Channel ‘The Hunger Games’ with These Expert-Approved Dystopian Design Tips

Series prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes just hit theaters—here’s how to achieve that rebellious feel in your home, from daring furniture to rugged textures.

Though "elegant" probably isn't the first word that comes to mind when you think of The Hunger Games, the film's aesthetic is packed with futuristic, fantastical architecture and interior design inspiration. And now, thanks to The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel set 64 years before Katniss volunteers as tribute, you have a whole new look into the distinctive, industrial design style from the franchise.

Following the origin story of Coriolanus Snow, the despotic leader of Panem, the new film—which premiered November 17—promises danger, drama, and an alternate universe to look toward for inspiration.

Whether you're immersed in The Hunger Games world as an adult or looking to lean into some teenage nostalgia, there's a lot to take from the dystopian series' set design. From daring furniture to rugged textures, your home could soon be transformed into Panem (but a more peaceful version, we hope).

The Songbirds & Snakes set design overlaps with brutalism, the trending architectural style that features strong, striking design choices. Noha Hassan, principal designer of New York-based Noha Hassan Designs, argues you can find a lot of overlap between the high-stakes world of Katniss Everdeen and this architecture type.

“Both embrace a dystopian aesthetic, featuring raw and utilitarian elements,” Hassan says. “The use of industrial materials, muted color palettes, and a focus on functionality is a common thread. They share a bold, unapologetic approach to design that makes a powerful statement.”

Related: Farmhouse Is Out, Brutalism Is In: Predictions from Zillow's 2024 Trend Report

How to Channel ‘The Hunger Games’ in Your Home

Design highlights from the new film blend futuristic elements and historical architecture. While you may find a number of locations in the film that inspire you, capturing the nuance of the look can prove to be a challenge.

Start with Simple and Structural

“The design inspiration from The Hunger Games evokes a bold, robust, and resilient style,” says Noha. "Translating these elements into interior spaces involves incorporating simple and functional architectural lines, utilizing raw industrial materials like exposed concrete or plaster and complementing them with bold clean-lined furnishings in a muted color palette.”

The key to mastering this futuristic design style in your own space is sticking with clean lines and contemporary architecture—you don't want to lean too far into dystopia.

Alexandra Denberg, principal interior designer of New York-based M&P Design Group, says pairing larger structural elements like furniture and artwork with smaller pops of color and life provide the perfect balance of drama and ease.

Related: What Is Minimalist Design? Learn the Secrets of the Simple Style

“Too much of one stylistic detail can become overwhelming and gimmicky, so stick with a good rule of thumb,” she explains. “Make your foundation pieces—aka large furniture items that will not be updated frequently, like tables, sofas, and storage pieces—simple and structural.”

Hassan adds that textures you can go with exposed brick or stone to create a contemporary, bold look that emulates The Hunger Games. Including minimalist furniture designs and geometric elements takes this one step further.

Related: This Contemporary Mountain Home Still Feels Delightfully Rustic

Choose Natural Materials

Dystopian interiors often rely on natural, unfinished elements—an accessible way to bring a touch of fantasy (more specifically, the woods of District 12) into your own home. Set in the future, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes also makes use of elevated materials like marble within expansive, expensive settings. Denberg suggests countering futuristic, modern architecture and furniture with softer, more welcoming materials.

“If you’re dealing with futuristic-modern architecture, note that these forms tend to be void of intricacies and detail,” she says. “Design your spaces in opposition to this concept by utilizing curved furniture, supple textiles like velvets, mohair, and wools, and organic materials like veined stones, warm woods, and clays. Adding organic warmth back into the environment enhances both the architecture as well as the pieces inside.”

Hassan adds that stone, metals, woods, and other more hardy natural materials can make any space feel like Panem. Try out elements of fur, mohair, and cashmere in minimalistic tones for that extra bit of coziness, she says.

“They all promote modernity, timelessness and resonate strength,” she says. “Bolder futuristic pieces usually combine these materials. Personally, I find a captivating synergy in incorporating furniture pieces which pair metals with striking stones that exhibit incredible movement.”

Related: How to Mix Metals in Your Home

Opt for Edgy Lighting

A classic set design principle used to give dystopian films their eerie overtone comes from dim, moody lighting—think concealed lighting strips, metallic fixtures, and color palettes reminiscent of halogen-lit streets. Bring this dramatic blend of light into your own home by mix-and-matching overhead fixtures, lamps, and task lighting—an atmospheric glow will take your dystopian decor to new heights.

“Elevate your space with edgy lighting to add vibe and also serve as a statement functional art,” Hassan says.

Pick Your Places

While your entire home could probably benefit from a touch of the fantastical world of Songbirds & Snakes, you’ll find that spaces like a home office or TV room are ideal for embracing brutalist design. Hassan says going extra bold with the decor in these rooms gives them personalities of their own.

"These rooms allow for a more immersive and bold aesthetic without compromising the overall comfort and coziness of the home,” she says. “When the foundational design of these spaces flows well with the rest of the home, they can serve as dynamic environments that stimulate the senses and introduce edgier and more daring elements.”

Integrate Dystopian Choices with Other Design Styles

When balancing your personal taste with contemporary design trends, choose pieces that show off your interests while putting your personal preferences at the forefront—this keeps your home feeling down to earth and interesting.

And comfort always comes first when it comes to choosing your interior's style. Hassan suggests implementing light, cozy elements along with any brutalist or futuristic influences to make your fantasy-inspired space still feel like home.

“Remember a set design is not a home,” she says. “It’s meant to inspire and transport you for a few hours. A home has to be comfortable and livable. Layer with softer elements like plush furniture, warm textiles, and natural materials to counterbalance the rawness.”

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