Focus: A Design and Décor Retrospective on the Quintessential "Single Girl’s Apartment" in Chick Flick Movies
When I was child, I always remember admiring and being so intrigued by the apartments of single heroines in chick flick movies. Perhaps it was the inner interior admirer in me from a young age, but I found that there was something undeniably magical about these single women onscreen and their dwellings, which would usually be somewhat quirky with oodles of personality and influences from various eras in design.
They’re more than just backdrops; these spaces are reflections of the characters’ personalities, dreams, and journeys. From quirky charm to aspirational chic, the design and décor of these iconic pads have inspired countless viewers and set a standard for what a "single girl’s apartment" should look like. Each apartment and film are dissimilar yet follow a series of decor rules that play into the heroine persona.
Here are some of my most beloved and memorable examples from classic nostalgic chick flick movies:
1. Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail
A Cozy, Bookish Retreat in the Upper West Side
Kathleen Kelly’s brownstone apartment is the epitome of cosy charm. As the owner of a quaint children’s bookstore, her home is filled with whimsical touches that speak to her love for books and simple pleasures. It is no surprise that these days, Nora Ephron (the film’s director) is a trending aesthetic of her own on social media. Think shelves brimming with novels, floral-patterned furniture, and soft, inviting lighting. Kathleen’s kitchen, small but functional, features warm, neutral tones and vintage details, perfect for late-night tea sessions or emailing "NY152."
Design Takeaway: Incorporate a lived-in, personal feel with books, heirloom furniture, and warm lighting to create a literary oasis.
2. Renée Zellweger in Bridget Jones’s Diary
Quirky Chaos in London’s Boroughs
Bridget’s flat is far from pristine—it’s messy, cluttered, and completely lovable, much like Bridget herself. The mismatched furniture, bright pops of colour, and haphazard décor choices feel authentic, a reflection of her quirky, unpolished charm. There’s an old-school charm to her tiny kitchen and the well-worn couch, where she famously belts out "All By Myself." It will be interesting to see how Bridget’s décor style has evolved as a single mother in the latest instalment Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy.
Design Takeaway: Embrace imperfection. Layer your space with eclectic finds, cosy textiles, and items that tell your personal story.
3. Jennifer Beals in Flashdance
Industrial Loft Chic in Pittsburgh
Long before industrial décor became trendy, Alex Owens’ loft in Flashdance set the standard. With exposed brick walls, steel beams, and factory windows, the space radiates a gritty, urban coolness. Her personal touches—a ballet barre, artwork, and well-loved furniture—soften the space, making it feel like a creative haven for a dreamer chasing her passion.
Design Takeaway: Combine industrial elements like raw brick and metal accents with personal, artsy touches for an edgy yet inviting vibe.
4. Dakota Johnson in How to Be Single
Playful Minimalism in NYC
Alice’s New York apartment blends a sleek, modern aesthetic with youthful charm. Clean lines, bright white walls, and large windows are contrasted with vibrant, colourful accents—like a teal couch or a funky print. Functional and fashionable, a perfect space for someone navigating newfound independence while juggling career and personal exploration.
Design Takeaway: Strike a balance between minimalism and personality with pops of colour, fun décor items, and lots of natural light.
5. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Bohemian Elegance in Manhattan
Holly Golightly’s studio is the ultimate boho-chic hideaway. Her iconic décor choices—like the repurposed clawfoot bathtub-turned-couch, crates as makeshift storage, and an eclectic mix of furnishings—feel effortlessly cool. The space exudes a sense of freedom and carefree glamour, perfectly encapsulating Holly’s larger-than-life personality.
Design Takeaway: Mix-and-match unconventional pieces with glamorous accents to create an effortlessly stylish bohemian look.
6. Jennifer Aniston in Picture Perfect
Professional Chic with a Personal Touch
A personal favourote if mine, Kate’s apartment in Picture Perfect reflects her dual life as an ambitious advertising exec and a woman craving connection. The sleek furniture, bold artwork, and clean lines speak to her professional aspirations, while the soft lighting and personal mementos ground the space in warmth.
Design Takeaway: Merge sleek modern design with personal touches for a space that feels both aspirational and inviting.
7. Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses
Vintage-Inspired Whimsy in NYC
Jane’s apartment is as romantic and feminine as the woman herself. With vintage-inspired furniture, soft pastel hues, and whimsical details (think floral curtains and delicate lighting), her home reflects her sentimental nature. The space feels like a charming sanctuary for someone who secretly dreams of their own fairy-tale ending.
Design Takeaway: Layer vintage furniture, soft textiles, and pastel colours for a romantic, cozy aesthetic.
8. Cameron Diaz in The Sweetest Thing
Effortlessly Trendy in San Francisco
Christina’s apartment in The Sweetest Thing perfectly captures the breezy, carefree vibe of her character. Situated in San Francisco, her home is a mix of modern trends and cosy functionality. Think bold, vibrant artwork, mid-century modern furniture, and plenty of natural light streaming through large windows. Splashes of colour, like a bright throw or funky pillows, lend personality to the otherwise chic and uncluttered space. Her apartment feels like the ultimate single-girl crash pad—stylish but never overly fussy, and always ready to host a girls' night.
Design Takeaway: Blend trendy furniture with bold accents and an open, airy layout for a stylish yet approachable home.