Image Credit: OKA https://www.oka.com/uk
8 ways to embrace Godfather interiors
Have you heard of Godfather interiors? Film-inspired decor having a serious moment.
From the bubblegum pink of Barbie to the gothic glam of Beetlejuice, major movies are having a huge influence on the design of our homes right now – and the latest set we’re taking inspiration from? Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary trilogy, The Godfather.
The cinematic masterpiece may be over 50 years old, but there are some timeless elements to the aesthetic of the classic Godfather films that fit right into modern living, particularly because masculine interiors are having a moment. But why is decor reminiscent of The Godfather proving so popular right now?
Antoni Roig, interior designer at OKA, says interior designers are currently embracing cinematic opulence, like that of the 1940s-set trilogy, which gives a nod to heritage, classic elegance and sophistication.
“The world of The Godfather is a perfect muse as it encapsulates dark, moody luxury with hints of old-world charm and masculine undertones, and I think there is a real allure in that timeless glamour aesthetic,” he explains.
Antoni says recreating the look of the films is all about dramatic contrasts and textures and creating an ambiance that feels intimate and steeped in the nostalgia of a different era but updated with a modern twist.
From darkened hues creating cocoon-like, cosy spaces, to retro furniture and oversized chairs and sofas offering the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, Godfather interiors are about evoking man cave vibes in a luxe and understated way.
We spoke to the experts about successfully achieving the look in your home, without turning your space into a boarding school dorm.
Godfather interiors: opt for moody hues
Masculine style calls for a deep, rich colour scheme. Think moody blues, dark grey hues, forest green and bold black.
Antoni says earthy russets, slate greys and deep olive greens make up a lot of the trilogy’s colour palette.
He suggests pairing these type of colours with aged leathers, dark wood tones, and brown soft furnishings, which will add that masculine touch-key to this aesthetic.
Don’t be afraid to shy away from pops of colour, however. These can be brought in through decorative accessories.
In fact, bold accents look great in a masculine room due to the contrast with a paired-back palette.
Godfather interiors have a masculine/feminine blend
The key to embracing masculine interiors, according to Antoni, is to balance strength with subtlety.
“I’d suggest pairing down dark leathers and woods with softer accents like a throw or cushion in cashmere or wool and consider artwork with warm colours running through to break up the darker tones,” he adds.
Martin Waller, founder of global design house Andrew Martin, suggests starting with strong timeless materials, but softening the effect with lighter, more delicate accents.
“Bringing a masculine edge to interiors doesn’t have to mean overwhelming the space with heavy, dark elements. Instead, it’s about layering rich textures and tones in a balanced way that feels inviting,” he advises.
“A well-chosen piece of artwork, a subtle pattern, or a pop of colour can introduce a touch of refinement that adds dimension without tipping the scale too far.”
Embrace wooden tones
Godfather styling is all about encapsulating natural wooden elements, particularly in the flooring.
“Dark wood tones can add a feeling of luxury and refinement to a home,” explains Paul Hambidge, managing director at Factory Direct Flooring.
If you’re choosing dark flooring to recreate the masculine interiors from The Godfather, Paul suggests opting for styles with warmer undertones to create depth and richness.
“There’s nothing quite like a real wood floor to achieve an authentic aesthetic, like this smoked, lacquered herringbone design. If budget is at the top of your decorating priorities list, other flooring types can mimic this look for less, like this striking LVT with an antique pine finish.”
Go vintage
Vicki Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys, suggests pairing an atmospheric colour scheme with luxurious leather furniture for a touch of elegance that echoes the Corleone family’s grandeur.
“Consider incorporating vintage or mid-century modern furniture pieces,” she suggests.
“Plush sofas and ornate armchairs create inviting seating areas, while a sturdy coffee table can serve as the perfect spot for a whiskey decanter—ideal for hosting gatherings reminiscent of the film’s pivotal scenes.
“If space allows, a grand piano can add a dramatic flair worthy of any cinematic setting,” she adds.
Antoni says OKA’s Crosby armchair in dark vellum Italian leather is brimming with 1940s appeal and is finished beautifully with polished brass studs.
Layer your lights
Dim, ambient lighting is essential for a space that evoke’s the film’s intense atmosphere.
“Choose chandeliers or vintage-style lamps that cast a warm, inviting glow perfect for late-night conversations that echo the quiet intensity of a Godfather meeting,” Vicki suggests.
While darker tones are key to achieving The Godfather aesthetic, Antoni advises dotting lamps around the room at different heights to introduce a soft glow and intimate feel.
“You may find it feels rather gloomy without,” he adds.
Pair light and dark
To avoid taking the masculine look a stage too far Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-founder and interior expert at Dowsing & Reynolds recommends finding a balance between light and dark hues.
“Make the most of rich dark shades of brown, for example, by pairing it beautifully with cream and beige neutrals,” she advises.
“Chocolate looks brilliant in a living room so colour-drench your entire room for the full hot chocolate effect. But to avoid the space looking too dark, make sure to pair the shade with warm neutrals in milky creams and add this into furnishings, lamps.”
When it comes to bringing in other deep and bold shades, Ally suggests painting a feature wall to create a statement which can be layered up or down with accessories and furnishings, depending on the time of year.
“This will help to create a timelessness to your home decor scheme,” she adds.
Don’t forget the finishing touches
Stylish barware, classic books, and a hint of the glamorous “Mob Wife” aesthetic can enhance the overall atmosphere.
“You can also make the most of warm light bulbs to make the space cosy,” adds Ally.
“Pair with bronze light fixtures and cream shades to add a feminine touch and add an iridescent bubble chandelier to reflect the vibrant shade across the whole room.”
Debbie Leigh, design manager, at ILIV, says metal finishes add warmth and a grounded feel, while details like tufted upholstery, dark wood furniture, and statement lighting exude an understated opulence.
“To introduce this style into your home, focus on a few key pieces: a dark leather armchair, a vintage wooden coffee table, or brass-accented lighting add just the right touch of masculinity without overwhelming the space,” she advises.
“Balance these elements with soft, inviting textures, like velvet or wool throws to add depth and cosiness, ensuring the space feels both stylish and welcoming.”
Go opulent with window dressings
For those cosy evenings at home, heavy velvet curtains with blackout lining will not only add drama and luxury but also create a serene environment for a restful night’s sleep—an essential for any family man, much like Vito Corleone himself.
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Demure interiors: 10 ways to get the look in your home or 8 trends interior designers will be adopting this autumn.
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