What was initially just supposed to be a French-style renovation for the homeowners’ existing property turned into a complete structural rebuild when the home was destroyed by a fire weeks before the move-in.

The Up Studio was brought in to spearhead the rebuilding process, and they came up with the idea to “use their property, which was lush with landscaping, to engage the architecture,” says architect Winberry to Dwell.

“The core idea was to rotate the back of the home ninety degrees, designing the main living spaces around an L-shaped corner,” he adds. “The change gave us an opportunity to follow the path of the sun, allowing it to interact with the interior.”

Don't miss: 6 tips for creating a living room inspired by nature

The L-shaped corner in the rear of the home afforded the many primary spaces a panoramic view of the patio and pool in the backyard, as well as beyond that, the dense surrounding of mature oak and maple trees and the natural light pouring in.

Enhancing the unobstructed lush greenery and light were wall windows from Marvin, creating an active back-and-forth between the interior and exterior, a design concept which Ramirez comments “is shown beautifully in the film. In a single shot, [Julia] Roberts’ character first enters the house and gives herself a tour. Bathed in natural light the entire time, the camera follows her throughout as she takes in the views.”

Read more: Home tour: A Singapore house with amazing picture windows and green views

With Mother Nature already doing the heavy lifting, The Up Studio had only to decorate the interior sparsely to accentuate and harmonise with the verdant backdrop. 

Contrasting with the traditionally-influenced white facade at the front of the house was the primary visual element upon entering the home: a double-height volume custom stair of thin black metal frame and rails, which “allowed us to focus everyone to the outdoors,” explains Winberry.

Don't miss: 5 post-pandemic interior design trends to look out for

The interior’s modern design sensibility—black metal hardware and clean white walls, set against marble countertops, and light wooden accents for the flooring and furnishing—provided “a clean slate,” notes Anastasia White, the film’s production designer, to Curbed. “It’s not a cosy house, but you don’t expect things will go wrong when you step into that place.”

Read more: Snap up Kendall Roy’s ‘Succession’ penthouse in New York for US$29 million

In a way, The Open Corner creates a false sense of security for the Sanfords (Roberts and Hawke) and Scotts (Mahershala Ali and Myha’la) in the film as the world falls apart around them.

“In the last few years, it has become obvious to all of us how valuable a safe, comfortable, and functional home is in times of tragedy,” reflects Ramirez. “While the film depicts the home as a refuge from chaos, it’s also a place to bring people together and to unite friends and families.”

NOW READ

Home tour: A Kuala Lumpur house designed to create an intimate relationship with the forest

1stDibs reveals the most important interior design trends for 2024

Explore this stylish nature retreat in a Malaysian rainforest