Interior design might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of sitting down to watch a scary movie, despite some of the most iconic sets having come from the horror and thriller genres. But we're not just talking about creepy graveyards and creaky haunted houses – the most effective scares are brought about when the world built around them is carefully constructed, and often juxtaposes the typical "scary" aesthetic.
"Effective set design in horror films goes beyond simple visual appeal, it’s a powerful tool for heightening the audience's emotional experience," says Chia Rahayu, the curator behind the Instagram account @interiorsandfilms. "A well-crafted horror interior manipulates colors, shadows, textures, and spatial dynamics to transform the ordinary into something unsettling and the unfamiliar into a chilling reality. Great horror set design immerses us in a psychological labyrinth, amplifying the dread of unseen threats lurking just beyond our perception."
Rahayu, who is based in Surabaya, Indonesia, uses the account to share stills from movies that feature impactful set designs. An interior designer herself, she's always on the lookout for something that could inspire those in her industry, while also striving to platform those doing the work behind the scenes. "The account is an appreciation account of beautiful production design in films, television, and music videos," she says. "It serves as a platform for production designers, set decorators, filmmakers, interior designers, architects, and film lovers to connect through our shared love for films and the art of production design."
With today being Halloween, Rahayu selected five must-see scary movies for interior design enthusiasts. Read on for her recommendations.
Pengabdi Setan, 1980
"An iconic classic in Indonesian horror cinema, this film relies heavily on its interior set to enhance the unsettling, supernatural vibe. The family's residence, which serves as the primary backdrop for the narrative, is adorned with dark wooden furnishings, low lighting, and traditional Indonesian decorations, creating a haunting and confined atmosphere. Elements such as vintage portraits add to the eerie setting, transforming the house into a character imbued with a menacing presence. Pengabdi Setan also draws influence from giallo films, incorporating their distinctive stylistic elements along with themes of mystery and psychological suspense."
The Night of the Hunter, 1955
"The interior scenes are characterized by dim, atmospheric lighting and striking contrasts, employing intense shadows and silhouettes to evoke a feeling of unease. This combination of Gothic horror and expressionistic features amplifies the film's fairy-tale essence. The juxtaposition of charming, rustic decor with eerie, dramatic lighting establishes a distinctly surreal atmosphere, rendering the interiors distinctly unsettling."
Suspiria, 1977
"The set is a kaleidoscope of color, pattern, and surrealism that amplifies the film’s dreamlike horror. The ballet academy bursts with striking reds, blues, and greens, merging Art Nouveau and Gothic elements to evoke an otherworldly atmosphere. The meticulously crafted interiors and imposing architecture, featuring towering doorways, lofty ceilings, and winding hallways, transform the academy into a foreboding and disquieting space, mirroring the film's themes of the occult and intensifying the suspense."
The Cabinet of Dr Caigari, 1920
"The interiors really stand out with their German Expressionist vibe, featuring distorted forms, odd angles, and moody compositions that create a surreal, unsettling atmosphere. The sets are decked out with sharp, exaggerated lines and distorted perspectives, making the spaces feel cramped and nightmarish. Walls and furniture appear to bend and lean, while windows stretch and tilt in bizarre ways that just don’t make sense, adding to a sense of mental disorientation. Deep shadows are painted right onto the surfaces, boosting the film’s dramatic, theatrical style. This bizarre interior design acts as a visual reflection of the characters' twisted minds, pulling viewers into a strange, creepy world that mirrors the horror and chaos at the core of the story."
The Shining, 1980
"The interiors are not just settings but serve as active participants in the story, reflecting and intensifying the psychological terror. The Overlook hotel combines 1920s Art Deco elements with modernist motifs, with rich colors like reds, golds, and deep browns lending the spaces a haunting warmth. Kubrick’s use of symmetry, long corridors, and repetitive patterns makes the Overlook feel labyrinthine, emphasizing the sense that the characters are trapped in a sinister space."
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
