Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, 1960 – Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo.
Movie – What happened to runaway secretary Marion Crane? And who really is Norman Bates, a shy Motel keeper in the middle of nowhere of America? Alfred Hitchcock’s cult movie Psycho is about suspense, crime… and motherly love. Released in 1960, the masterpiece made the world thrill by bringing horror into some everyday living interiors we usually label comfort zones: a cosy countryside hotel, a soothing shower space, a family house…
Our insanely witty Antonella Galimberti ‘enjoyed’ the thrill of the movie to find inspiration for this tongue-in-cheek post. Pimp your Halloween party with genuine Psycho-ish hospitality, and check out these design tricks… and treats!
THE SHOWER SCENE
Halloween shower curtains – Photo via Etsy.
Who has never taken a lonely late shower in a hotel? With the infamous shower scene, Hitchcock has cleverly managed to spoil that calming and soothing feeling of hot water, flushing away the tiredness of a long day. Set the proper Halloween mood with the Psycho Halloween shower curtains on Etsy.
Melroose 20 shower handle by Fir Italia – Photo by Fir Italia.
Available in brass with a Dark Graphite finish, Fir Italia’s Melroose 20 collection of shower handles looks like the ones in the movie. Unsustainably, Marion Crane passes away without switching them off. In case of murder, please make a last effort for the planet!
Book holder by Balvi – Photo by Balvi.
The Horror Towel by Maiuguali features fake bloody handprints [Picture below]. Protects your books from falling with the Balvi’s book holder, reproducing the silhouette of Norman Bates’ mum at her peak.
Santoku knife by Pieter Rolex for BergHOFF – Photo by BeergHOFF.
To power up some drama – and ease the hard work of Norman Bate alters – make sure to leave a Santoku knife by the sink. Designed by design Pieter Roex for Belgian brand BergHOFF, the Japanese-style knife is a high-performing, multifunctional tool awarded by Good Design, Red Dot Best of the Best and Henry Van De Velde Label.
THE COUNTRYSIDE HOTEL
‘Bates Motel No Vacancy’ sign – Photo via Amazon.
After a long drive, Marion checks in at the Bates Motel, an anonymous and unassuming solution that seems perfect for a runaway. A proper Psycho-themed party should invite guests with the infamous ‘Bates Motel No Vacancy’ sign [on Amazon, available in different colours].
Photo by Stickersmurali.
And what if Alfred Hitchcock himself welcomed you to the party? Stickersmurali mural stickers set the Halloween party theme right.
THE FAMILY HOME
J16 rocking chair by Hans J.Wegner for FDB Mobler Design, 1944 – Photo by MCSelvini.
The countryside family home is the other safe comfort zone Hitchcock destroys. Sat on a hill above the motel, the house of Norman Bates is a typical Victorian house, a recurrent iconic architecture in horror movie culture [Read more]. Argentinian designer Patricio Vazques has created a 3D-printed model of Norman Bates’ family home for French company Cults 3D. The roof opens like a lid containing candies, tricks and treats.
Photo by Cults 3D.
On the porch – and later in the movie – is a rocking chair from where Norman Bates’ mother used to rule over. If you can’t find an original and expensive Victorian rocking chair, check for more contemporary designs. Antonella found a J16 seat by Hans J.Wegner for FDB Mobler Design, 1944, at MC Selvini. Complete the mood with the Skull Neon Table lamp by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.
Photo by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.
