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February 16th, 2010
living in: labyrinth



Without a doubt, Labyrinth is the one movie that I’ve spent the most cumulative amount of time dreaming about living in. As a little girl I would spend hours running up and down my driveway trying to get to the center of the labyrinth. Some childhood favorites don’t really stand the test of time (The Mighty Ducks, anyone?) but Labyrinth has me spellbound still.

topiary in urn $249, antique gargoyle door knocker $265, matthew williamson peasant blouse $1050, tree trunk bird bath $174.50, double wrap belt $64, red lipstick $19.50, mosaic bracelet $12.95, steiff teddy bear $42, brass key ring $18.




My family had 3 VHS tapes growing up and no cable tv, so the Labyrinth and David Bowie were pretty much my only escape from countrified life. I was desperate to be Sarah, with her pseudo-80’s renaissance poet blouse, leather loafers and a following of adorable boys. And to this day, I’ve seen nothing quite as mesmerizing and slightly terrifying as David Bowie in tights. Thank you for that, Jim Henson. -amy m.

antique stone lamp $179, crystal ball $37+, french chandelier $249, green quartz obelisk $99, venetian mask $6, owl decoy $15, pearl bracelet $55, leather loafers $30, iron crown $44, red leather date book $29, vanessa bruno cotton tunic $475.

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111 comments
amy said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:05 pm

ahhh! my favorite movie growing up too.

Amanda said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:08 pm

The Living In themed posts are always my favorite! I didn’t think I wanted a Labyrinth themed room. I was very wrong.

February 16th, 2010 - 1:09 pm

What a fab selection of items you’ve found to match the film! I’d love the topiary in the urn.

tmoore said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:09 pm

I cannot even begin to explain my love for this film. I finally got my hands on the soundtrack a couple years ago and I play it LOUD, but only every once in a while, so that it doesn’t lose its magic:)

“…nothing quite as mesmerizing and slightly terrifying as David Bowie in tights.”

Spot on, Amy!

christa said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:26 pm

I LOVE this movie, but it is a bit creepy! Especially David Bowie’s pants!

Lauryn said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:31 pm

This is one of my all time favorite movies, I love the soundtrack too (over 200 plays according to itunes). And that tunic is lovely, I need something like that.

Colleen said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:37 pm

LOVED this moving growing up…I recently added it to my movie queue and the inspiration you provided is beautiful!

-Colleen

christina said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:37 pm

yes! labyrinth is one of my all time favorite childhood movies. so fantastic, and great finds!

CassiMO said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:37 pm

This is my all-time favorite movie, still today. I, too, spent my childhood running like Sarah through the labyrinth, dodging imaginary branches sticking out of imaginary walls, with the adventurous-heart-racing 80s music playing in my head. I’ve even turned my little sisters and their friends who were born in the nineties on to this movie…The soundtrack is currently in my CD player of my truck. I love David Bowie, and named my two dogs after him (Bowie and Ziggy). I really enjoy these “living in…” posts, so please keep ‘em comin’! :)

February 16th, 2010 - 1:44 pm

I LOVE THAT MOVIE!!! The cinematography is beautiful and the sets are so dreamy …. i was going to blog about it someday —- maybe i still will. :)

Teri said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:47 pm

You know… I’ve never seen “Labyrinth”. Guess I’ll have to try to find a way to do so!

Danielle said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:47 pm

Love this! But I will have “Power of the Babe” in my head for the rest of the day… “the power of the voodoo. who do? you do. do what?…”

Haley said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:50 pm

Oh thank you! This is my all time favorite movie (“I have fought my way here to the castle, beyond the goblin city…”) I look at this website every day, but have never written in before now. I love these “Living In” posts – keep it up!
P.S. My bff Dina and I refer to the Bowie/pants situation as “The Distraction.”

February 16th, 2010 - 1:53 pm

Oh, this is so cool. I JUST saw this movie for the very first time on Valentine’s Day becasue my husband liked it as a kid, and — well — I’d never seen it. Plus, big Bowie fan right here.

Anyway — LOVE that tunic!

Susan Gist Taylor said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:54 pm

I remember going to the old theatre downtown and watching Labyrinth when it was released! Then i had the VHS tape & then the DVD & CD soundtrack. All have been worn smooth out. “As the World Falls Down” is probably my most favorite song ever, gorgeous music, gorgeous singer, tho those tights “were” a bit scary. ^_^ I always wanted to be able to juggle a crystal ball like that!

Nicole said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:54 pm

I loved watching Labyrinth when I was growing up! My brother and I can still quote that movie as if we had just seen it yesterday. I really need to get my husband to watch it with me. He’s never seen it!

BTW, you’ve chosen the perfect items to go along with the movie!

Robin said:
February 16th, 2010 - 1:55 pm

Oh man. Love this movie. I had SO assumed you’d include a Harry Allen hand hook in the product list.

(http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/grab-hook-c-702-p-1-pr-17072.html)

February 16th, 2010 - 1:59 pm

YES, Labyrinth!!!

tricia said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:00 pm

guess what just went in my netflix queue?

Raquel said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:11 pm

Thanks so much for this!

Lindsey said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:11 pm

wonderful picks, and from one of my all-time favorite movies!

Stacy said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:18 pm

It was such a pleasant surprise to see this “Living In” post. I had a similar situation as you in the sense that my father refused to rent movies from anywhere other than the public library while we were growing up. The selection in my town was pretty limited, so I imagine I saw Labyrinth and Ghoulies about 500 times each. I do NOT, however, recommend Ghoulies as a future “Living In” subject…

Carrie S. said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:18 pm

ALL-TIME FAVORITE. I love this movie, and I LOVE this living in!

Allison said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:29 pm

I love it!

This movie is so awesome. I never saw it as a kid but when my boyfriend played it for me last year I was mesmerized.

He had no idea it would lead to me making him dress as Ludo for halloween.

February 16th, 2010 - 2:39 pm

yes, same. my brother and i watched it all the time. I so wanted to be sarah.

Taylor B. said:
February 16th, 2010 - 2:48 pm

My husband loves this movie.

Kelsey said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:11 pm

I love your Living ins! but I have a request if you’ll take it. Over the Valentines Day weekend I watch Pretty Woman and I couldn’t help but think how great it would be in one of your Living in posts! something to consider!!

Lindsay said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:18 pm

LOVE IT! My favourite movie (along with Gremlins and Goonies). I was just watching the David Bowie video last week.

February 16th, 2010 - 3:21 pm

Awesome! I absolutely love the Labyrinth. For some reason it’s one of those movies I love spending a Sunday afternoon watching. Great finds too!

Taylor said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:25 pm

I have never been so excited to see a “living in” !! Favorite all time movie ever!

Amanda said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:34 pm

I love the Labyrinth! My 9 year old son pulled it out the other day and started watching it, it’s now his fav movie too. When I was 14 I wanted to marry David Bowie :) I love the mosaic bracelet and topiary urn.

Charlotte said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:36 pm

OMG Labyrinth scared me soooo much as a child! It still kind of gives me the heebies, and I have no idea why! that and The Never Ending Story (*shiver*)

Rachel B. said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:38 pm

LOL about David Bowie in tights. Too true! You remind me of the babe. The babe with the power. The power of what? To make totally awesome inspiration boards. Loving the iron crown. Gonna have to get one of those!

Joanna said:
February 16th, 2010 - 3:51 pm

Honestly, Labyrinth scarred me for life.

Jami said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:24 pm

My favorite movie EVER, next to Edward Scossorhands:) I still have my own collections of things i acquired so that I could feel like Sarah. Sometines I still wear my billowy blouse and vest. Love it:)

Jane said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:29 pm

Some ideas for “living in”
-I capture the castle-book written by Dodie Smith. Fav. with the brits.

More on the Brit theme: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Classic sweater set and Maggie Smith is unbelieveable!

Sasha K. said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:31 pm

I loved that movie! Especially David Bowie in all those tight pants. haha

kate so said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:32 pm

Love.

There were all these funny parts that my friend and I would rewind over and over again. Like when Hoggle jumps out of huge robot towards the end of the movie. It kills me to this day.

Thanks for the fond memories.

Bonnie said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:35 pm

I watched this film again after I had my first child and I freaked out over baby Toby being kidnapped. I tell ya having children changes one’s perspective.

Luckily David Bowie was just and hot as I remembered!

I’ll admit it. I have a crush on David Bowie especially in this movie. (Fanning my self while typing) It just seems a little weird to get butterflies over a character in “semi-drag” but it can’t be helped David Bowie is just that good!

February 16th, 2010 - 4:48 pm

BEST movie EVER!!! i always said and still to this day, “forget about the baby…” chills!

risti said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:50 pm

Favorite childhood movie, ever. And still a favorite. When you think about it, it’s such a wonderfully dark, creative movie- perfect for active little imaginations. Thanks for the post!

pam said:
February 16th, 2010 - 4:53 pm

“And to this day, I’ve seen nothing quite as mesmerizing and slightly terrifying as David Bowie in tights. ”

I actually laughed out loud at this. So true.

February 16th, 2010 - 4:59 pm

What a movie! I just introduced my 5 year old niece to it last year and she’s HOOKED! Great finds for sure :)

cara said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:12 pm

amy merrick! you are my favorite! this is my all time favorite movie. you have the best taste. i get really excited every time you post a living in. because it’s right up my alley.

debbie said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:12 pm

Wow!! this is my all time favourite film. i love the fuzzy little blue worm. I wish I lived in labyrinth…

February 16th, 2010 - 5:19 pm

Ah – I remember loving the combination of the romantic old-fashioned blouse with the modern denim jeans! I LOVED that movie! And I totally agree with Pam! LOL!

Alli said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:27 pm

Yes!! After yesterday’s clue, I was really hoping for a Labyrinth post! Fantastic finds – thanks for sharing!

marie said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:28 pm

I can’t believe that you are doing something on this movie! I WAS OBSESSED WITH THIS MOVIE!

I would beg my parents to rent that movie every time we went to the rental store!

Thanks for reminding me!
xo
M

PoMo said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:42 pm

you remind me of the babe…

Jill said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:51 pm

thank god there are others out there like me! favorite movie. can you dig that groovy feelin??

February 16th, 2010 - 5:52 pm

… what babe? the babe with the power. what power? the power of voodoo … had to stop myself because i could literally recite every last word!

this movie formed my entire childhood, along with the last unicorn, of course.

oh, king jareth … you can keep me as your queen any time! ;)

Eloise said:
February 16th, 2010 - 5:58 pm

Ok, I love this post! The living inspirations are great and it is very true that the movie doesn’t get old, even as a grown up I still enjoy watching this movie and laughing at David Bowie in his tights. It’s magical!

Alli said:
February 16th, 2010 - 6:11 pm

The Blockbuster by our house would hold this on Friday nights for my sister and I growing up, I’m sure my parents got tired of it!

Still trying to convince the BF to be King Jareth and I’ll be Sarah for Halloween…this is the year, I can feel it!

denise said:
February 16th, 2010 - 6:33 pm

I’m so happy to find out that I’m not the only one who loves this movie! I can honestly say I’ve seen it more times than any other film.

Great picks for living in, although you might have considered a pair of grey tights, just because ;)

Thanks d*sponge, you’ve united some serious labyrinth/bowie fans!!

Skooks said:
February 16th, 2010 - 6:40 pm

One of my favorites growing up and still up towards the top of the list now that I’m an adult. Love your finds.

Meghan said:
February 16th, 2010 - 6:47 pm

I used to LOVE this movie as a kid, but I saw it recently and it really doesn’t hold up. I’m a huge Bowie fan, so it’s hard to say that. I think they should remake it with Jack Black as the Goblin King and Spencer Krug should do the soundtrack. Go ahead and call me a blasphemer, but I think it would be hilarious.

February 16th, 2010 - 7:21 pm

This post made my night! I actually yelped when I saw it!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Renee said:
February 16th, 2010 - 7:30 pm

Is it awful that my favorite Bowie tunes are on this soundtrack?

My friends and I even have a (much neglected) Facebook group, “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned from Labyrinth.”

You remind me of the babe…

Maggie said:
February 16th, 2010 - 7:57 pm

I absolutely LOVE this movie. Thanks for putting a smile on my face!

WMCF said:
February 16th, 2010 - 8:17 pm

Bowie’s hair/eyebrow combo made this movie for me. Amazing film.

Nicole said:
February 16th, 2010 - 8:52 pm

My cousin and I just watched this on Saturday night, I’d never seen it before. Yes Bowie is scary in tights! The dramatic lighting did nothing to help! But Henson’s puppetry is outstanding. Keep up the awesome work on these posts.

nileey said:
February 16th, 2010 - 9:02 pm

Wow, I didn’t realised so many ppl love this movie while growing up! I wanted to be Sarah too when I was a kid, I have the OST and DVD…lol….didn’t realised abt David Bowie’s tights though, let me watch it again ;D

Magda said:
February 16th, 2010 - 9:09 pm

What – nothing from the masque? No ballgown? No glitter? No ribbon/tinsel headpiece?

February 16th, 2010 - 10:00 pm

I totally wrote a research paper for a fantasy lit class about this movie. I ADORE the movie, but you can only write so many pages before you descend into fart bogs and David Bowie’s man region. Oh, lovely. (Great post by the way. Love love it.)

February 16th, 2010 - 10:18 pm

Very cool themed post! You finds are spot on. Now we just need to find somewhere that does the Bowie shag!

sonya kemp said:
February 16th, 2010 - 10:39 pm

Wonderful, chilling movie, all time fav growing up. So surprised by the Labrynths following. People who love magical (albeit creepy) movies and good design! “What kind of magic spell to use!”

February 16th, 2010 - 11:25 pm

I can’t believe you posted about this movie before I did, you genius you. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen it. In fact, I used to run around my backyard reciting Sarah’s speech. “I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City …”

ladylala said:
February 17th, 2010 - 1:03 am

this has been my favorite movie for over 20 years, and i dearly appreciate the nod! i move into my new home today, and i can’t wait to use this for inspiration.

Annika said:
February 17th, 2010 - 2:00 am

I officially love you! Would give my right arm for those clothes to be more affordable.

ps. I watched Bright Star per your recommendation….I cried…Thanks alot!

kim said:
February 17th, 2010 - 2:09 am

I had never seen labyrinth until last summer. The thights are very eh, omnipresent, so much that I was surprised it was a kid’s movie, they probably couldn’t get away with that nowadays. But actually I don’t think kids would even notice/care about that.
Now my favourite movie growing up was the goonies!! (With Indiana Jones & the temple of doom as a close second)

Nina said:
February 17th, 2010 - 3:13 am

My favorite movie… EVER! =)

Rouenna said:
February 17th, 2010 - 3:23 am

Oh, my favorite movie of all time! After all these years, Sarah’s words keep floating in my head like an echo, “You have no power over me.”

Kelly said:
February 17th, 2010 - 3:41 am

Thanks so much for this Living In – mark me as another childhood (teenhood?) Labyrinth fan!

Sarj said:
February 17th, 2010 - 3:56 am

Oh I loved this movie too! Since we share the same name, I especially wanted to be Sarah, but I wanted to end up marrying David Bowie… Perhaps not to live with the goblins though…

Daivd Bowie in tights… Somewhere between captivating and creepy, but constantly moving so you can never pin him down!

The creatures that ripped their heads off scared me though… freaky little things.

Great post! Absolutely loved it :-)

February 17th, 2010 - 4:10 am

I thought I was the only one that watched that movie a million times when I was young.
TO go with your post…gotta listen to create the full memory.
http://tinyurl.com/ybguo7c

Lara said:
February 17th, 2010 - 4:33 am

Ah, my favourite! Can you do The Goonies next?! x

lucy said:
February 17th, 2010 - 5:26 am

Smack that baby, make him scream!

hoggle said:
February 17th, 2010 - 8:30 am

oh wow! I watched a lot of fantasy films as a kid, but whilst ‘the Dark Crystal’ and ‘Legend’ were too scary to want to live in, I really, really, wanted to be Sarah with her cool floaty white shirt and ‘oooh…plastic!’ jewellery. I don’t have the shirt but I do have a couple of Brian Froud prints of goblins, but then I am a huge dork! I love ‘living in’ as a feature by the way, so much fun.

Elizabeth said:
February 17th, 2010 - 9:01 am

I had forgotten all about this movie until now! I was always slightly creeped out by it, but mesmerized nonetheless.

ChantaleP said:
February 17th, 2010 - 9:20 am

One of my all time fave movies.. with Jennifer Connelly. I *still* love the hair and clothes in this movie. lol. Blast from the past… this was awesome!

sara said:
February 17th, 2010 - 9:41 am

dance magic dance y’all. wish you’d included a flotaki rug in honor of bowie’s hair!

Kelly said:
February 17th, 2010 - 9:43 am

Always wanted to be Sarah from the Labyrinth or Lydia from Beetlejuice. I actually signed up for a jewelry class at a local art gallery to make myself a copy of Jareth’s horn pendant. The teacher had never seen the movie and probably thought I was nuts. It turned out great but there was probably a cheaper easier way of making one out of clay or wood. Any chance of a labyrinth inspired DYI?

Hanna said:
February 17th, 2010 - 10:19 am

I LOVE this movie! Favorite movie growing up. I am also the proud owner of the soundtrack and DVD. Love me some David Bowie in tights!

Elle said:
February 17th, 2010 - 10:19 am

Oh I looooove this! I especially love the tunic and the owl, so to the point!

Im going home to watch this movie tonight!

February 17th, 2010 - 11:00 am

I’m sure this concurs with many other comments, but OH! one of my fav movies! And what I find quite clever about this “Living In” is that Jennifer Connelly’s character already knows the joy and fun of “living in” !!!

kp said:
February 17th, 2010 - 11:51 am

So funny, I got this in the mail by accident just last week. I meant to get Pan’s Labyrinth! David Bowie was the best part.

February 17th, 2010 - 12:42 pm

Amy, this made me smile soooooo big! Thanks!!

pleasesir said:
February 17th, 2010 - 12:45 pm

One of my all time favorite movies – YES!

Kat. said:
February 17th, 2010 - 12:46 pm

Oh, this is too fabulous! I loved this movie & the picks are great. The doorknocker is my favorite. Thanks so much for perk-me-up in my day. -Kat.

Lauren said:
February 17th, 2010 - 1:44 pm

This was my absolute favorite movie as a kid and as an adult. I actually dressed as David Bowie in the tights for Halloween. Great picks and thanks for making me smile :)

Lauren D said:
February 17th, 2010 - 1:57 pm

Still as an adult I watch that movie and find my creative spark renewed thanks for finding wonderful current designers to take me back to that fantasy land!

kristen said:
February 17th, 2010 - 2:15 pm

OMG one of my fav movies of all time!! Love it

taba said:
February 17th, 2010 - 3:53 pm

why i’ve been following d*s for years! always get a smile after a visit. thank you.

Cassie said:
February 17th, 2010 - 4:23 pm

This has to be the best Living In ever. I’d be tempted to drop an insane amount of money achieving this.

Jamie said:
February 17th, 2010 - 6:52 pm

OMG to infinity! this is *still* my favorite movie of all time and my BFF and I still quote it…love love love this post!

Naomi said:
February 17th, 2010 - 8:09 pm

The best way to feel like you’re “in” the movie is to learn contact juggling! (the thing with the crystal balls) It really is fun!

The most interesting thing about the contact juggling though is that it’s not actually Bowie doing it, it’s a master juggler doing it behind David Bowie blind!

Also great drinking game:
everytime you see David Bowie’s…ahem…package, you take a shot/swig.

And may I ask…where are the candy cane one-piece jammies or the 13 hour wall clock?!

So much fun!

February 17th, 2010 - 8:30 pm

One of the few movies I actually own!! I love the costumes and set design, wild homage to Escher in the weird seen where Toby Froud is crawling around on the stairs…

To this day I am still a fan of Brian and Wendy Froud, and baby Toby from the film is all growed up and creating magical worlds of his own now too!!

Kristen said:
February 17th, 2010 - 8:32 pm

One of my absolute favorite movies ever! Absolutely delighted by this, you did a great job!

However… I have to think that you’re missing a couple of things. Specifically some scaly green gardening gloves (every person could use a helping hand) or maybe a stuffed bird hat (it’s so stimulating being your hat!). :D

February 17th, 2010 - 10:58 pm

Ah, I haven’t thought about this movie in ages! I loved it growing up – dang I’m feeling old now. Thanks for the collection of images.

Stephanie Press said:
February 18th, 2010 - 2:26 am

This would make a great idea for a themed party. I know so many people (both guys and gals) that love this movie.

I still do!

Dianne said:
February 18th, 2010 - 3:38 am

I literally squealed when I saw this Live In post! I’ve been looking to design*sponge for inspiration for a while now, but this is the first post for me. I’ve loved this movie ever since I was a child and I’m so glad others love it as much as I do. Thanks for the inspiration and fond flashback memories!

PS: I also loved the Dark Crystal and Neverending Story :)

Jessica said:
February 18th, 2010 - 7:11 am

Brilliant! One of my favourite films growing up..and…now :) I think everyone wanted to be Sarah a little bit. And definitely agree on the David Bowie thing. ‘your eyes can be so cruel, just as i can be so cruuuueeeeel’ ;)

Nicola said:
February 18th, 2010 - 10:49 am

My husband and I just introduced that movie to our kids the other day. How funny! I liked that movie too. My kids are now quoting the voodoo quote.

Ginny said:
February 18th, 2010 - 11:16 am

I adore this movie! I have seen it so many times, definitely a favorite!

Anna said:
February 18th, 2010 - 4:47 pm

Oh My! I never realized there were so many Labyrinth fans! This is my all time favorite movie…EVER!!! I loved the ballroom scene with all those people dressed up in their fancy hair, ball attire and crazy masks. I so wanted to be Sarah in that scene! There’s something to be said about a hidden yet attractive desperation…

Ahh, David…you are the only man I know who could ever look good in those tights and makeup…mmm…dreaming…

February 18th, 2010 - 6:14 pm

This movie inspired me. It is my favorite of all time. My sister and I used to recite the whole movie in long car rides. I used to draw those crazy upsidedown stair cases all the time. I’m still inspired to this day and you can see it echoed in my work. It’s crazy. I also pulled some inspiration from Labyrinth for our own wedding and my wedding day hair. When my hubby and I first met… I knew he was a keeper when he could finish my Labyrinth quotes. :P

Vânia said:
February 18th, 2010 - 8:49 pm

O.M.G!
Love, love, love.
My favorite movie when I was a child!

Cassie said:
February 18th, 2010 - 8:58 pm

Only my favorite movie of all time! I know it word for word and quote it constantly. Love Bowie. Love Jennifer. Dated the singer of a band called “Ludo.” Yup.

currystrumpet said:
February 21st, 2010 - 12:53 am

OMG!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! I too desperately wanted to be Sarah. Long hair, billowy white shirts (borrowed from Mom), vests, tapered denims and leather loafers were my prepubescent uniform for ages!

elaina said:
February 21st, 2010 - 1:12 am

love it! another ‘living in’ request please: amelie. it’s one of my faves.

julie said:
March 9th, 2010 - 2:56 pm

i love love this movie! and i love love that cotton tunic. what a fun site you have!

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