David Lynch was a master of atmosphere. From the ominous ambiance in Mulholland Drive to the jazzy interiors of Blue Velvet, the late director’s work serves as a consistent source of retro style inspiration.
My personal favorite work of his is Twin Peaks: a television show I watched for the first time over 10 years ago, and recently returned to after his death. The ’90s murder mystery is so distinct in its visual language (Richard Hoover was the production designer for the original series) that rewatching it has felt like a hug from an old friend; the familiarity of the locations, from the Double R Diner to the Sheriff’s Office, has a specific warmth to it, despite its chilling themes.
Audrey Horne in the Double R Diner
(Image credit: Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
The color I most associate with the series would have to be red: a shade I love but have admittedly found difficult to incorporate into my own home. The red leather banquet seats in the diner infuse the space with a retro-yet-luxe feel, while the iconic Red Room – a dreamscape that you’ve surely seen, featuring a black and white, zigzag floor and lush, red curtains. It tapped into the Unexpected Red Theory long before it was a certified interior design trend.
While red is certainly a strong color choice for the home, it is undeniably captivating and, as Twin Peaks proves, a color worth experimenting with. I’ve since tried to incorporate dashes of rouge à la the unexpected red theory, which I suspect Lynch would have approved of.
Shop the Twin Peaks-inspired look
Vintage Double Sofa 78.7” Upholstered Sofa
With a solid, wood frame and a red-and-white striped upholstery, this sofa is perfect for infusing a living room with some color and pattern. It would fit right in to a Lynchian home.
Create a vintage-inspired display by opting for a handful of these antique-style wooden frames. Hang on a wall in a group or simply prop up along a mantel for a cohesive arrangement (and one that is reminiscent of the legendary photo of Laura Palmer).
Amber has a vintage feel, and we love the traditional silhouette on this glass vase, which can fit fresh or fake flowers. Its vibrant colorway is an instant retro boost without overwhelming your room (so you can flirt with this look easily).
I would also be remiss not to mention the natural elements of the sets in Twin Peaks. Though the town is fictional, the grey, Pacific Northwest-based town takes cues from its forested surroundings, with natural wood playing a major role in the sets. The panelled walls of the Great Northern Hotel and the oaky Sheriff’s Office create a coziness that embraces the natural world; it has often sent my on antique hunts to find a perfectly-weathered coffee table or dresser.
(Image credit: Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
I’m not alone in adoring the world of Twin Peaks: I’ve recently seen some people online sharing their relatives’ “Lynchian” homes, with floral wallpaper, oak cabinets, and photo-decorated mantels in ample supply. There is an eeriness in Twin Peaks, but also a comforting calmness, as evidenced by these vintage prints and personalized pieces of decor. It’s a style I will be revisiting for years to come.
