The loft from Ghost movie (and the one who inspired it)

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Released in 1990, the film Ghost won two Oscars, and now it’s a cult movie that my generation – but I think everyone –  know and remember with pleasure. 

A fantastic soundtrack, for the unforgettable love story between Sam and Molly (Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore) and of course that timeless scene with the pottery wheel… what else do you need?

Yep! A fabulous New York penthouse attic, which has remained in the heart of all design enthusiasts.

Not surprisingly, this was the house that won the vote, for the house to be scrutinised in my Instagram stories.

The penthouse attic where the film Ghost was set is located at 102 Prince Street, in the Soho district attico it is a space of about 400 mq, characterised by large, light filled room,thanks to the large windows – parquet flooring and particularly high ceilings. 

 

Everyone, from the time this film was released has been fascinated by this house but what few people know is that, the actual house in which Ghost was filmed is a cinematographic reproduction of the real home and studio of Michele Oka Doner, an artist and sculptor from Manhattan, who had incredibly inspired the authors.

 

Michele Oka Doner
A scene from the beginning of the film, when arranging spaces.

That’s right: the Prince Street penthouse was completely set up to resemble Michele’s house, which in reality is her home, studio and workshop, also the place where she exhibits most of her work.

The apartment is situated in an old button factory and is a space I would define as, invaded by light: one of the characteristics I like most about this attic.

The architectural  structure emphasises everything, mostly thanks to the height of the ceilings, it’s a large space with large windows, through which the natural light filters through.

Simply beautiful!

 

 

What about the colours used for this interior, warm and bright – there’s a lot of white – but contrasted with some skilfully used dark touches, which give a three dimensional effect to what would otherwise risked being flat. 

Do you see how contrast is important? I always recommend using contrast 🙂 

Speaking of colour and contrast, listen to my advice that I have given on this subject in an episode of Design for breakfast.

The rhythm of the space is almost perfect: colours, volumes, full and empty spaces, materials and transparencies alternate in impecable harmony. 

 

On the left, the home in the film. On the right, the real home that inspired it.

Do you want to know what I think is an exceptional touch?
The radiators, which in order to not impinge on space, were created and positioned to embrace the columns, an aesthetically pleasing structural element of this loft. 

 

A scene from the film in which you can see the radiator and the column.

Another curiosity?

The apartment in which the movie was shot, in 2015, after it was stripped of all the accessories of the film Ghost, was then put up for sale, initially for 10 million dollars, then it went down to about 9,5 million.

I’ll show you the disassembled place.

Let’s say: even though the square footage, structure and brightness have remained the same, the house now has a completely different flavour… for sure, in this way the house would not have remained in our hearts for decades.

This is exactly my point when I talk to you about the importance of design.

Well, actually I think you already understand it: I particularly like this film but above all I loved the attic, bright and cared for down to the last detail.

And you, what do you think of this beautiful house? Do you like the colour choices and the invasion of light? And the radiators?  Let me know what you think. Leave a message in the comments below or send me an email at [email protected]

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