’s “Interiors” made a significant impact on Billy Cotton, an interior designer who moved to New York in 2000. The film’s spare, monochromatic interiors portrayed an extravagant and glamorous New York that resonated with him. Cotton appreciates the trend of entirely beige and cream spaces, as they offer a break from the city’s visual energy while allowing individuals to curate a few significant items of personal significance.
Tal Schori, an architect who moved to New York in 2003, was seduced by the luxurious townhouse portrayed in “The Hunger.” The film showcased high ceilings, French doors, and opulent stone cladding, exuding a dark, languid luxury. This depiction of New York enticed Schori to make the move and settle in Ditmas Park.
Jared Blake, a furniture designer and retailer who moved to New York in 2005, found inspiration in the Nickelodeon series “Hey Arnold!” The fictional city of Hillwood, modeled after New York, showcased Arnold’s eclectic and mod room. Blake, who visited New York regularly as a child, has subconsciously recreated a similar vibe in his apartment in Ridgewood, Queens.
For Farrah Sit, a furniture designer who moved to New York in 2005, the interiors in “9½ Weeks” captivated her. The minimalistic and art-filled spaces provided a serene escape from the city’s chaos. Sit continues to draw inspiration from the light, shadow, and texture present in the film’s interiors.
Finally, Fabiana Faria, a retailer who moved to New York in 2007, was influenced by the rustic and flower-filled home of Meryl Streep’s character in “The Hours.” The character’s downtown New York residence became a symbol of serenity and served as a reminder of Faria’s desire to create a peaceful atmosphere in her own work.
These individuals highlight the impact that film and TV interiors have on our perception of a city like New York, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
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