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The Gentlemen – A high-calibre cast and very stylish design

Fans of James Bond films are well aware of the inspiration they can provide for interior design. Although Guy Ritchie hasn’t had the opportunity to direct an official Bond film, his work in “The Gentlemen” displays a meticulous and whimsical touch that is bound to captivate us once again. In this film, he invites us to a smokeless BBQ grill party and shares a few glasses of whiskey for at least one unforgettable evening.n this article, we’ll embark on a journey through the intriguing interior of Raymond’s house, exploring the unique design choices that set the stage for the action. Cheers!

Raymond’s Kitchen: SIMPLICITY MEETS LUXURY

At the outset of the movie, we step into the apartment of Raymond Smith, a high-profile dealer and the primary business partner of Mickey Pearson, the protagonist. As we admire Raymond’s impeccable taste in clothing (discussed in a previous article), we’re also drawn into the elegance of his sleek, dark kitchen. But we’re not alone in this visual feast; private detective Fletcher is there too, enjoying a glass of whiskey.

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The Gentlemen kitchen scene: The sound of ice in a whiskey glass at the beginning – this is how private detective Fletcher, who was waiting for Raymond Smith in his apartment, announces himself from the background. The Gentlemen (2019)

In the opening scenes, the subtle sound of ice clinking in a whiskey glass announces the arrival of private detective Fletcher, who awaits Raymond Smith in his apartment. This auditory cue sets the tone for the entire film, evoking a sense of luxury and intrigue that is synonymous with “The Gentlemen.”

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“The Gentlemen” impresses with a gallantly furnished, dining room. Fletcher (Hugh Grant) and Raymond Smith (Charlie Hunnam) in The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie ©Universum Film

The ambient of the movie is quite dark and moody, only lit up by the occasional use of firearms. The same goes for Mr. Smith’s apartment – the interesting cabinet hardware and metallic dishes play with the lightning, and most of our attention’s directed towards the ever-so-obviously well-built pieces of wood furniture.

This is a man-made, man-focused movie with many green, blue, and brown accents. Leather and attractive wood textures commonly appear in gallantly furnished settings. Although there are few details and the sets appear very spacious, the interior remains luxurious thanks to the furniture – it looks durable, heavy, expensive, and exclusive.

The Gentlemen BBQ Table: Polished Functionality

Ray Smith’s smokeless BBQ table grill is a dream come true for both furniture enthusiasts and movie aficionados alike. Described by the characters themselves as something that “heats up your knees and cooks at the same time,” this innovative piece seamlessly combines form and function.

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Ray’s smokeless BBQ table grill is likely to end up on the eternal furnishings dream list for many movie fans. The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie ©Universum Film

One of the most interesting pieces in Ray Smith’s garden is the famous smokeless table grill that, according to the gentlemen themselves, “heats up your knees and cooks at the same time”. A true dream come true for all food lovers with refined taste in furniture.

One of the most intriguing elements in Ray Smith’s garden is the renowned smokeless table grill, which, as described by the gentlemen themselves, “heats up your knees and cooks at the same time.” It’s a dream come true for those with a discerning taste in both cuisine and furniture.

“What is that, is that a BBQ as well?”

“Yes it is Fletcher” says Ray.

“I love a barbie” says Fletcher, adding: “That’s a useful bit of plant then isn’t it – it heats up your knees and cooks at the same time. Ha, you got to show me how to get one of them.”

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“That heats up your knees and cooks at the same time ” The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie ©Universum Film

The Gentlemen: Where Whiskey and Glasses Steal the Show

It might seem that, in this movie, alcohol takes center stage, and it certainly enjoys its share of the spotlight. While some may fantasize about the £1500 single malt whiskey, our attention often gravitates toward the exquisite ashtrays and textured glasses.

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The gentleman movie whiskey.

To immerse yourself in the world of “The Gentlemen” or perhaps treat yourself to a touch of sophistication, consider investing in a set of classy glasses. They’ll undoubtedly make you feel like a true gentleman or a refined lady.

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Looks like a gentleman, but isn’t: drug lord Mickey Pearson is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie ©Universum Film

Although they might be gangsters during the day, in the evenings, these men find themselves in suits, holding tall glasses with metallic details, and speaking in posh accents in the evenings. If you liked the interior design in this movie, you might want to look into copper details on picture frames and hardware.

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The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie ©Universum Film

Small details and patterns give this movie set a feeling of luxury. The balance, the elegance,  and the small greek-like gold-rimmed wine glasses add just enough flair to make you believe these people are actually some big-time players.

The choice of going with “sleek rich” instead of “flashy rich” interior design choices made all the difference in setting the mood. The interior looks worthy of great, rich, dangerous gangsters who entered a phase in their lives where money is a luxury they don’t need to work for anymore.

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Jeremy Strong in The Gentlemen 2019

Jeremy Strong also made a fantastic appearance in the movie, but many believe he was outshined by the protagonist, Matthew McConaughey. He’s the perfect example of elegant brutality – the “smooth, yet ripped at every edge” type of look, right?

THE BEETLE AND THE BEAST

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Matthew McConaughey in The Gentlemen (2019). Guy Ritchie contrasts the smooth elegance of the characters with the deliberately stylish brutality of the action scenes. The “lion scene” was filmed at The Princess Victoria.

The movie interior often doesn’t provide symmetry but remains balanced using a subtle color palette enriched with metallic and textured details. These only add the finishing touches – they don’t take away the attention you give to the space.

If you ever find yourself in London, you should visit Princess Victoria, a former gin palace, which is now a public house and a hotel – this is where “the lion scene” was filmed.

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The Gentlemen (2019) by Guy Ritchie. The “lion scene” was filmed at The Princess Victoria.

Some of the most interesting set pieces include old-looking pictures with strange motives. Most of them could easily find a place in a very old anatomy book or a zoology manual. 

The famous beetle picture fascinated many – it’s simple, strange, eye-catching, and still looks luxurious thanks to the simple design and the beautiful frame.

Bottom Line

The set decorators Sarah Whittle and Neil Floyd faithfully portray the crime-infested yet tasteful world of Mickey Pearson, an American expatriate who singlehandedly holds the London marijuana empire. While collaborating with the production designer Gemma Jackson, the duo focused on classy and simple luxury instead of flashy furniture and maximalist accessories.

Ray Smith’s apartment, which we explored at the beginning of this article, isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s a character in itself. Intriguing cabinet hardware, metallic dishes, and impeccably crafted wooden furniture draw viewers’ attention and enhance the movie’s ambiance.

The interior design choices in Ray Smith’s apartment effectively capture the essence of the film—a world of luxury, masculinity, and attention to detail. As viewers step into this meticulously designed living space, they can’t help but be drawn into the world of “The Gentlemen,” where every detail plays a crucial role in advancing the narrative.

After all, we’re talking about some serious gentlemen here.

For the ‘Gentlemen’ series currently streaming on Netflix, please refer to the article: The Gentlemen’s Netflix Outfits: Old-Money Aristocrats Meet Modern World Gangsters

MOVIE:The Gentlemen
DIRECTED BY:Guy Richie