When you’re planted in front of the tube (don’t worry, we all do it from time to time), you’re not always inactively observing the story or information that is flashing in front of you. Whether you know it or not, what you are seeing can often be affecting your life decisions. I’m not talking about subliminal messaging or anything like that- we’ll leave that topic to the behavioral scientists- I am referring to, of course, your crucial decisions for the appearance of your home.
For decades, we, as a culture, have been dramatically affected by the trends on the telly. I have a handful of friends, having been in my early twenties during the peak of Friends, who wanted their apartments to look just like Monica and Rachel’s. And, I have always longed for a bedroom that looked just like Jeannie’s on I Dream of Jeannie. Wait, maybe that example is a little different, and a little odd. But, nonetheless, you catch my drift. What you see in your favorite characters’ TV interiors can become your newest obsession before you can even talk about your disappointment in the latest plot at the water cooler the next day.
The famous Southfork Ranch was built in 1970 but didn’t make its television debut until the second season of Dallas in 1978. The home’s interiors were very traditional but with an intense late 70’s and early 80’s vernacular, which, quite literally, set the scene aptly for this very 80’s prime time soap. Sue Ellen’s shoulder pads were totally tubular with the large floral upholstery in Jock’s living room…
…and when Pam woke up from dreaming that Bobby had been dead (this was scandalous for fans, as her dream was an entire season of Dallas), that pastel small print on the walls was just bodacious enough to compliment her fluffy bangs and frilly nightie.
While it may upset you now, at the time, audiences across the states were watching Dallas and wanting Miss Ellie’s interiors. Julie can recall installing a fabric-draped bed almost exactly like the one in JR’s Suite seen here.
If you thought the biggest deal about Dallas was who shot JR, you are incorrect. Nobody cares about JR anymore, but Southfork Ranch is still holding tours, concerts and weddings to this day.
The Brady Bunch
Here’s the story…
The first episode of The Brady Bunch enchanted audiences nation-wide in September of 1969 and continued to be a prime time must-see until it’s series finale in March, 1974. In those brief six years, the Bradys’ San Fernando Valley home managed to become arguably the biggest mid-century modern influence on interior design in America. As a matter of fact, this stairwell alone was responsible for many homes built in that style.
Even though the producers of the show chose the exterior of this home for the outside shots of the Brady place because they said it was just middle class enough, plenty of attention to detail went into the interior set design at Paramount with a focus on “symbolizing California living”. Mike was an architect, after all, and the family of eight would need to dwell in a structure that was reflective of the talent that Mr. Brady was portrayed as having on the show.
And let’s not forget that Cindy’s entirely pink bedroom with tailored white Cottage furnishings was copied by viewers many times over.
It’s also worth mentioning that the design trends seen in this classic series are loyal to the actual trends at the time. All of the other television shows we discuss here are interpretations or slight exaggerations.
Will and Grace
Touted as the decade’s most precociously advanced sitcom for its depiction of relationships, Will and Grace achieved more than just broadening the minds of viewers around the globe. This show also created its own interior fashion décor, which we like to describe as “Millennium Manhattan”.
The style seen in Will and Grace’s New York City apartment can best be described as transitional eclectic with traditional accents. As a matter of fact, we think that this was the first time we saw “eclectic” done quite this way. Their pad is hip but not annoyingly trendy, and the palette is vibrant but anchored by neutrals and basics for a uniquely grounded but merry mood.
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Their apartment is on display at Emerson College Library, donated by the series’ creator, and it is still referenced by designers and fans alike for its interior design.
Cougar Town
What do you get when you cross wicker, a citrus and sand color palette and sea shell fabrics? The new Floridian home as seen on the popular Cougar Town on ABC, that’s what.
Don’t pretend like you don’t love this show. I fought it at first, too, but it’s clever, entertaining and relatable. And, now, some blogs are posting about this show solely for its interior touches. While the appeal may not be quite as broad as some other television design schemes, if you are living in Florida, you will see that floral print on Jules’ couch popping up all over Boca and the Keys.
We’re coining this décor “Florida Fresh”, combining a youthful ease with tropical colors and prints to yield a pleasant and peaceful ocean-side feel.
So, if you’re a cougar, or you live in Florida, or you just like this style (or all of the aforementioned), we know where you can find tasteful pieces to pull off this look without turning your living space into Jerry Seinfeld’s parents’ place.
Mad Men
This AMC original series has become so popular, in part, due to its set and fashion design. As a matter of fact, the clothing designer has been asked to create her own line of garments based on the characters’ wardrobes.
The interior design is just as appealing for viewers. Although not exactly period specific (we’re letting this slide since it’s so fabulous), it’s a brilliant interpretation of sixties mod with a funky blend of glam, Asian and Danish modern.
One character in particular, the suave and dashing Don Daper, has a home that is perfectly reflective of his attitude and appearance. His television interiors reek of charm and swank. The sixties sass embodied in the Draper’s living room below is fantastic.
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Gossip Girl
Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford aren’t the only drool-worthy elements in the CW’s Gossip Girl. The Van Der Woodsens’ Upper East Side pad makes us just as weak in the knees. This transitional contemporary motif is a brilliant balance of neutral with pops of color that vary in intensity throughout the space.
Gossip Girl has become known for its iconic fashion, and we believe that the same could be said for set’s interior flare and furnishings. In both of the primary dwellings, the show’s designer has an acute eye for genius composites of classic and extremely current.
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So there you have some of our impressions of the tube’s power over our visual palates. As always, please let us know if you have any input of your own or would just like to heckle.
And, to close, we would like to leave you with one of our favorite quotes from Designing Women (and in honor of your summer vacation travels):
Suzanne: Where are our seats?
Julia: I don’t know. If history teaches us anything, mine will be next to a baby who smokes.
For more detail on any of the information provided here, please contact JEIDesign at 512.330.9179 or julie@julieevans.net.