5 Iconic Film Sets That Changed Cinema: Lessons from An Emmy-Winning Set Decorator

Kim Wannop
Sep 23
3 min read

5 Iconic Movie Sets That Transformed Hollywood Design

Have you ever watched a film and found yourself completely transported, not just by the actors or story, but by the sheer genius of its sets? I’m Kim Wannop, Emmy-winning set decorator, and I’m excited to break down five iconic films whose stunning set designs have inspired and influenced Hollywood for decades. These aren’t just backdrops – they’re visual blueprints that future designers and directors still borrow from, often without even realizing it!

#1: Sunset Boulevard (1950) – The Birth of the Hollywood Mansion

Let’s kick things off with a classic: Sunset Boulevard. Gloria Swanson’s Norma Desmond doesn’t just live in any house – her mansion is practically a character itself. Designed by Hans Dreier and John Meehan, and decorated by Samuel Comer and Ray Moyer, its plush vanities and ornate mirrors symbolize Desmond’s endless search for youth. Think about every iconic vanity scene you’ve seen since – from Mommie Dearest to Joker – and you’ll spot shades of this legendary set.

#2: Marie Antoinette (1938) – Hollywood’s Versailles Fantasy

Next up is the jaw-dropping Hollywood recreation of Versailles in Marie Antoinette, crafted by Cedric Gibbons and Edwin B. Willis. At MGM, they doubled down on opulence with huge ballrooms, authentic antiques, detailed tapestries, and extravagant lighting. This film set a new standard for period pieces, influencing epic productions like Cleopatra, Barry Lyndon, and Dangerous Liaisons for years to come.

#3: King of Jazz (1930) – Art Deco Extravaganza

Ever heard of King of Jazz? If not, it’s a must-watch for set design fans. Released in early Technicolor, this film’s art deco stages glittered with bold geometry and mirrored surfaces, pushing theater spectacle to a whole new level. Those lavish looks would ripple through cinema, inspiring everything from The Great Gatsby to La La Land and Moulin Rouge.

#4: Destination Moon (1950) – Sci-Fi Before Sci-Fi Was Cool

You might not expect a 1950 sci-fi movie to make this list, but Destination Moon was a game changer. Designed by Ernest Furge and decorated by George Swalley, these futuristic sets made space travel seem plausible long before NASA became reality. From imaginative rocket interiors to lunar landscapes, this film paved the way for classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and modern hits like The Martian.

#5: Auntie Mame (1958) – The Apartment That Redecorates Itself

Looking for style inspiration that never gets old? Auntie Mame is a masterclass in creative home design. Malcolm Burt and George James Hopkins created an apartment that literally redecorates itself nine times throughout the film, reflecting shifts in both time and character. Each iteration features unique lighting, furniture, and color palettes — offering endless ideas for set (and home!) transformations. This design chameleon has inspired everything from The Devil Wears Prada to Crazy Rich Asians.

Why These Movie Sets Still Matter

These five films prove that sets are so much more than backgrounds. They’re tools for storytelling, clues to character, and occasionally, scene-stealing stars. The influence of these designs pops up everywhere, whether you’re rewatching Gone with the Wind or bingeing Promising Young Woman. Even today’s production designers draw from these blueprints—sometimes consciously, sometimes subconsciously.

Want to Dive Deeper Into Set Design?

If you’re as obsessed as I am with set decorating, I’ve included a free quick reference template (the same one I use on set!) plus a link to my set decorating masterclass. And don’t forget, the Decorating Pages Podcast is packed with conversations with production designers, set decorators, and the unsung heroes of film and TV making.

What Movies Inspire You?

Which movie set do you think left the biggest mark on cinema? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s geek out over film design together! Don’t forget to subscribe, and stay tuned for more deep dives into Hollywood’s greatest sets.