Adding Personality to Your Home: A Look at Master of None’s Set Design

I love set design.  While pursuing my undergraduate degree in Art, I got sidetracked a little by theatrical set design.  I designed two big production sets and loved every minute of it.  It combines two of my favorite things – a good story and design.  I think that’s why I love a space that reflects the owner’s personality – I like character driven interiors.

Have you seen Azziz Ansari’s Master of None yet?  It’s a funny and moving show with sets that are engaging and filled with life.  It’s filmed in some interesting NYC coffee shops, bars and restaurants which adds to the New York City flavor of the show, but it’s the lead character’s stylish, vintage/thrift, art and book laden bachelor pad that grabs my attention every episode.  Amy Williams, the show’s talented production designer, clearly had some fun.  I thought I would share some screen shots from a few of my favorite interiors along with pointers for how you could use this for inspiration for you own home.

In an interview with Primer Magazine, Amy gives advice to someone starting out decorating their first place.  This also works for people who want to give their home a little more personality.  She recommends shopping “Craigslist, Etsy, Ebay, Habitat for Humanity Restore shops, vintage used furniture stores, flea markets, your parent’s or grandparent’s basements.  But please, whatever you do, try to steer clear of Ikea.  One or two items are fine, but you can find other options out there.”  I would say the same goes for any of the big retailers – a home from Pottery Barn will be pretty, but it won’t reflect anything about the personalities that live there and will, ultimately, be forgettable.

Stacks of books, art, an antique or vintage object here and there – these are all fantastic ways to develop the personality of the space.  I love character driven homes and I’m particularly fascinated by rooms that are strongly defined by a personality.  These aren’t typically the most tasteful or put together rooms, but they are rooms that have charisma.

I prefer an ugly, personal room to one that is just cold and correct – a mausoleum done by a decorator. – Billy Baldwin