The world of “The Last of Us” might be bleak, but its characters are layered, emotional, and uniquely compelling — perfect muses for interior design inspiration. Whether you were introduced to the story through the groundbreaking video game or the beautifully crafted HBO series, each character has a strong sense of identity that can be reimagined through design.
Think exposed brick and salvaged wood in a Jackson cabin home, moody concrete textures in a Salt Lake City loft, or rugged leather seating in a Seattle rental. These design elements reflect the resilience and raw beauty found in “The Last of Us” characters; they’re gritty yet grounded, and functional yet full of feeling.
Ellie: Industrial eclectic
Ellie’s personality blends toughness, creativity, and emotional depth, and her interior style would do the same. A space inspired by her would have industrial bones: exposed brick, steel details, and distressed finishes. But it wouldn’t be cold. The warmth comes in through worn-in vintage furniture, layered textiles, and personal artifacts.
“Whether it’s the video game or the television series, The Game of Nerds has always been a huge fan of Ellie. She’s a complex story wrapped up in a small package,” Shannon Parola, founder and creative content director of The Game of Nerds, shares. “In the show, Ellie’s story isn’t told chronologically, so we don’t begin to learn about her backstory until a few episodes in. It’s the way that her story is told that makes fans fall in love with her character and see how brave she truly is.
To bring this design style to life in your own space, start by embracing exposed materials like brick, steel, and concrete. Mix these elements with vintage and found objects, like thrifted furniture, old records, and unique artwork. Adding on layered textiles in deep green or mustard hues will soften the harshness of industrial pieces.
Henry: Transitional
Henry’s space would reflect a transitional style — blending the old with the new, just like he balances survival instincts with deep emotional intelligence. His design sense would be clean and practical, but not cold, and blend classic and modern elements to give his home a steady, reliable feel.
“Being one of the few characters with an adult-child dynamic, Henry will go to the ends of the earth to shield his younger brother, Sam, from the ever-present chaos and terror looming around each corner,” Anthony Culinas, writer and editor of The Beta Network, explains. “Even if he doesn’t give Sam a break (let him play with the toy, come on), his eventual trust of Joel and Ellie mirrors how familial love can drive strength, responsibility, and sheer desperation.”
When it comes to decor, think a palette built on soft grays, warm wood tones, and functional furniture. Thoughtful touches like framed hand-drawn art or a shelf of well-worn books bring warmth to an overly functional space, helping those who inhabit it feel safe.
Joel: Rustic minimalism
Joel’s home would feel grounded and utilitarian, with a strong sense of place. Think rugged, masculine materials like dark-stained wood, aged leather, and iron hardware. A palette of earthy browns and muted greens keeps the look understated, while the overall design stays functional. Nothing in the space is purely decorative, and every item has a history or purpose.
This layout is no-nonsense, much like minimalism, with solid wood furniture that prioritizes function over flair. When bringing a rustic minimalist space to life, keep the lighting warm but low, casting long shadows across the room. Subtle details, like a vintage map on the wall or an old photo, encourage reminiscing about old times.
Abby: Contemporary
Abby, recently introduced to fans of the series, brings strength, discipline, and precision. Her interior style would reflect that mindset with sleek, performance-driven design. Clean lines, cool tones, and a focus on function define the space. Minimalist furniture, integrated storage, and a home gym corner would all fit naturally. This is a space designed for movement and focus, not clutter.
“Abby stands out because she is immensely physically strong and yet emotionally complex. She is shaped by trauma, but capable of growth and compassion,” Lucas Kelleher with the Kelleher Bros. explains. “Abby’s arc in ‘The Last of Us: Part II’ shows the character evolving, and — unlike Ellie — she can recognize the cycle of vengeance and eventually let it go. We don’t get enough buff female powerhouse, and Abby is a great one.”
When channeling contemporary aesthetics in your own home, start with a neutral color palette like cool grays, blacks, and whites. After neutralizing your color palette, choose furniture that’s both sleek and functional. Go for modular pieces that are adaptable to different needs, such as multi-purpose tables, storage solutions, and open shelving. Accessorizing with subtle metallic accents, like brushed steel or chrome fixtures, gives the space a modern, industrial edge. Keep the space open and uncluttered, creating a calm, performance-driven environment that allows you to focus on what matters most.
Bill: Survivalist vintage
Bill’s style is all about preparedness layered with surprising depth. His space would be utilitarian at first glance. Full of stocked shelves, reinforced doors, and makeshift tools within reach. But look closer, and you’d see warmth beneath the surface: retro radios, worn-in furniture, and mid-century touches that hint at sentimentality and a life lived before survival took over.
‘On the surface, Bill is your textbook doomsday prepper. His bunker houses all the food, toiletries, gadgets, and gizmos he could need to survive the Cordyceps outbreak,” David Silbert, founding editor of The Punished Backlog, explains. “His demeanor, not to be outdone, is cold, callous, and calculating. Yet, underneath it all, Bill is a person of warmth and compassion — one who supported his partner, Frank, until the very end. He is a tragic example of what loss can do to a human, but also a perfect example that humanity does not easily fade away.” Bill proves that resilience and design don’t have to be at odds.
To create a similar vibe, focus on practicality, like reinforced doors, steel shelving units, and plenty of storage for supplies. Incorporate vintage elements like a 1970s radio, old maps, and retro lighting to add warmth and personality. Personal mementos, such as old photos or a cherished item passed down, create a more intimate atmosphere within the otherwise pragmatic space.
Tommy: Western
Tommy’s style leans toward a traditional, rustic aesthetic with Western influence. A cabin-style interior, with raw wood finishes, Southwestern textiles, and a central hearth or fireplace, suits him. His space would likely feature symbols of legacy: framed photographs, family relics, and handcrafted pieces. It’s grounded in nostalgia but built for real living.
“Tommy is my favorite character from ‘The Last of Us’ (primarily the game) because of his loyalty, leadership, and survival skills in the second game,” Papa Minnow, chief content creator of Pops Culture, details. “Despite having a fallout with his younger brother Joel, Tommy puts their differences aside to help Joel during his time of need and rekindles their relationship, displaying a level of loyalty that puts family first. Without spoilers, Tommy also shows a determination to achieve his ultimate goal as an expression of love that is so fundamentally human it makes him very relatable and understanding despite his unethical behavior.”
To bring this style to life, start with rich wood tones: oak, pine, or reclaimed barn wood for furniture, paneling, and shelving. Layering cozy textiles like plaid flannel throws and woven wool rugs creates a true Western atmosphere in conjunction with rich wood tones. Lastly, a stone fireplace or wood-burning stove would anchor the room, providing both warmth and a natural focal point.
Clickers: Organic brutalism (if you’re brave enough)
Inspired by the infected rather than the survivors, this one’s for fans of conceptual design. Clicker-inspired interiors take cues from organic brutalism, a design style rooted in nature reclaiming structure. Picture moss-covered surfaces, sculptural lighting that mimics spores, and decayed elegance. It’s a bit scary and immersive, but in a strangely beautiful way.
While the clickers are both terrifying and fascinating, organic brutalism is the opposite. To implement this aesthetic, incorporate statement pieces like a monolithic coffee table or a live-edge wood bench to reflect the raw power of nature reclaiming space. Then add biophilic elements like dried botanicals, mossy greens, or fungal-inspired ceramics to nod to the world of “The Last of Us” (without crossing into horror-movie territory).
Designing through The Last of Us characters
Every one of “The Last of Us” characters carries a specific emotional tone — something that can inspire intentional, character-driven interiors. Between Ellie’s expressive grit and Joel’s quiet strength, there’s a design style that channels each and every quality into your space. It’s about more than just aesthetics, it’s about storytelling through design.
