Get That Look: "Something's Gotta Give"

In this new regular feature (well, maybe semi-regular!) in ::Surroundings::, I will focus on interior design (aka set decorating) in movies and television. I've done stage set decorating in the past and I know that it's a combination of art, science & psychology all rolled into one. Set decorators create interior scenes that both support character development and move the story along. I many ways, it's not a lot different than creating interiors for our own homes. We should want our spaces to reflect who we are, who we want to be and how we want to interact with the world.

February 21st update: I was interviewed for this story "They Gotta Have It" in The Washington Post, which disucsses the impact this movie has had in home decor.

The first movie I'm taking on is the Diane Keaton/Jack Nicholson comedy "Something's Gotta Give". I must say, I was completely enamoured by the interiors. When I make it big on broadway and have my summer "cottage" in the Hamptons, this is THE house that I aspire to. The interiors made such an impact that Architectural Digest did a feature story on set decorator Beth Rubino, director Nancy Meyers and production designer Jon Hutman. Read the article here.

The overall style of these interiors was classic shingle style, beachy comfort. All the furniture was oversized and comfortable - floppable, really. The color scheme is washed out whites and blues. While not innovative, definately classic. A few things in this family room that really stand out to me. The rug, the clock and the general "careful-careless" look of the mismatched furniture and lamps.


I love the fact that this beach picnic scene mimics the color palette and feel of the living room. One of the best ways of creating a "look" is to create the color palette and textures of the natural environment.

I feel like the set decor for the beach house could have been inspired by this single shot.

Update: I just found out that Aspen Carpet Designs was asked to re-create the rug in the movie for a customer. They put them into production and you can buy them here.


The rug in the movie came from The Rug Loft in New York.


The clock is pure Scandanavian style. Avolli in Maine, purveyours of Antique Scandanavian furnishings and accessories has this beauty:


Updated to add: The artwork in this movie has garnered much attention. Works by Edward Henry Potthast



and R.Kenton Nelson grace the walls of the set.




Here are a couple of other examples of his work:



Thanks for the info Mary!


Slipcovered sofa's are readily available at Crate and Barrel

and Pottery Barn.

Clive console table from Restoration Hardware:

Nesting tables from Restoration Hardware.



In the kitchen, "countertops are wood painted to resemble soapstone. Wolf range and hood. Waterworks fixture; Kohler sink." (per Architectural Digest).

In the bedroom: another R. Kenton Nelson painting graces the mantle.

July 2007 Update! - thanks to Patricia Gray, who posted a comment on Cote de Texas about this table, I can let you all know that the round white table is by Rose Tarlow.




Recommended:




Rhyme and Reason Prose and Cons, Paintings by R. Kenton Nelson

Art prints of works by Edward Henry Potthast can be purchased here.

Click here for all "Something's Gotta Give" posts, and learn how to "Get that Look"! Other movies and television shows are here.