"LYNCH/OZ, (aka LYNCH OZ)," 2022.
Photo: Everett Collection
7 Iconic Design Moments from David Lynch’s Illustrious Career
From an installation at Salone del Mobile to memorable filming locations in Twin Peaks.
David Lynch. Photo: Courtesy of the David Lynch Foundation
Celebrated filmmaker and artist David Lynch died this week, at age 78. His storied career included many notable films and shows including Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive, and he had his work on display at Fondation Cartier in Paris, Salone del Mobile in Milan, the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, among other sites.
Below, find some of his most iconic design moments, including various art exhibits and television and film sets:
“Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room” Photo: Courtesy of Salone del Mobile (2024)
“Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room” Photo: Courtesy of Salone del Mobile (2024)
1. “Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room” Installation at Salone del Mobile | Milan, Italy (2024)
At last year’s Salone del Mobile, Lynch presented two identical mirrored rooms, deemed the “thinking rooms.” Lombardini22, a Milan-based architecture and engineering group, designed the masterplan for “the positioning and the architectural footprint of the curved perimeter” which led to the creation of these rooms. Additionally, the Piccolo Teatro di Milano – Teatro d’Europa oversaw both the executive design and staging of this installation.
Still from scene at diner in Twin Peaks (1990). Photo: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy
2. The Double R Diner | Twin Peaks (1990)
The Double R Diner from Twin Peaks (1990) is a true retro diner: it has circular barstool seats made of chrome and red leather, checkered flooring, wood paneling, and a neon sign outside. Best of all, the diner exists in real life, as the Twede’s Cafe in North Bend, Washington.
Still from Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me (1992). Photo: Mary Evans/Everett Collection
3. The Red Room | Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
Part of the iconic Black Lodge, the Red Room from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) is known for its brown-and-white chevron flooring and blood-red drapes. Other design elements include a Venus de’ Medici statue—which depicts the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite—a World’s Fair Saturn Lamp, and a pair of Art Deco armchairs.
Hands Up, Cowboy! 2020 by David Lynch. Photo: David Lynch. Courtesy of Pace Gallery
White Table Top Lamp, 2022. Photo: David Lynch. Courtesy of Pace Gallery
4. “David Lynch: Big Bongo Night” Exhibit at Pace Gallery | New York (2022)
For Lynch’s first and only exhibit with the Pace Gallery in New York, circa 2022, a selection of paintings, mixed media sculptures, and a work on paper were displayed. One standout piece was the Tricolor Highrise Lamp, a Mondrian-esque piece made of cold-rolled steel and resin. To browse images of featured works from the show, see the Pace Gallery’s website.
Still from Dune, (1984). Photo: Universal/Everett Collection
5. Paul Atreides’ Arrival on Arrakis | Dune (1984)
When Paul Atreides, played by Kyle MacLachlan, arrives on the fictional desert planet of Arrakis in Dune (1984), an Art Deco-inspired archway takes centerstage. Complete with a geometric assortment of blue and gold mosaic tiles, the grand entrance establishes the importance of Atreides.
Lynch's work from "The Air is on Fire" Exhibit. Photo: David Lynch. Courtesy of Fondation Cartier.
6. “The Air is on Fire” Exhibit (2007) at Fondation Cartier | Paris, France
Fondation Cartier’s 2007 exhibit, The Air is on Fire, included a room installation based on a drawing of Lynch’s; the drawing was made using pencil, pen, and felt pen on paper. The space boasts a plethora of patterns in the form of red-and-black carpeting, a golden-yellow ceiling, et al; all of which are clad in geometric imagery.
Still from The Elephant Man (1980). Photo: Paramount/Everett Collection
7. Liverpool Street Station | The Elephant Man (1980)
In a scene from The Elephant Man (1980), John Hurt’s character John Merrick is seen descending the stairs of Liverpool Street Station, a predominantly Gothic-style train station. It opened in 1874 and was designed by architect Edward Wilson.
Cover: "LYNCH/OZ, (aka LYNCH OZ)," 2022.
Photo: Everett Collection
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