When it comes to relaxing this summer, I’ve been watching a LOT of ’80s movies, and last week was all about Top Gun. This 1986 film directed by Tony Scott features one-liners like “I feel the need…the need for speed!” But today the focus is on slowing down and chilling out from the comfort of a retro-style patio. Yes, this entire blog post is devoted to the patio scene from Top Gun. But before you jump ship (or aircraft carrier), rest assured I’ve traded in the pink tablecloth and cushions for a sleeker take on ’80s patio style. So grab some white wine and your favorite white shirt, because it’s time to lounge…
Before we get started, feel free to revel in the longing looks, smoldering style and tropical flair that is the Top Gun patio scene:
White Lattice and Tropical Plants
There’s a crazy amount of white lattice in this film. Apparently every patio in the vicinity of the elite Top Gun academy is surrounded by white lattice. And don’t get me started on the abundance of white lattice during the film’s graduation scene. The set designers must have loaded up a few U-hauls with lattice and gone to town. But they got it right! After all, can you imagine a more perfect backdrop for dappled sunlight and the first blush of love?
Throw in some tropical plants and flowing white curtains, and we’re one step shy of an early ’80s music video. But that’s kind of the point:
Breezy Cushions and Fresh Flowers
Maverick (Tom Cruise) woos his instructor Charlie Blackwood (Kelly McGillis), and while he may be reckless in the air, he’s tender on the patio. I can’t believe I just typed that. Shall we take a look at the furniture and woven cushions? Is it weird that I just typed THAT?…
Clearly wicker and Pepto Bismol pink have fallen out of favor since 1986, and while carnations are making a comeback, you might want to swap them out for something a bit more tropical should you attempt to get the look at home. And speaking of…
Get the Look
Even with the prevalence of pink and “1-800-flowers” arrangements, the patio in the screen shots above exudes summer style. Try swapping out the wicker seating for a more streamlined piece, and you can even sub in some teal and ocean blue for the rosy tones to get a more updated look. Check it out:
IMAGE SOURCES:
1st Row: white lattice from Lowe’s, ombre pillow from Target
2nd Row: white rattan sofa via Alibaba.com, artificial rubber tree from Riverside
3rd Row: potted parlor palm from IKEA, woven striped pillow from Target, white flowing fabric image via Polyvore
4th Row: faux calla lily arrangement from Target, woven striped pillow from Target
Bonus points if you have a pet parrot and you serve chilled white wine! Longing looks are optional. There’s just something timeless about this breezy style, isn’t there?! Happy Summer! XOXO, Kate
… best Movie ever ….. 🙂
We went to Paramount Studios last month and visited the site where the patio scene was filmed….It’s actually not at the house used in the film but on the lot! The scene was added after audience previews showed that people were having trouble buying the relationship….The actual location of Kelly’s “patio” is behind a small medical building on the lot – and it is quite shocking how small it is! The lattice is still there after all these years!