Oscar Inspiration: Milk

Bold graphics. Poppy patterns. Mid-century furnishings. If you’ve seen Milk, which chronicles the life of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the country’s first openly gay elected official, you couldn’t miss the vibrancy of the scenes, the sets, and San Francisco in its disco days. And even if you haven’t seen the film, just think of 1970s style at its funkiest. Though we might not be ready to don flared trousers or patent leather platforms, the editors of PointClickHome.com found groovy décor worthy of a 21st century revival. So take a look through our favorite finds that bring a familar flair to the home, all inspired by the Oscar contender, Milk.

The Look: Wood Accents, Bold Graphics

Director Gus Van Sant (left) talks shop with Josh Brolin (center) and Sean Penn (right) on a set dominated by earth tones and graphic geometrics. It’s not exactly how we’d envision a living room, but in small doses, accents like these can take you back without destroying your design scheme—just leave those plastic flowers behind.
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

Round About

The mix of dark Mahogany-finished wood and a glass top calls out to the Milk look, but this coffee table’s clean lines and two nickel-plated rings fuse the old with the new for a more modern look.

Fusion Round Coffee Table, 40"D x 18"H, $549; Macys.com

A Brave Mix and Match

It might be hard to focus on décor with James Franco in the picture, but if you can look past those pensive eyes, you’ll see plenty of pattern, color, and stripes. The décor here is playful, fun, and experimental. Mixing patterns can be a hit—just balance the look with solids and a trusted color scheme.
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

Color Me Rad

If a decade could have a palette, it would be the mustard yellow, sandy tan, hot orange, and cream seen on this wool pillow. While the leisure suit doesn't look so hot in the closet, we think this hand-loomed accent would look fabulous on a couch.

Slope Pillow, 11" x 17", $129; RoomandBoard.com  

Check out our other Milk-inspired finds at PointClickHome.com.

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