Top Gun via CNET
Cover Top Gun via CNET
Top Gun via CNET

Aviation inspired design takes flight; embody the free-spirited energy of the recently released Tom Cruise’s blockbuster hit, Top Gun: Maverick.

No one embodies cool more than Tom Cruise aboard his vintage Kawasaki Ninja, sporting a weathered leather jacket and sleek aviators. Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is back, with his devil-may-care attitude and undeniably sexy grin. The sequel to the 1986 original is full of delicious nostalgia. When Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the late “Goose’s” son played by the sultry Miles Teller, walks into the bar with an open Hawaiian shirt and a debonair moustache, to switch off the jukebox and tickle the ivories to “Great Balls of Fire,” the audience is immediately transported to a world of retro Americana.

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Photo 1 of 3 Tom Cruse in Top Gun: Maverick
Photo 2 of 3 Jennifer Connelly in Top Gun: Maverick
Photo 3 of 3 Tom Cruse in Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruse in Top Gun: Maverick
Jennifer Connelly in Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruse in Top Gun: Maverick

Recreate this vintage appeal with aviation inspired pieces made with materials like luxe leather and industrial stainless steel plus some other ideas to elevate a space into something masculine and sexy that is sure to get your blood pressure soaring. 

Luxe Leather

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Antohn Sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud / Poltrona Frau
Above Antohn Sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud / Poltrona Frau
Antohn Sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud / Poltrona Frau

Nothing is more emblematic of aviator chic than supple brown leather. Reminiscent of the vintage bomber jackets, recreate this look through a gorgeous leather sofa. Aside from being stylish and suave, a leather sofa is also timeless and durable. It's the perfect seating to curl up and melt into after a long day.

Also, if you are a fan of Tom Cruise's action movies, you may have a penchant for some spontaneous sofa jumping. Fortunately, The Antohn sofa designed by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud has a covering that allows you to jump without guilt as it is resistant to sagging and peeling. The cushions of the sofa are rich in padding and its upholstery is comprised of soft Pelle Frau leather which comes from a selection of European bovine hides. The Antohn sofa is also perfect for entertaining guests and hosting movie nights. 

Cosy Cushioning

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Avalon Tangram Blanket / by Hermès
Above Avalon Tangram Blanket / by Hermès
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Avalon Pillow /  by Hermès
Above Avalon Pillow / by Hermès
Avalon Tangram Blanket / by Hermès
Avalon Pillow /  by Hermès

The coastal setting of Top Gun features cool breezes and cosy fireside nights. Turn up the air-conditioning and cuddle up on these gorgeous cashmere pillows and blankets from Hermès. Both done in camel hues, they would be a perfect match to the Antohn leather sofa. 

See also: 8 Home Design Ideas Inspired by HBO's Euphoria

Riveting Furniture

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Hungerford Coffee Table/ by 17 Stories
Above Hungerford Coffee Table/ by 17 Stories
Hungerford Coffee Table/ by 17 Stories

A vintage industrial style coffee table is the epitome of aviation-inspired chic. Made of high-quality aluminium, this aircraft-style coffee table by 17 Stories is durable, lightweight, and low-maintenance. Using this coffee table as your centrepiece can really liven up your entertainment area; not only is it eye-catching but it is also a conversation starter. Plus, we're certain that Captain Mitchell would kick his boots off and rest his feet on this after a hard day of teaching at Top Gun. 

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Miles Teller in Top Gun: Maverick
Above Miles Teller in Top Gun: Maverick
Miles Teller in Top Gun: Maverick

Jiggy With A JukeBox

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Restored Juke Box / from 1st Dibs
Above Restored Juke Box / from 1st Dibs
Restored Juke Box / from 1st Dibs

The Seeburg Symphonola Model 1956 is a rare find and a must-have. A classic icon of the American dive bar scene, it plays an important visual in the Top Gun movies when they would gather around the bar and play some old school rock and roll. The unique lines and design of this jukebox alongside its different wood finishes are reminiscent of vintage propeller airplanes. 

Time to Fly

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Wall Clock Propeller / by KARE
Above Wall Clock Propeller / by KARE
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Wall Clock Propeller / by KARE
Above Wall Clock Propeller / by KARE
Wall Clock Propeller / by KARE
Wall Clock Propeller / by KARE

How cool is this vintage design wall clock? It has a propeller facade to it which truly encapsulates the aviation-inspired interior we are going for. Perfect in any room, the Wall Clock Propeller by KARE is sure to make a statement and have others wanting it as well. Aside from its unbelievably cool design, it is made from high-quality steel coated with brass, both the frame and clock are made of steel; the black and brass colour combination gives it an edgy industrial appeal. 

A Stylish Trunk Bar

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Kenya Bar Cabinet / by Store One Restoration
Above Kenya Bar Cabinet / by Store One Restoration
Kenya Bar Cabinet / by Store One Restoration

Perfect for entertaining the pals, one can never go wrong with a trusty bar that houses your favourite spirits and liqueur. The Kenya Bar Cabinet by Store One Restoration has two striking features: the chic leather accents and the industrial aluminium sheet panelling. The juxtaposition of leather and metal is classic aviation-style: understated and cool. This bar will surely take your breath away.

See also: Here's What You Need to Know About 'Solihiya', the Furniture Trend That's All Abuzz Now

Print Perfect

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Plane Boeing California Clipper / Wendover Art Group
Above Plane Boeing California Clipper / Wendover Art Group
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Plane Super Marine Seafire / Wendover Art Group
Above Plane Super Marine Seafire / Wendover Art Group
Plane Boeing California Clipper / Wendover Art Group
Plane Super Marine Seafire / Wendover Art Group

Wendover Art Group is known for its timelessness, and the same could be said about the newest Top Gun. These grey and white photographs are literal representations of the beauty of flight that convey a feeling of serenity and bliss. Framing these photographs and hanging them on your wall can lend your space a spirit of adventure, the same feeling our favourite characters get when they come together as a team and chase the horizon. 

I Got The Blues

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Acadia Hand-Knotted Jute/Sisal Ink Area Rug / by Ralph Lauren
Above Acadia Hand-Knotted Jute/Sisal Ink Area Rug / by Ralph Lauren
Acadia Hand-Knotted Jute/Sisal Ink Area Rug / by Ralph Lauren

Much like the atmosphere of the Top Gun's naval base, this hand-knitted rug by Ralph Lauren was inspired by nautical riggings and maritime ropes. The thick jute rug adds warmth to any space with its natural look, while the cool blue hue of the hand-made area rug offsets the earthly camel furniture nicely. It is also a perfect foil to the sleek, brushed steel pieces we recommended above, tying the area harmoniously together.

See also: The Art of Designing a Bulthaup Kitchen and Why it is the Heart of the Home

A Sleek Light Fixture

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Aerin 8 / Visual Comfort
Above Aerin 8 / Visual Comfort
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Carrier and Company Hasting 6 / Visual Comfort
Above Carrier and Company Hasting 6 / Visual Comfort
Aerin 8 / Visual Comfort
Carrier and Company Hasting 6 / Visual Comfort

The light fixtures of AERIN and Carrier and Company are stylish and functional. The hand-rubbed antique brass finish complemented by the shade of black of each chandelier feels polished yet modest. The graphic two-tier and multi-bulbed chandeliers are both damp friendly and can be used outside as well, accentuating their versatility. If Mr. Bradshaw ever wanted a new light fixture, this would be perfect for his personality. 

Get In The Captain's Seat

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Aviator Tomcat Chair / by Timothy Oulton
Above Aviator Tomcat Chair / by Timothy Oulton
Aviator Tomcat Chair / by Timothy Oulton

The Aviator Tomcat Chair is in a league of its own, with inspiration stemming from the twin cockpit seats of the U.S Navy's F-14 Tomcat planes which were used in the 1970s. Aluminium is used across its aerodynamic body, the design of which was influenced by the World War II British Supermarine Spitfire. The specific Spitfire finish of the chair is the result of an innovative five-stage process. Sitting in this chair will make you feel like you are the captain of your destiny and can pilot through life with ease. 

On The Go

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Wall Shelf Thinktank Kontor / by KARE
Above Wall Shelf Thinktank Kontor / by KARE
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Mirror Suitcase / by KARE
Above Mirror Suitcase / by KARE
Wall Shelf Thinktank Kontor / by KARE
Mirror Suitcase / by KARE

Aviation chic can be correlated to industrial style and these two amazing finds from KARE are a testament to it, while both have industrial designs, one can't help but associate them with aviation inspired pieces. The mirror suitcase is a symbol of someone who is always on-the-go just like, Captain Mitchell. Having a piece of furniture that can do two things is such a good deal; the Wall Shelf Thinktank Kontor can tell you the time while keep your essentials such as notes and/or reminders, how great is that?

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