Kirk Douglas' Vertical Storage and Gallery Wall is Beautiful

(Image credit: Vinnie Zuffante via Getty Images)

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Recreate Kirk's Look at Home

Cue the neons and Memphis-style prints, the '80s are back! There's no question that the retro revival is upon us, and the next era to recreate is the decade of decadence. Maximalism, eclectic design, and curated clutter are all guaranteed wins.

For inspiration, look no further than archival imagery of Kirk Douglas's house from 1980. Shots of the actor's Beverly Hills home reveal a stunning office frozen in time. Rather than the clean, minimalist desks we've become accustomed to in the 2020s, Kirk's space is a masterclass in maximalist 80s trends. Against the wall, a built-in bookcase surrounds a collection of framed black and white photographs and vintage maps, like this gorgeous antique one from 1stDibs.

So, how does Douglas bring these disparate elements together for a cohesive design? Understanding his process lends insight into how to build a beautiful 80s-inspired look in your own home.

Recreate Kirk's Look at Home

Thin metal profile

Target Elevated Aluminum Poster Frame Black

With a thin, metal frame, this is the ideal piece for creating a sleek and modern gallery wall. Available in a range of different sizes, this frame can fit a range of spaces.

Built-in Drawers

Wood Mid-Century Wall Unit

The shelving possibilities are endless with this gorgeous, acorn-finished wall unit. It would be beautiful paired with a dark wood desk for a cohesive look.

Classic

Vintage Cinema Poster

This stunning black and white framed movie print would be the perfect complement to a home office. I love the look of these dark colors with rich wood.

Part of what makes Kirk's look work is using black frames for his entire gallery wall, including the photographs above and the maps. Nina Lichtenstein, New York-based designer, explains: 'Gallery walls are a timeless way to express personality, creativity, and style in your home. One of the most debated questions when designing a gallery wall is whether the frames should match. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the choice depends on the mood you want to create, the space you’re working with, and the type of artwork or photos you’re displaying.'

She continues: 'Matching frames create a cohesive and polished look, ideal for spaces where symmetry and structure are key. Matching frames lend an air of refinement, making them an excellent choice for formal areas like dining rooms or offices. With identical frames, arranging your gallery wall becomes simpler because the frames share the same dimensions and proportions.'

Douglas continues this pattern with his wooden shelves, which coordinate perfectly with his wooden desk. This prevents the maximalist and eclectic design from ever feeling 'too much.' Instead, it feels like a bold celebration of the actor's personal interests.

As design changes, there is nothing more grounding than design from the past. These looks remind us that design is cyclical, and every style can be reinvented.

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.